Nuclear engineer
Keep a nuclear power plant running safely as you produce energy for people to use in their home and at work.
About the job
What it's like
Imagine being at the heart of a powerhouse, making sure that a continuous flow of energy lights up homes and fuels industries! As a nuclear engineer, you'll play a part in keeping a nuclear power plant running safely so it produces energy for people.
Your tasks might include:
designing and building new plants and equipment
carrying out repairs
checking radiation levels to make sure it's safe for personnel and the environment
managing power station technicians
following regulations and planning safe ways to get rid of nuclear waste
When a nuclear reactor is shut down, you may be involved in decommissioning the site. This means taking down any structures or buildings and making sure that any radioactive waste is safely removed.
You could also use your knowledge of nuclear technology in other areas, such as:
industrial or academic research and development
the treatment of diseases, for example cancer
defence, for example designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers – careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering
Destination Nuclear Careers Portal – explore different roles, search for jobs and apprenticeships and connect with employers
Like the sound of this career?
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Select qualification level(s)
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Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Energy
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are several routes you can take to become a nuclear engineer.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Physics with Nuclear Technologies
Physics
Maths
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Engineering Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Graduate schemes
A graduate scheme is an entry level training programme you can apply for if you have a degree.
Most nuclear engineers start their career through a graduate scheme. We've identifed some key organisations to consider:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
A full UK driving licence, as some roles might require travel between sites.
To work for some organisations, such as the Ministry of Defence (MoD), you'll have to undergo strict background and security checks.
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