Are you looking for your first graduate job? Are you keen on developing sustainable energy and being a part of the future of the fusion power industry? Then UKAEA’s growing Graduate Development Programme might be for you.
The programme provides you with the opportunity to gain skills and experiences that help you kickstart your career. You will also be working on projects that make a real impact on developing low-carbon energy from fusion and supporting the business to shape the future of the world’s energy.
The two-year programme will introduce you to our main business activities and allow you to develop while making a personal contribution to our continuing success.
Our graduate scheme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institute of Physics as a professional development scheme.
On the graduate scheme here at the UK Atomic Energy Authority, you will have 20% of your time focused on professional and personal development. This will include a series of core development activities to fast track your business acumen, along with skills for technical, project management and people leadership.
The remaining 80% of time is role-based, working within a team growing your technical knowledge within your chosen discipline. Working with your line manager, you will get the opportunity to experience different roles and responsibilities within projects to broaden your understanding and help decide your future career route.
When joining the scheme, there’ll be the opportunity to be mentored by someone who will support and encourage you to develop your career and experience throughout the whole process. The two-year programme will introduce you to our main business activities and enable you to make a real impact through projects that are shaping the future of fusion energy. You will also be encouraged and supported to achieve professional accreditation where it’s available.
At UKAEA, we welcome people from all backgrounds to apply to our schemes and we are committed to providing the support you need. We also take steps to ensure we are hiring a diverse range of people. Take a read of our diversity and inclusion policies for more information.
Fusion energy is about far more than scientists and engineers. Our graduates work across a wide range of specialist and business functions, each playing a vital role in our mission to deliver fusion energy.
Help deliver the UK’s prototype fusion power plant. Graduates in STEP contribute to one of the most ambitious energy programmes in the world, supporting the design, development and delivery of technology that could transform the future global energy landscape.
Work at the forefront of innovation, developing and testing the technologies required to make fusion energy a reality. From advanced materials and robotics to power systems and digital technologies, you’ll help solve some of the most complex engineering challenges of our time.
Explore the science behind fusion reactions by supporting world-leading plasma research. Graduates in this area work alongside experts to understand plasma behaviour and develop the knowledge needed to optimise future fusion power plants.
Contribute to the systems that fuel fusion reactors. This critical area focuses on how tritium is produced, managed, recycled and safely handled, helping ensure fusion power plants can operate efficiently and sustainably.
Support a culture where safety comes first. Graduates in this area help protect people, communities and the environment while ensuring projects comply with industry regulations and best practice standards.
Help turn ambitious ideas into reality. Project Delivery teams manage large, complex programmes and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and successfully from concept through to completion.
Keep world-class facilities and programmes running smoothly. Graduates in Operations support the day-to-day activities that enable our research, experiments and projects to succeed.
Every breakthrough needs a strong support network behind it. Opportunities exist across functions including Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Communications, Legal, Digital Services and Business Support, helping to drive organisational success.
What do I need to apply?
We recruit graduates who have recently completed their degree in a relevant field. This may include the following disciplines:
Mechanical engineering
Applied chemistry
Control systems and instrumentation
Electrical and electronic engineering
Software engineering
Applied physics
Robotics and remote handling
Chemical engineering
Nuclear engineering
Materials science/engineering
Civil/construction engineering
Business / Professional support – degrees vary depending on the role
Browse our case studies from previous employees to see how we can help develop your career.
What is the recruitment process?
CV review by our early careers team followed by technical hiring managers.
First stage screening call with a technical hiring manager (virtual).
Onsite panel interview with presentation and assessments. The day will include a conversation with a current graduate scheme member.
The UKAEA team have always listened and helped with our issues where they could. It’s not just the support staff, my fellow graduates on the scheme have been instrumental to my development during my time here. We are all supportive of each other and help whenever required.
