Destination Nuclear
Degree Apprentice, Control Systems Engineering
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Starting Out
For Rachel, a career in engineering began with curiosity.
“I always loved school,” she says. “The only subject I ever disliked was history. I loved STEM, especially physics and computer science, and knew I wanted to keep learning.”
When it came to choosing her next step after A levels, Rachel wanted a route that offered both academic study and real-world experience. “For me, a degree apprenticeship just made sense. It ticked every box, I’d gain experience, earn a qualification, and after five years I’d be a fully qualified engineer in my own right.”
Originally from Barrow, Rachel explored a few local employers before being drawn to Sellafield’s Control Systems Apprenticeship. “I was fascinated by the idea of working in nuclear. We’d covered atomic energy in physics, and I thought it was incredible, clean energy, complex systems, and something that genuinely matters to the world. The legacy ponds work really caught my interest because it combines technical challenge with a clear environmental purpose.”
A Career in Motion
Nearly five years on, Rachel is now in the final stage of her degree apprenticeship, studying towards a BEng in Plant Engineering while supporting operations within Sellafield’s legacy ponds. Her work involves industrial automation, the systems that monitor and control critical processes across the site.
“I get to work on equipment that ranges from the 1950s to today’s cutting-edge technology. It’s fascinating, no two weeks are ever the same. One week I might be helping to troubleshoot a fault, and the next, supporting the design of a completely new solution.”
She admits that the scale of the nuclear industry took her by surprise. “My dad worked at Springfield when I was growing up, and all I knew was that he worked somewhere like The Simpsons! I didn’t realise how huge the industry actually was. Just Sellafield’s supply chain alone involves around 40,000 people, and that’s just one site. It’s incredible when you think about how many people across the country are contributing to the same mission.”
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A Family Legacy and a Supportive Community
Rachel’s connection to Sellafield runs deep, her dad spent more than 30 years working there. “He’s always been supportive of apprenticeships. I think he’d have been happy no matter what route I chose, but he was particularly pleased when I joined Sellafield because he’d enjoyed his own career there so much.”
Following in her father’s footsteps has given Rachel a unique appreciation for the site’s heritage. “It surprised me how old some of the facilities are, some are over 70 years old, and seeing the effort that goes into keeping them safe and preparing them for decommissioning is really inspiring. It’s like being part of a 100-year mission to make the site safer for future generations.”
She’s also found Sellafield to be a close-knit and supportive community. “Everyone looks after each other. Especially as an apprentice, you’re surrounded by people who want to see you do well. There are so many networks and support groups, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, so even if you’re struggling, there’s always someone to turn to. It’s like a little village, with every kind of role you can imagine.”
Championing STEM and Inspiring Others
Alongside her technical work, Rachel has become a passionate advocate for STEM and early careers. Over the past two years, she’s supported Sellafield’s Engineering Open House Days, welcoming more than 600 visitors to the site to learn about engineering and nuclear careers.
“It’s amazing to see how excited young people get when they realise what’s possible in this industry,” she says. “Especially young girls, I love showing them that engineering isn’t just hard hats and spanners, it’s creative, collaborative, and really rewarding.”
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Her enthusiasm for promoting apprenticeships has also taken her beyond West Cumbria. Rachel has represented Sellafield and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) at national events, including speaking engagements in Parliament. “I’ve been lucky to meet MPs and industry leaders to talk about why apprenticeships matter and why the nuclear sector is such an exciting place to work. I even attended the Industrial Parliament Trust’s Apprenticeship Dinner, which was an incredible experience.”
Looking Ahead
As Rachel nears the end of her apprenticeship, she’s already thinking about the next step in her journey. “I’m hoping to continue onto a master’s degree and eventually become a Chartered Engineer. There’s so much opportunity at Sellafield, I can honestly see myself building a lifelong career here.”
What keeps her inspired is the sense of purpose behind her work. “It’s not just about fixing problems or building systems, it’s about contributing to something bigger. Every bit of progress we make helps make the country safer and supports a cleaner energy future. That’s something I’m proud to be part of.”
Final Thoughts
Rachel’s story shows how the right opportunity, and the right support, can turn early curiosity into a meaningful career. From a self-confessed “timid 18-year-old” to a confident control systems engineer, she’s built a foundation not just for her own success, but for the future of the industry she’s helping to shape.
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