UKAEA apprenticeships
Are you passionate about shaping the future of the world’s energy? Are you looking to begin a career in something worthwhile and exciting? If so, an apprenticeship with us may be for you.
If you’re looking to begin a career, UKAEA’s apprenticeship scheme offers you training in a variety of roles to nationally recognised standards, and the chance to earn while you learn!
Our award-winning scheme originally focused on Advanced Engineering Apprenticeships when it began in 2005. Now, we’ve expanded our apprenticeship offering into a wide range of areas, to help young people and UKAEA achieve their future talent needs.
Take a read of what some of our current apprentices had to say:
The friendly atmosphere is extremely helpful as a new starter at UKAEA. Everybody is approachable and happy to help which provides an environment with optimal learning experiences. The challenging aspect of the work is also very appealing to me. No day is the same.
Charlotte Wilkes
Mechanical Design Engineer Apprentice
I’m very passionate about the company I work for and it feels good knowing that the work I do will help make a difference with achieving UKAEA’s mission and goals. I enjoy working at UKAEA because of how supportive, helpful and kind everyone around me is.
Megan Humphrey
Project Management Apprentice
What you will gain from an apprenticeship
As a UKAEA apprentice, you’ll learn from experts in the field, working in fusion and helping to develop low-carbon energy. You will also be working on challenging and exciting projects in a supportive environment. On completing one of our apprenticeships, you will gain the academic qualifications and skills that you need to join the workforce straight away and succeed.
At UKAEA, we value real life experience as well as classroom working. Some of our past apprentices have had the opportunity to work on the world-leading JET and MAST Upgrade fusion devices, whilst learning theory in college.
We are a Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer and were the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Advanced Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year 2020. We have partnered with the Science & Technology Facilities Council to create the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) centre, to deliver high quality training for apprentice engineers and technicians. In addition, for non-engineering, ‘business support’ apprentices we work with numerous colleges and universities nationally.
By choosing to do your apprenticeship with us, you will:
Gain nationally recognised qualifications
Earn a salary whilst you learn
Have a job opportunity at the end of your apprenticeship
Receive paid holidays
Develop personal and technical skills
Receive experience in the workplace rather than just in a classroom
What apprenticeships are available?
Professional Support:
- L2 Nuclear Health Physics Monitor 24 months
- L3 Information Communication Technician 18 months
- L3 Assistant Accountant 18 months
- L3 Business Administrator 18 months
- L3 HR Support 18 months
- L3 Procurement and Supply Assistant 18 months
- L4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant 18 months
- L4 Associate Project Manager 24 months
- L6 BSc. (Hons) Integrated Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship 48 months
Engineering and Technical:
- L3 Engineering Technician 42 months
- L5 Technician Scientist 36 months
- L6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional 36 months
- L6 Product Design and Development Engineer 60 months
- L6 Electrical/Electronic Technical Support Engineer 60 months
UKAEA offer a wide range of apprenticeships, these are typically advertised at the start of the year.
Please keep an eye on our vacancies page if you are interested in applying.
Frequently Asked Questions about apprenticeships at UKAEA
Fusion is the process that takes place in stars and provides power that drives the whole of the universe. Light nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus, which releases bursts of energy. This could provide us with low-carbon, safe, abundant electricity around the world for thousands of years.
To produce energy from fusion a combination of hydrogen gases are heated to extremely high temperatures. The gas then becomes a plasma. A plasma with millions of these reactions taking place every second can provide a huge amount of energy, using extremely small amounts of fuel to do so.
You will need at least 5 GCSEs A*-C, or 4-9, including Maths and English (and Science for some apprenticeships) in order to enrol on the UKAEA apprenticeship scheme. Maths and English can also be achieved through additional study via the training provider under the apprenticeship scheme prior to End Point Assessment (EPA).
The apprenticeships that we offer are assessed through a mix of coursework, practical assessments and exams or end point assessments. Each qualification is different. For more information please get in touch with us.
Many of our apprentices have gone on to successful careers with UKAEA. Although there’s no guarantee, we will give you advice and guidance on your career options and opportunities with us or other employers.
Most of our facilities, as well as Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, are located at Culham Science Centre near Abingdon. We also have a site in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
For more information, take a look at our locations.
current opportunities
Browse some of our current job vacancies below.
Will Hall secures an Electrical Engineering apprenticeship at RACE
Electrical Engineering Apprentice
Will joined UKAEA in September 2021 as an Electrical Engineering Apprentice. After his A-Levels, he decided he wanted to get out into the working world whilst still learning skills and gaining a qualification. In his short time with us, Will has already worked on some fantastic projects!