Nuclear Decommissioning Authority launches new graduate programme with opportunities in Wales

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group is calling on graduates to help deliver its mission in Wales and take part in the one of the most important environmental programmes in the world.

The NDA is tasked with safely and securely decommissioning the nation’s oldest nuclear sites, removing the burden for future generations, and supporting the local communities by enabling permanent, positive, and significant social and economic change.

Applications are now open for a new NDA group graduate programme, with roles in around 20 different professional disciplines and various locations in all corners of the UK. Sites in Wales include Wylfa (Anglesey) and Trawsfynydd (Gwynedd).

Graduates will undertake three placements over two years in different parts of the group, which is made up of NDA, Sellafield Ltd, Magnox Ltd, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, Nuclear Transport Solutions and Nuclear Waste Services.

Opportunities vary from radiation protection to accountants, engineers to cyber security specialists and commercial officers to project managers. There are various options to develop a long lasting and meaningful career, suitable for a diverse range of people, with applicants supported at the end of the programme to secure a longer-term role.

Arun works in the NDA sustainability team and joined as a graduate: “The NDA is a great place to be right now, the industry as a whole is more exciting and vibrant than it’s ever been. Graduates and young people have never been as important as they are now, we need young people to come into the business and help drive change.”

Ellie is a HR graduate: “I really wanted to apply to the NDA group graduate programme because the training and development you get is second to none, being a new starter to the industry is quite daunting but I have felt so supported. The business really invests in you as an individual.”

Jake is a Geoscience graduate: “The grad programme has been great in building a foundation for myself, developing skills and getting to know the nuclear industry. I am really looking forward to finding out where I fit within the NDA group, which company suits my line of work the best and where I am going to get the best opportunities.”

Jacq Longrigg, NDA group’s Head of Leadership, Skills and Talent, said: “Thousands of careers have started within our group over several decades, so we really understand the importance of attracting new talent to deliver our complex mission. That’s why we invest over £30million each year in apprentice and graduate development, with around 1,000 people currently following early career programmes.

“The real benefit of this new programme is that it showcases the strength and diversity of the entire NDA group. We can offer a whole host of different professional roles in so many different locations, with the chance to move around and sample the different experiences that are available.

“Our mission is a long-term challenge, stretching into the next century, which means there are so many possibilities and there has never been a better time to say hello to a career in the NDA group.”

The NDA group, made up of 17,000 staff, has a proven track record of investing in early career development and embracing diversity, offering a wealth of development opportunities and other benefits for those who join.

It is looking to attract a wide variety of candidates, from a diverse range of backgrounds, with a broad range of skills, to work in an environment where colleagues feel respected, included and able to perform at their best.

The graduate programme is looking for applications from anyone who is due to graduate this year, or within the last five years, with a 2:2 degree or above in a relevant degree subject.

Benefits include:

• A starting salary of £30,000 and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, as well as six discretionary days leave for study and relocation and support for flexible working
• A comprehensive package of benefits including contributory pension scheme, professional institute membership and additional support with travel, relocation, training and development.
• A dedicated mentor and team of experts to support personal and professional development.

The new programme is being launched in conjunction with Energus, sitting alongside and building upon some of the other graduate routes already on offer in different parts of the group and as part of the wider nuclear industry.

To find out more about the scheme and the application criteria, graduates can visit ndagroupgraduates.co.uk