Our University Centre Wigan & Leigh College’s first cohort of Nuclear Technician Higher Level Apprentices have passed their end point assessment (EPA) for the apprenticeship standard.

Eight higher level apprentices have completed and passed the full EPA for the Nuclear Technician standard, each gaining impressive feedback from assessors on their comprehensive knowledge and understanding within the submissions of their technical reports and structured interview.

It’s also a huge boost for women in engineering as traditionally the industry is male dominated.

Four from the group are female engineers with one, Lucy-Mae Clarke holding the position of Chair of the Apprenticeship Council at Sellafield Ltd.

Simone Wilson, a higher apprentice at Sellafield Ltd organised an Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) conference for Women in Engineering at The University of Liverpool last year.

"I get to complete my degree and gain five years work experience in the company where my future lies and I can earn at the same time.

"Apprenticeships are a chance to get the support and experiences in the industry which you will work in after your studies but you get industry experience at the same time," said Simone.

These activities enabled and contributed to them developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the standard.

The cohort consists of six degree apprentices who work at Sellafield Ltd, one at National Nuclear Laboratory and one at Cavendish Nuclear.

The group have all studied various HNDs Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic and Civil Engineering qualifications as part of the apprenticeship programme at the Centre of Excellence in Engineering based at the Pagefield campus.

Phil Collier, Head of HE Engineering said, “Our first cohort have proved that they are highly competent and have a high level of understanding. They are a credit to their respective companies.

“We are very proud of their achievements and believe they will each go on to successful careers within the nuclear industry.”