targetjobs UK
2027 Cumbria Graduate Programme
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Your ideas. Real responsibility. Lasting impact.
Join Sellafield and help create a clean and safe environment for future generations while shaping the UK’s sustainable future through world-first engineering, science and innovation.
This year, we’re recruiting graduates across a range of areas, including:
- Construction
- Commissioning
- Engineering & Maintenance
- Environmental
- Operations
- Project Management
- People Function
- Radiological Protection & Safety
- Safety Case
- Technical
Whichever path you choose, you’ll play a meaningful role in helping us deliver nationally important work, develop specialist skills and build a career with purpose.
Our Graduate Development Scheme
Our Graduate Development Scheme is a structured two-year programme designed to help you build the foundations of a successful and rewarding career. From day one, you’ll gain real responsibility, develop technical expertise and work alongside industry-leading professionals on projects that make a genuine difference. Through a blend of professional development, on-the-job learning and support towards chartership, you’ll have everything you need to grow your confidence, expand your skills and become a future specialist in your field. Whether you’re looking to develop your technical expertise, build your professional network or accelerate your career, we’ll give you the opportunities, support and experience to help you reach your potential.
What You’ll Get
Our graduates start off with a 24-month fixed term contract, with an excellent starting salary of £44,027, rising to £45,010 in Year 2. Following successful completion of your graduate programme and subject to there being a suitable vacancy, you could be offered a permanent position with us.
If you’re relocating here from more than 30 miles away, we’ll support you with a relocation allowance of £1,400. Additionally, you can apply for an interest-free loan of £2,000, which you pay back through your monthly salary over your 24-month contract.
We aim to strike a good work/life balance by offering 30 days annual leave with statutory public holidays on top. There is also the ability to purchase an additional 2.5 days leave on top. We offer an attractive defined contribution pension scheme – the company will match up to 13.5% for a 7% employee contribution, helping you to save for the future from the start of your career.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
All our employees can also benefit from our 18 support networks, including the Nuclear Autism Support Network, oneLGBTQ+ Network and Gender Balance Networks, among others. Other benefits include paid sick leave scheme, cycle to work scheme, family-friendly policies, welfare & employee assistance programme, and employee savings & discounts.
What We’ll Need From You
We're seeking candidates who:
- Are on track to achieve, or have already achieved, a minimum of a 2:1 in a relevant subject. Refer to the individual scheme requirements for full details.
- Have a willingness to relocate to West Cumbria for the programme duration.
- Commit to working on or around the Sellafield site.
- Have a genuine interest in building a career within the nuclear industry.
- Possess problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.
- Are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and professionalism.
- Are eligible to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role.
We’re looking for people who are curious, motivated, and ready to make a difference. You don’t need nuclear experience, but you do need the enthusiasm to learn, the confidence to challenge yourself, and the ambition to help deliver work that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.
Life in Cumbria
Build a career that makes a difference from day one. With us, you won’t be spending your graduate programme on the sidelines. You’ll work on real projects that help tackle some of the UK’s biggest environmental, engineering and nuclear challenges, while contributing to our mission of creating a clean and safe environment for future generations.
Based in West Cumbria, on the edge of the Lake District, you’ll be part of a team developing innovative solutions that support the UK’s sustainable future, reduce environmental risk and leave a lasting positive impact for generations to come. Alongside structured development, professional support and world-class expertise, you’ll gain experience that’s genuinely hard to find anywhere else.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Enjoy affordable housing and living costs that go much further than big cities. Rural doesn’t mean isolated; you’ll still find shops, restaurants and gyms– just without the city chaos. And when you do fancy a city break, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow are just a few hours away. It’s the perfect balance of career opportunity and quality of life.
Our Application Process
Applications for our Graduate Programmes close on Friday 23rd October 2026.
- Complete an online assessment after application, with outcomes expected in mid-November.
- Video interviews will take place between 2nd – 13th November 2026.
- Assessment Centres for Cumbria-based schemes will be held in Workington, Cumbria, from 1st – 4th December 2026.
Financial support is available for candidates who may struggle with travel expenses for assessment centres.
Please note that if you’re unable to attend an assessment stage during the dates outlined above, you may not be able to progress through the recruitment process. Expected start date: Monday 27th September 2027.
Accessibility and Inclusion
At Sellafield, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment experience where everyone can succeed. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout every stage of our recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or additional support, we’ll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.
Before you apply
Complete our immersive preview into the life of a Graduate at Sellafield before starting your application. This will help you understand the type of challenges you may encounter and if you’re likely to enjoy working here. Applications for our graduate programmes will close on Friday 23rd October 2026.
Please be aware that this role is subject to achieving security clearance. This role requires a higher level of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London