Apprenticeships
Your future. Engineered with Purpose
Whether you’re into engineering, science, business, or project management, at Cavendish Nuclear you’ll be part of something bigger. Across clean energy, defence, and civil decommissioning, your work will contribute to projects that are critical to energy security and national protection.
Together, we’ll build a future that lasts – not just through the impact you’ll make, but by helping you connect the dots between a meaningful and long-term career that respects your work/life balance.
Join us and create a safe and secure world, together.
Apprentice development and support
Our apprenticeships are designed to support your growth and success. From day one, you’ll be enrolled in our Apprentice Development Programme, where you’ll benefit from a series of masterclasses held by wellbeing and performance experts.
These sessions cover vital areas like mental and physical wellbeing, your strengths and personal impact, delivering high performance goals, communication, and performance psychology.
Beyond these valuable learning experiences, you’ll have the support of a dedicated mentor, peer guidance, and resources from our Emerging Talent team to help you navigate where you want to take your career.
Our Principles
Our principles put people at the core of everything we do; they guide how we all work together and create the foundation for how we behave as individuals and as a team.
So, no matter your role in the business or location around the world, from the frontline to the Board, we’re all on the same page and working together in the same way.
Meet our apprentices
Megan – Higher Scientific Apprentice
“I chose Cavendish Nuclear because of its reputation for delivering work that truly matters. I wanted to be part of something with real-world impact, contributing to environmental protection, nuclear safety, and the wider goal of creating a safe and secure world. The variety of work available within Cavendish Nuclear was another major draw, as it allows me to develop skills across different disciplines and projects.”
Isabel – Business Winning Apprentice
“The Emerging Talent team at Cavendish Nuclear has been incredible in supporting my development over the past two and a half years. The Apprentice Development Programme has played a key role in helping me grow professionally and personally, with a wide range of workshops focused on mental health, personal wellbeing, and self-development.”
Ethan – Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Degree Apprentice
“I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to live projects, speak directly with customers, and deliver meaningful outputs. It’s made me incredibly proud to see the impact of my work, and it’s motivated me to keep learning, refining my ideas, and growing professionally.”
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 apprenticeship programmes:
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.