During my final year of University, I was researching what to do after I graduate and found out about the Nuclear Graduates programme. I was immediately interested in joining the programme as it offered a way for me to gain experience from at least three professional organisations in only 2 years, whilst also providing me an opportunity to learn more about this industry – which has that fascinated me for so many years.
The Nuclear graduates programme stood out to me among the other available programmes due to the high degree of flexibility regarding what you get out it, which just doesn’t seem present in many other graduate programmes. I was also excited to take be able to network with a large number of individuals across a variety of different disciplines and organisational backgrounds.
My first placement with Rolls-Royce was in Raynesway, Derby in the SSNR sensors team. This team was concerned with the concept, assessment and development of various sensors to be used onboard future class submarines. While working here I conducted some lab work on a particular testing device, to ensure it was fit for purpose. This was an excellent opportunity for me to gain some practical skills that I was unable to develop at university due to Covid.
For my second placement I was within the Wet Side Commissioning team. This placement primarily involved in developing maintenance instructions for various pieces of equipment on site. To do this I had to speak to various SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personal) team members and go onto site to fully understand the scope of my work. The placement allowed me to get onto a nuclear licensed site and learn more about the core production process for current and future class submarines.
Currently I am just about to start my third placement at the Submarines Delivery Agency (SDA) in Abbey Wood, Bristol within the NP SAMF (Nuclear Propulsion Safety Assurance Manager – Futures) team, where my time will be split between Dreadnaught and AUKUS projects. In this placement I am hoping to learn more about the different control systems, regulations and mitigation strategies used onboard nuclear submarines to ensure they operate safely, as well as learn more about the role the SDA plays in the delivery of future class submarines.
Quickly after joining the scheme, I signed up for the practical skills training course In Blackpool. This training course offered an introduction to skills such as welding, electrical installation, metalwork, and nuclear simulation training. This allowed me to learn the different practical skills required while constructing and maintaining a nuclear power plant. This has forced me to consider the practical implications of the projects I am involved with, instead of only focusing on the theoretical aspects of a product.
While working at Rolls-Royce and opportunity presented itself to visit the IMRS (Inspection Maintenance Repair Service) team. This allowed me to learn about the specialised tools and techniques used by the IMRS team to maintain CASD (Continuous At Sea Deterrent). This trip also allowed me to learn more about the wider side of the submarines business, and the different careers available within the defence industry.
Get involved! Sounds a bit cliché but you really do get out what you put in. The nuclear graduates programme offers a large degree of freedom regarding what you want to get out of the placement, but with that comes responsibility. It is up to you to organise future secondments, CPD opportunities and STEM events. To maximise your benefit from the scheme, make sure you get involved when these opportunities present themselves!
