Operational Inspection

As an Operational Inspection Specialist for the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), you will be instrumental in the regular oversight of nuclear facilities, ensuring that day-to-day operations uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform inspections to verify operational safety and regulatory adherence.
• Assess operational procedures and incident response plans.
• Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement among nuclear operators.
• Provide regulatory guidance based on insights from operational practices and challenges.

The role of an ONR sponsored nuclear graduate involves providing technical support to ONR inspectors in managing, planning and carrying out their regulatory duties.

The role of an ONR sponsored nuclear graduate provides a potential development route to become a Band 4 Associate and later a Band 3 Inspector. As an ONR sponsored nuclear graduate, you will be part of ONR’s Initial Professional Development Programme (IPDP) alongside Degree Apprentices, Band 4 Associates and Band 3 Equivalent Inspectors.

ONR sponsors nuclear graduates in a range of disciplines. Previous ONR sponsored nuclear graduates have had backgrounds in a range of areas including physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, geology, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, cyber security, aerospace engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, mathematics and psychology.

Remarkably different to other graduate programmes, Nuclear Graduates offers you a unique opportunity to design your own development programme. A bespoke two-year plan, devised with the help of your own personal, professional mentor will allow you to develop both your technical and behavioural capabilities.

The Nuclear Graduates programme and its sponsors have developed an attractive package of support that reflects your, and your sponsors, ambitions for your development as a nuclear professional. 

In addition to the world-class training and development on offer, Nuclear Graduates can also look forward to:

• Salary £30,000 per year.
• £5,500 individual travel budget.
• £3,500 flexible individual training budget.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• 25 days of annual leave a year, plus Bank Holidays
• 6 days discretionary leave for study and relocation
• Membership of up to 2 professional institutions
• Access to an independent Employee Assistance Programme service offering a 24/7 support line
• The support of a dedicated Nuclear Graduates programme team throughout the two years of your graduate programme. As Mental Health First Aiders the team are fully equipped to assist you through your Nuclear Graduates journey
• Opportunity to participate in our Cycle2Work Scheme
• £3,900 total value for the Knowledge and Skills Programme
  • Access to three secondments to give you experience across the breadth of the UK nuclear sector
  • A dedicated team of experts to support your development and progress throughout your time on the programme
  • A sponsor company lead to provide you with day-to-day support during your programme and with your secondments
  • A dedicated mentor, assigned to you upon starting the programme who will stay with you throughout your Nuclear Graduates journey
  • A comprehensive, tailored programme of professional development
  • The support of a dedicated Nuclear Graduates programme team throughout the two years of your graduate programme. As Mental Health First Aiders the team are fully equipped to assist you through your Nuclear Graduates journey 

Total Two-Year Package: £72,500

In between secondments your cohort will come together for residential training and development sessions. These pathways will focus on developing both your technical and behavioural competencies, these include;

•  Induction to the Nuclear Industry
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Adaptability / flexibility
• Business Awareness
• Leadership
• Problem Solving

These are critical skills needed by the nuclear sector and will help you to develop your knowledge, skills and experience alongside your fellow nucleargraduates.

STEM Ambassadors

As part of the Nuclear Graduates programme, you’ll have the opportunity to become a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) ambassador, inspiring and engaging the next generation.

You’ll share your knowledge, enthusiasm and experience with young people through outreach and education, helping to promote careers in STEM and raise awareness of the nuclear sector. This is a valuable chance to develop your communication skills, give back to the community, and play an active role in shaping the future of the industry.

Throughout your two years, you will have the opportunity to carry out additional Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. These vary depending on your chosen discipline and your sponsor.