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From science club to graduate scheme
Sellafield Ltd’s Education programme, developed over a number of years by the sites educational team has had many notable successes. A prime example of which is the provision of educational opportunities and support provided to Andrew Wignall, one of Sellafield Ltd’s new intake of Graduate trainees.
The link between Andrew and the Sellafield site stretches back to his first year of study as a pupil at St Benedict’s in Whitehaven. After becoming interested in Engineering through his design technology studies, he joined the schools Young Engineers Club and was one of a group of pupils who participated in the Sellafield sponsored ‘Cyber Scraps’ challenge, similar in content to the rather better known Robot Wars TV series.
“I really enjoyed this scheme, which began developing my team work and engineering skills. I think from then on I was hooked on engineering”, commented Andrew.
As Andrew’s interest in engineering grew his links with Sellafield continued. At the start of his 6th form studies Andrew was awarded an Arkwright Scholarship, designed to encourage the most talented young people in the country to think about a career in design and engineering. Sponsored by British Nuclear Group Andrew became the first of the sites growing number of Sellafield sponsored Arkwright scholar’s.
“After my A Levels I participated in the Year in Industry scheme and after passing an interview I was given a placement with Sellafield Ltd. During my placement I learned about plant operations and carried out projects within the Sellafield MOX plant (SMP).
“I gained valuable work experience and knowledge and also had the opportunity to earn some money prior to starting a three year BEng Mechanical Engineering degree at Lancaster University”.
Andrew maintained his links with the site during his University studies by taking up the opportunity of two summer placements, working with the Grind and Inspect team within SMP.
Andrew said: “During my second summer placement I applied to the Sellafield Graduate Scheme and after completing various online tests and attending an assessment centre I received a job offer, and was placed within the Thorp operating unit.
“I think working for Sellafield Ltd has great career prospects with a clearly defined route of development. The graduate scheme is well structured with great benefits and training which gives me a chance to enhance my engineering skills.”
Looking to the future Andrew is keen to participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ambassador scheme operated by the Company and is looking forward to being involved with STEM activities at St Benedict’s.
Commented Andrew: “I was involved with STEM activities as a student, so it would be good to go full circle and be an ambassador to other students, and to give back to the schemes that helped me get into engineering in the first place.
Speaking of his experiences Andrew said: “The one thing that I would recommend to any of the students who want to be an engineer is just to get involved as soon as they can, don’t leave it until they finish 6th form and then go to University. Getting involved at an early stage builds up your enthusiasm and gives you knowledge outside the structured learning that takes place at school.
“It gets you noticed by the Companies that you could end up working for.”
