Mechanical Engineering Graduate Scheme 2022

One Programme, Two Years, Three Secondments, Endless Opportunities

nucleargraduates is on a mission to create a diverse pipeline of future talent for the nuclear industry.

Whether your passion lies within science, engineering or business, the nucleargraduates programme will ensure that during your two years with us, you will gain an invaluable insight into the nuclear sector, taking on challenges and having the opportunity to make a real difference.

Upon completion of the two-year programme you will take up a substantive role within your sponsoring organisation. The sponsoring organisations for this opportunity are: Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and Rolls Royce.

The Sponsoring Organisations

The mission of the ONR is to protect society by securing safe nuclear operations focusing on

• nuclear safety;
• nuclear site health and safety;
• nuclear security;
• nuclear safeguards; and
• safety of transport of nuclear and radioactive materials

The ONR independently regulates nuclear safety and security at 36 nuclear licensed sites in the UK, ensuring that the nuclear industry controls its hazards effectively, has a culture of continuous improvement and maintains high standards.

Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions that meet the planet’s vital power needs today an into the future. Their purpose is to use that power to connect, power and protect society, and as an organisation are determined to use their position as a global power group to play a role in creating a resilient, inclusive, net zero carbon future. Rolls Royce has significant scale in naval and is the technical authority for through-life support of the nuclear power plant for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.

The Nuclear AMRC provides a range of business support to help manufacturers develop innovative techniques and optimised processes enabling them to enter the nuclear supply chain and compete worldwide - in new build, operations, and decommissioning. The Nuclear AMRC combines academic innovation with industry expertise to help UK manufacturers improve capabilities and performance along the supply chain. Backed by industry leaders and government and managed by the University of Sheffield, it is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a national alliance of seven leading manufacturing research centres.

The Role of a Mechanical Engineer

As a mechanical engineer on the nucleargraduates programme you can expect to find yourself working on new nuclear reactor design, supporting the operation of a power-generating nuclear power station or nuclear powered submarine, testing and quality of systems and components used in plant operations ensuring equipment always remains safe. You may gain experience in model-based systems engineering.

At the ONR, the successful candidate will work on plants across all of the UK’s 36 nuclear licensed sites. Your focus will be on the safety assessment and inspection of the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance and operation of systems and components of the plants.

nucleargraduates is a vibrant, industry led graduate development programme featuring

• Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts across a diverse industry on projects that have real impact
• Three secondments across the nuclear sector (with the possibility of an international secondment) providing opportunities to explore a range of careers across the industry
• Technical knowledge and professional development opportunities structured against the requirements of the relevant institutes or professional bodies
• A corporate social responsibility programme which will include sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of industry professionals
• Behavioural skills development opportunities

Candidate Profile

The nucleargraduates programme gives you

• A dedicated team of experts to support your development and progress throughout your programme
• A sponsor company lead to provide you with day-to-day support during your programmes and with your secondments
• Access to the alumni graduate community enabling you to learn from other experiences and community of practice. A dedicated mentor, assigned to you upon starting the programme who will stay with you throughout your nucleargraduates journey
• Opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills
• Allocated budgets to assist you with training, resources, and conferences as well as travel & subsistence
• A competitive graduate starting salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• 6 discretionary days leave for study and relocation
• Contributory pension scheme
• Wellbeing and support services

And in return you will give the nucleargraduates programme

• Your enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to inspire the generation and contribute to the future of our industry
• Creativity and collaboration
• Drive and determination
• Flexibility
• Willingness to get involved and try new things
• Resilience – we don’t expect you to be an expert from day one
• Integrity, being impartial, ethical and safe in everything you do
• Positivity and commitment to the mission, purpose and values of the nuclear sector
• Respect for others
• Efficiency

Start date: September / October 2022

Minimum Eligibility Requirement

• A minimum of a 2:2 in Mechanical Engineering, achieved within the last 5 years
• Have the full right to work in the UK (please note we are unable to sponsor visas or accept those with a Graduate visa as candidates will be unable complete the full duration of the programme)

Location - West Cumbria, South West England, South East England, Scotland, Wales

Security Requirements - Candidates will be subject to Office of Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS) Clearance Checks.

Salary - competitive graduate starting salary

Travel Details - Applicants must be willing and able to travel and relocate to complete secondments and training whilst on the nucleargraduates programme.

Application Process

Candidates must complete the online application form by clicking “Apply Now”. Successful applicants will then be invited to complete an online Situational Strengths Assessment and a video interview followed by a one-day virtual assessment centre that will assess candidates across a range of competencies. After the selection process has been completed successful candidates will be made a formal offer on to the nucleargraduates programme.