Apprenticeships
Make it Big With a Cavendish Apprenticeship
Are you someone who is self-motivated? Do you have a desire to always be learning and improving yourself? Are you looking for an alternative route to college or university where you can earn whilst you learn? If this sounds like you then Cavendish Nuclear is the place to start your career as an apprentice!
At Cavendish Nuclear apprenticeships aren’t just about training for a job. We see our apprentices as the future of our business, passing on all the vital skills and knowledge needed to deliver a quality service to our customers both now and in the future. You will get the opportunity to learn from experts in their field and you will be supported and encouraged to develop new skills and work towards recognised qualifications.
Our Apprenticeships
The majority of our apprenticeship vacancies are published on our website at the beginning of November, however further vacancies may be published through to the end of March.
All Cavendish Nuclear apprentices will spend their first year at college on a full time basis, learning the practical skills needed for their role and working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Don’t worry we will have lots of contact with you during that first year and you will be invited into the office during half term breaks and holidays as we know it’s important that you feel part of a team!
Over the next 3 years you will be on day release, attending college one day a week with the remaining 4 days in the workplace applying your learning.
All apprentices are encouraged to gain a broad range of experience during their 4 year apprenticeship and there may be the opportunity to undertake placements away from your home base.
Read About Some of Our Apprentices:
Alex
Senior CE&I Designer
I first started with Cavendish Nuclear in September 2015, at 17 years old, as an Electrical Design Apprentice. 7 years later I’m a qualified Senior Designer managing my own systems on one of Sellafield Ltd.’s Major projects.
After spending my first-year full time at a Technical Engineering College, I joined the Engineering team at Cavendish Nuclear’s North West offices. I was then placed on the Design team on the a new build project that was just entering the Preliminary design phase.
My experience has been unique in terms of staying on the same project throughout my 7 year journey, rather than undertake 3 – 6 month placements on different projects. I was given the option to move about but there was ample opportunities on this project so Cavendish Nuclear supported me with this. I’ve seen the preliminary and detailed design stages through and I am now part of the manufacturing, testing, and commissioning team.
Academically, the first year of my apprenticeship was aligned for me to complete my BTEC Level 3 in Engineering at Training 2000 in Blackburn. I then spent the next two years completing my HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. I then started my HND at Wigan & Leigh College. After coming to the end of my 5th year with Cavendish Nuclear, I could proudly say I’d accumulated a BTEC Level 3, a HNC, a HND, a Level 4 Advanced Technical Apprenticeship in Engineering Manufacture, and a Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship. I am now into my second and final year of my Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree where I am on track to achieve a First Class (With Honours), as well as come out with a 3rd Apprenticeship – Level 6 Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer.
I have completed work on multiple systems including; Mechanical handling systems, Glove box systems, Installation & cable management, process instrumentation, panel design, and Access control. I’m grateful I’ve been given the opportunity to work on such a variety of systems, and more recently, get involved with supporting the supply chain with the manufacturing of equipment. This includes visits to different sites and facilities across the country and working closely with their design team from their offices.
I’ve also been involved in STEM activities over the years. I’ve worked with primary school children on small electrical projects, completed mock interviews with High school pupils, and attended national exhibits and events. I feel it’s important to showcase the opportunities there are when undertaking an Apprenticeship in Engineering. Learning on the job whilst getting paid is an ideal way to progress quickly in the industry.
I’ve achieved my career goals so far by taking as many opportunities as possible. It sounds cliché but it’s helped me achieve promotions and pay rises, and it’s made me much more competent within my job role. It can be daunting meeting the supply chain on your own and being asked questions about your design and needing to come up with quick solutions independently; but stepping out of your comfort zone every once in a while can do wonders for your confidence. I’ve also created good relationships with my team – this makes work much more enjoyable and more inclusive but allows you to learn from each other.
Collaborative working is key in this industry.
David
Civil/Structural Engineer
Hello, my name is David and I am a Civil/Structural Engineer working within the CS&A team at Cavendish Nuclear. I started at Cavendish Nuclear in September 2015 as a CS&A Apprentice on a Level 4 Apprenticeship, where I completed a HNC in Civil Engineering and gained experience throughout my apprenticeship to be awarded the EngTech professional membership with the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). From here I continued my academic studies, joining the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship scheme, where I studied a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of South Wales. This is where my role also transitioned from a CS&A Technician to a CS&A Developing Engineer. As of more recently, I am now undertaking my Master’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering, working towards gaining chartership with the ICE.
The apprenticeships I have completed within Cavendish Nuclear have given me all the educational requirements and project experience needed to progress my career faster than I expected. I have been lucky to work with a great team and get involved in a number of high profile projects within the Nuclear industry that have improved both my professional and personal attributes. Working in a growing team allowed me to register interest and become a line manager to a small team, as well as support the progression of newer apprentices/graduates in their development through the ICE. My short-term goal is to become a Chartered Engineer with the ICE and move into a Senior CS&A Engineer role within the team. Following this, there are a number of opportunities that I will look to explore such as project management, engineering management or continuing on in a technical role.
I believe I have achieved my career goals by never saying no to an opportunity presented. I’ve constantly challenged myself in various areas which has allowed me to pick up responsibilities quicker and progress my development at a fast rate. Although, it is important when doing this to know your own limits of knowledge, and not be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from your peers or someone more senior. I have given 110% in the projects I’ve been involved with, as well as my university courses, which has positioned me well to fulfil my short-term goals and look to set new goals beyond these to further my career within Cavendish Nuclear.
Kat
Electrical Designer
I started my apprenticeship in 2019 and it has exceeded all of my expectations. After school I went to university and got a 1st Class BSc but wasn’t able to find a job in my chosen field due to lack of experience (even after doing a year in industry). After doing various admin and operational roles, I decided to pursue a career in Electrical Engineering and an apprenticeship seemed like the best way of getting paid to learn and gaining the experience I needed.
Being able to move around the company on placements has allowed me to see lots of different areas of the business, and gain lots of different skills which allowed me to complete my apprenticeship last year. I am in the process of completing an HNC, with a view to starting a BEng degree in September.
In addition to the day-to-day work and the learning I’ve been able to get involved with, I’ve also found additional opportunities by engaging with the networks, trade union and STEM activities. These activities allow me to develop my soft skills and give me an outlet for the things I am passionate about, making a real difference within the business. The work I have done so far has been recognised by being awarded the Maritime UK Apprentice of the Year award in 2022, my proudest achievement so far.
Joel
Mechanical Designer
From a young age I have been involved with engineering-based activities. I chose to begin my career in engineering with a craft-based apprenticeship in 2015 as a machinist in the Cavendish Nuclear Whetstone facility. As a machinist I became accustomed to a wide range of nuclear critical components for companies such as EDF, Sellafield and Babcock Marine. After 3 years at Whetstone, I moved into a Mechanical Designer role at Radar Road before becoming a junior mechanical engineer.
Apprenticeships have allowed me to develop my academic skills whilst I complete on the job training and site experience attained from Dungeness power station. I have gone on to study for my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering which I will complete this year.
Working in an industry that I enjoy has given me the drive and ambition to progress towards a role as a chartered mechanical engineer. During this journey, access to a wide variety of engineering projects has built a foundation for my future development.
Read About Some of Our Apprenticeships:
Candidates interested in applying for the Technician Apprenticeship should ideally be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in hands on engineering and demonstrate their passion through real-life experiences working on engineering/ construction-type projects at school or perhaps as a hobby in their social time.
For Technician Apprentices training and work experience will largely be practical using industrial equipment, tools and machinery in the development, test and manufacturing areas or undertake installation/maintenance activities. They will learn to operate machinery in compliance with strict health and safety regulations.
During the first year, apprentices will attend college full time in order to gain practical skills as well as basic skills including health and safety and IT. They will be working towards achieving a technical certificate and will also be invited to spend time during the term breaks at their place of work.
In Years 2, 3 and 4 apprentices will attend college one day per week and will spend the remaining 4 days applying their learning in the workplace and getting real hands on experience.
Apprentices will be encouraged to gain a broad range of experience during their 4 year apprenticeship and may undertake placements away from their home base.
Successful applicants will need to have or are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 (C) or above including English, Science, and Maths at Grade 5 (B) or above.
Interested candidates should be able to demonstrate their experience through technological/ engineering projects they have undertaken at home, school or in their social time. We are particularly keen to hear from a diverse range of individuals who have a desire to learn and apply their learning in a professional and friendly office environment.
During the first year, design apprentices will attend college full time receiving practical training as well as the completion of a technical certificate leading to a nationally recognised qualification.
In years 2, 3 and 4 apprentices will attend college one day per week and will spend the remaining 4 days applying their learning in the office whilst being mentored and supported by experienced and knowledgeable professional engineers. There may be opportunities for the apprentices to undertake placements away from their home base.
Successful applicants will need to have or are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 (C) or above including English, Science, and Maths at Grade 5 (B) or above.
At Cavendish Nuclear we have opportunities for EC&I Craftsperson at our work stations on the Sellafield Plant and Science apprentices at our Environmental Laboratory at Westlakes.
EC&I Craftsperson and Science Apprentices are given hands on training and experience on the job whilst working towards recognised qualifications with the local training provider. They will be working in a highly controlled and regulated environment, where compliance with legislation and health and safety practices are essential.
These schemes will give hands on experience, using various industrial machines, equipment and tools to carry out duties for our customers. This is a team working environment and being a team player is important to get the most from the work experience. Throughout the training period, apprentices will be given a mentor who will be an experienced, professional and friendly individual keen to pass on their experiences and insights.
Apprentices will be encouraged to gain a broad range of experience during their apprenticeship and may undertake placements away from their home base.
All of our apprentices are encouraged to get involved in activities that support the promotion of apprenticeships and working in the Nuclear Industry, attending open day events at schools and colleges as well as mentoring younger generations.
Successful applicants will need to have or are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 (C) or above including English, Science, and Maths at Grade 5 (B) or above for the EC&I Craftsperson role.
Successful applicants will need to have or are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 (C) or above including the following subjects:
- Maths
- English Language
- Core Science subject(s), ideally Chemistry
Further education in a core science at level 3 or above is desirable.
The Project Controls apprenticeship gives successful candidates comprehensive grounding in the technical disciplines of estimating, planning, scheduling and cost engineering which lead to a role as a Project Controller.
Typically the type of work Project Controls Apprentices will be involved in includes assisting in the production of estimates, plans, schedules and various reports used to track and monitor project delivery across a range of Nuclear Engineering and Decommissioning projects. Training in our best in class project controls systems will also be provided.
The training will include practical and on the job training as well as the completion of a Level 3 qualification in project controls practice which is a nationally recognised qualification.
During year 1 & 2 of the apprenticeship, apprentices may be required to undertake block release study with a blend of virtual and in-person learning.
Year 3 of the apprenticeship will be spent working full time in the office applying their learning. Apprentices will gain a solid foundation within a professional project environment and have the opportunity to be mentored and supported by experienced and knowledgeable professionals.
Project Management includes the technical and managerial disciplines of project leadership, governance and stakeholder management. Budgeting and cost control. Business case development and benefits management. Project scope management and scheduling, resource management, project risk management, contract management and procurement.
This apprenticeship gives a comprehensive grounding leading to a role as a Project Manager. The role will require the individual to participate in various areas of practical and theoretical training combined with Company specific training given in the workplace.
The training will include practical and on the job training as well as the completion of a Level 4 qualification in project management practice which is a nationally recognised qualification, as well as the Association of Project Management PMQ qualification.
Successful applicants will need to have or are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s at Grade 4 (C) or above including English, Science, and Maths at Grade 5 (B) or above.
We have opportunities for Welding Technician and Construction Pipefitter candidates who can demonstrate a genuine interest in hands on engineering and will be able to demonstrate their passion through real-life experiences working on engineering/ construction-type projects at school or perhaps as a hobby in their social time.
Welding Technician apprentices will have opportunities to work in the field of welding operations, which is the joining together of metal components and assemblies using extreme heat generated by electric or gas welding equipment to melt and fuse the metal. Welders are required to read and interpret welding specifications, establish the correct process to be used, select the correct material and welding equipment, prepare the material for welding and skilfully weld together the components in accordance with strict tolerances and quality standards. They will also become knowledgeable of the testing processes required in order to check that the welding requirement have been met sufficiently. These activities will be supporting operations within the nuclear industry.
Our Construction Pipefitter apprentices will have opportunities to work in the field of pipe fitting operations, which involves the following areas; to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain pipe systems, pipe supports, and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment for steam, hot water, heating, cooling, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial production and processing systems. This has to meet strict tolerances and quality standards. These activities will be supporting operations within the nuclear industry.
As part of a structured apprenticeship programme during Year 1 candidates will attend college full time. The delivery model may be residential or day attendance. This will be confirmed well in advance of your start date.
Thereafter candidates will be deployed on placements to gain further experience in the processes and techniques whilst being mentored and supported by experienced and knowledgeable professional engineers in the setting of an engineering construction site. On completion of the apprenticeship scheme candidates will be prepared to enter our engineering and construction industry to prove their skills and further develop their career path which includes the possibility to join our construction team working to build the new nuclear power station Hinkley Point C, one of the most complex and exciting opportunities in the UK industry today.
Successful applicants will need to have or are expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs with grades 3(E) and above including Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 English & Maths)
Cavendish Nuclear has a team of Civil, Structural and Architectural Engineers through whom we deliver full facility, equipment design, and construction support to the UK’s nuclear decommissioning, power generation and defence markets, with a proven track record in delivering innovative solutions.
Successful CS&A degree apprentices will participate in various areas of practical and theoretical training combined with the Company specific training given in the workplace.
They will gain a solid foundation within a professional design office and have the opportunity to learn from professional and friendly individuals while studying for a BEng Civil Engineering Degree with our chosen university.
During the 5 years on the degree apprenticeship, they attend 2 weeks of residential block study 4 times a year. They are also supported to achieve Professional Recognition through the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
Successful applicants will have or be predicted 3 A Levels at grade AAA – ABB or above, with Mathematics at grade B and preferably 2 related subjects such as, Science and IT. They will also have 5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 or higher which includes English and Mathematics.
Our Process engineering capability resides within engineers with industry recognised expertise in delivery of Front End Design. This nuclear expertise is complimented with experience from the waste water, sewage and other effluent dominated industries. This ensures that equipment and innovation from other industries can be credibly integrated into our nuclear solutions.
The role will require the individual to participate in various areas of practical and theoretical training combined with the company specific training given in the workplace. To undertake the necessary work, training and academic placements to obtain a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering, awarded by our chosen university will be provided. This will be delivered 1 – 2 days a week over a 5 year period.
Successful applicants will have or be predicted 3 A Levels in related subjects including Chemistry at grade B or above or equivalent Level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC at Merit or Distinction. They will also have 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher (or equivalent) with English and Mathematics at B/6 or higher.