Science

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree in a subject like:

• nuclear engineering
• chemical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• maths
• physics with nuclear technology
• materials and nuclear engineering

You can find universities offering nuclear related courses through the Nuclear Institute.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Nuclear Reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Other routes

You can start on a 2-year graduate training scheme called Nuclear Graduates, which is run by nuclear industry employers.

On the scheme, you'll receive professional development training in different areas of the nuclear industry.

You'll normally need a degree in a science or engineering subject to apply for a place.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass security checks

More information

Career tips

You may need to relocate for work, as Britain's nuclear power stations are spread around the country. This includes ones in operation, those being decommissioned and proposed new sites.

You can find employers in each part of the country on the Nuclear Industry Association jobs map.

Further information

You can get details about working in the the nuclear industry through:Destination Nuclear; Not Just Labcoats; UK Atomic Energy Authority

View all vacancies in this region

With skills and experience, you could become:an operations engineer, managing a technical team during the building and running of a power plant; a nuclear inspector, regulating the storage and disposal of radioactive waste; a nuclear safety engineer, responsible for making sure all on-site safety requirements are met; a clinical engineer, researching ways to improve nuclear medicine used in the treatment of disease

You could also work as a freelance engineering consultant.