Science Apprenticeship

Programme title: Science Apprenticeship
Level: 5
Salary: £20,468
Location: Greeson Court, Westlakes Science and Technology Park, Cumbria
Application closing date: 10th April 2025
Programme start date: September 2025

This 3-year apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to launch a career in nuclear science. As part of our expert team, you’ll immerse yourself in a dynamic radio-analytical laboratory, developing technical skills while working towards a nationally recognised Level 5 qualification. You'll collaborate with industry professionals, contribute to real-world projects, and play a vital role in advancing nuclear science.

About the programme

As a Science Apprentice, you'll be at the forefront of innovative scientific work at our Greeson Court facility in Cumbria. From day one, you'll gain practical experience working in a specialist radio-analytical laboratory, developing an in-depth understanding of the scientific processes and laboratory techniques that are essential to the nuclear industry. 

Each day will bring something new, from conducting vital scientific and technical activities to supporting research, analysis, and testing on real-world projects. You'll be trained to use advanced laboratory equipment, analyse data, and apply radio-analytical techniques that help drive critical developments in the field. Working alongside experienced scientists and technicians, you’ll collaborate on high-impact projects that make a difference in the sector.

This apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn a diverse range of scientific methodologies, helping you gain valuable hands-on experience while working as part of a supportive and dynamic team. By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed the expertise and confidence to progress within the industry, setting you on the path toward a rewarding career in nuclear science.

Your education / training

As a Science Apprentice, you’ll work towards achieving the Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship standard. Your training, delivered by Lakes College, will combine classroom learning, blended instruction, and hands-on experience in a real work environment. This ensures you develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for success in the nuclear industry.

Modules include:

• Inorganic and organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Analysis of scientific data
• Laboratory techniques
• Further inorganic and organic chemistry

You’ll also develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, literacy, numeracy, and IT. Alongside your technical expertise, you'll have the chance to build valuable leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills that will support your career development.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades 9-4 / A*-C) including Maths, English Language, and a core Science subject (ideally Chemistry).
• Further education in a core science at Level 3 or above is desirable.
• Applicants should be aged 18 or older by the start of September 2025.
• Many of our early careers roles are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

What you’ll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career. In addition, you’ll benefit from: 

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme 
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Closing dates   

Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible.