Guidance and support for parents, guardians and careers advisors
If you are providing career advice or guidance to a young person, it can be difficult to know where to begin. On this page, we’ve set out some vital information to help parents, guardians and careers advisors suitably guide those who are considering their career options, about the opportunities available in the nuclear industry with the NNL.
As the UK’s National laboratory for nuclear fission, we’re harnessing nuclear science to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges – which means pushing boundaries and doing things which have never been done before. So, if you know a young person who is looking to answer big questions, meet great people, and build a stimulating and rewarding career, they can do it all here.
A bit about us
We’re leveraging the UK’s rich nuclear heritage to help solve some of the toughest global challenges in four strategic areas:
- Clean Energy
- Environmental Restoration
- Health and Nuclear Medicine
- Security and Non-Proliferation
We’re driving game-changing advances designed to transform the environment, and people’s lives for the better, and it’s the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm of our people that drives our work and fuels our purpose. Established in 2008, our workforce represents a combined 10,000 years of expertise in nuclear science and technology, and we’re continuing to grow. Our ground-breaking research facilities include our Central Laboratory, the most modern and advanced facility of its kind in the world.
A world of opportunity
For young people looking for a challenging, meaningful career, NNL offers a world of exciting opportunities. Whether currently studying GCSEs or A Levels, or completing a degree, they can experience working alongside world class experts on challenging, unique projects.
And no matter what their aspirations are – we can help them achieve their potential by stretching, challenging and supporting them every step of the way.
We work closely with schools and colleges to ensure students have access to a range of opportunities that match their skills and meet their ambitions.
Work experience
If you’re guiding a young person who has an interest in a career in STEM, our work experience programme is the perfect steppingstone to give them real insight into the nuclear industry and potential career paths on offer.
The structured programme runs for 1 week and provides young people with the opportunity to talk with real industry experts about their work in the Nuclear Industry, as well as meeting our current Graduates and Apprentices who can introduce them to our Early Careers programmes.
Apprenticeships
From science and engineering to business administration – we offer apprenticeships in a range of areas. Our programmes are designed to offer young minds the skills, training and hands-on experience with real experts that will put them on a path to success. And with permanent contracts, a competitive salary and range of benefits, they provide a fantastic opportunity for young people to earn while they learn – before transitioning into an exciting professional career. Applications are now open.
Graduates
We’re always on the lookout for talented STEM graduates to fill a range of positions and help us tackle the biggest global challenges. For curious minds, there has never been a better time to get involved and realise the potential of nuclear science to benefit the world.
We’re recruiting for graduate roles in an array of areas, with start dates in early September 2022. All graduate programmes last 2 years and are employed on a permanent contract with structured personal development and a wealth of support on hand with salaries stating at £30,000.
What next
Our advisors work closely with Schools, Colleges and Universities to bring careers to life to inspire the next generation. If you’d like to know how we can work with you or your institution, please contact our early careers team.
Parents/Guardians
If your son or daughter, or a young person in your care, is ready to build a long and successful career with the power to make a real-world impact, we’re ready to welcome them. If you would like more information about the opportunities we offer, or to find out about our upcoming events, please explore our early careers site for further information.
Alternatively, if you’d like more information and to talk to one of our advisors, please contact our early careers team who will be happy to guide you.
