Building careers in nuclear: Insights from the UK Nuclear Week in Parliament 2025
During the recent United Kingdom Nuclear Week in Parliament 2025, our nuclear apprentices had the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and engage with key industry stakeholders. Among our team of five was Joe Hunt, a dedicated apprentice who participated in the Skills and Apprenticeship Fair organized by the Nuclear Industry Association and hosted by Liz Saville Roberts, Member of Parliament (MP). This event highlighted the importance and commitment to investing in the next generation of professionals and the opportunities the nuclear sector presents for jobs, skills and levelling up. With his MP actively engaging with him during the fair, Joe demonstrated the value of apprenticeships and the potential they hold for the future of the nuclear industry. Read Joe’s thoughts on the event below.
Demonstrating skills
Participating in the event was an incredible experience. I felt immensely grateful to be invited and to represent AECOM among other esteemed companies. At the Skills and Apprenticeship Fair, I shared details with other apprentices on our nuclear and digital capabilities. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase AECOM’s expertise in the sector to the MPs, senior civil servants, CEOs of companies and other senior figures, emphasizing our involvement of over 50 years. Our multidisciplinary approach to engineering, covering electrical, civil, mechanical, and structural disciplines, was well-represented by NextGen attendees, referring to the younger generation of engineers and recent graduates, across all engineering fields.
Meeting my local MP
One of the highlights for me was when my MP, Andrew Cooper, actively sought me out and engaged in a meaningful conversation. It was a moment that truly underscored the significance of the event and the impact of our work.
Andrew and I discussed my journey into the nuclear industry. Coming from a domestic electrical background, I started as a trainee electrician, eager to find a career that would expand my skills and knowledge in an exciting design practice. It was through this search that I discovered the opportunities in the nuclear field which immediately stood out to me.
During our conversation, I shared with Andrew that many young people, including myself, don’t initially consider a career in the nuclear industry. However, it is a valuable and rewarding path with numerous opportunities. We discussed ways to spread this message more widely, emphasizing that the nuclear sector offers high-quality training and transferable skills that are applicable across various projects and industries. It’s a career path accessible to many, and it is crucial to highlight its significant growth potential.
Importance of engagement with MPs
Early engagement with MPs during events like this held in Parliament is crucial for apprentices as it showcases how apprenticeships are set up, how they can help bridge the skills gap in various sectors such as nuclear, and the benefits and opportunities given to the apprentices from day one of their career. This is particularly important given the Labour government’s focus on reforming the apprenticeship levy by replacing it with a new and more flexible ‘Growth and Skills Levy’.
Attending such events allows apprentices like me to showcase our direct contribution to projects and gain valuable insights from influential figures. MPs represent the people they serve, and it’s fascinating to hear their perspectives and excitement about developments like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as shared by Andrew. Promoting the nuclear industry is not just about the technology but also about the career opportunities it offers to new engineers. The industry’s evolving nature and unique projects reflect a societal shift in attitudes towards nuclear energy.
Preparation and support
My apprenticeship with AECOM has prepared me well for attending events and speaking about my experiences to date. Visiting Parliament for the first time was overwhelming, but the support and briefing provided by AECOM leaders and colleagues made a significant difference. Embracing opportunities and putting myself out there has been key to building my confidence at the event. This advice has been instrumental in my growth and development, and I plan to carry it forward in my career.
Message to the next generation
To aspiring engineers considering an apprenticeship in the nuclear industry, I would say that while it might seem niche on first glance, the skills you gain are highly transferable. The reach and potential of a career in nuclear are immense and rare. It’s a great career path with numerous opportunities for learning and development. The learning environment in the nuclear industry is not always widely known, which is why it’s beneficial to get involved and explore its potential.
Memorable takeaways
One of the most memorable moments from the event was being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share enthusiasm for the future of the nuclear sector. Engaging with senior managers, seasoned industry professionals from other countries, and fellow apprentices has helped me gain a clearer direction for my career aspirations. It reinforced my belief in the industry’s potential and provided a sense of direction for what I can achieve in the future.
Overall, participating in the Nuclear Week in Parliament and the Skills and Apprenticeship Fair has been a transformative experience, shaping my career aspirations and reinforcing my commitment to the nuclear industry.
