Engineering a sustainable future in a mechanical and nuclear engineering apprenticeship

How I use my passion for nuclear and mechanical engineering to shape a more sustainable world

Hi, I'm Chris, a degree apprentice on the Nuclear & Power team at AtkinsRéalis. My passions are in sustainability and mechanical engineering. I'm currently working on some of the most impactful projects in the nuclear sector. My role involves supporting the delivery of clean nuclear energy, particularly through high-profile projects like Hinkley Point C and the H3AT fusion programme.

I love how these experiences allow me to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in energy, aligning perfectly with my belief that clean energy should be accessible to all. Through my apprenticeship, I'm developing my skills while playing a part in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.

Contributing to significant mechanical and nuclear engineering projects

I've been involved in various projects, including HPC and H3AT. HPC is the first of a new generation of nuclear power plants in the UK, generating power for about 5 million homes and offsetting 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. I've helped develop a risk tool for HPC, categorizing risks into the top five and plotting them on a heat map. I've also assisted a senior team member with PowerPoint slides and detail-checked reports to ensure they're client-ready. H3AT is a nuclear fusion initiative that could revolutionize energy generation, producing 3-4 times more energy than nuclear fission with much less radioactive waste. I'm currently helping to generalize a document for the project!

Why I chose a mechanical engineering apprenticeship with a focus on nuclear energy

While the apprenticeship can be full-on, it offers the unique benefit of being a student and a full-time employee. I believe combating climate change is crucial, and we all have a role to play. So, I wanted to pursue a career that would make an impact. Nuclear engineering will help us create clean energy for the future. While it currently produces CO2, I want to help develop a form of nuclear energy that offsets carbon and powers homes cleanly for the long term. We only get one planet, so we should take care of it the best we can.

How my nuclear engineering apprenticeship at AtkinsRéalis supports my development

Being exposed to meetings has been invaluable for learning how to compose myself and speak to clients effectively. It's taught me what needs to be said in meetings versus what should be kept internal. I've become a more confident speaker, knowing how to communicate to get the best results. Support managing my time has been crucial, especially when balancing work and study. My hybrid working routine has been especially helpful for my personal development. It has allowed me to stay on top of my studies while ensuring I can apply them effectively in the workplace.

Overcoming challenges in my mechanical engineering apprenticeship

Developing the project risk tool was a task I found challenging, as it required Excel functions I wasn't familiar with. I had to quickly learn these functions to complete the task proficiently. It was incredibly rewarding when I typed a long function into the bar, saw it work, and was able to send it back to my line manager!

Career opportunities for mechanical engineers in the nuclear energy sector

An apprenticeship with our team would be an amazing opportunity for anyone. Nuclear fusion will play a big part to play in the future. It has incredible potential and could be a groundbreaking advancement in nuclear science. I can see myself being part of, or even leading, a team that helps engineer a nuclear fusion plant in the UK.

My future goals in sustainability and engineering at AtkinsRéalis

In the next few years, I hope to qualify to become a graduate engineer with AtkinsRéalis. I hope to still be with the H3AT team and maybe even have a team of my own to lead. AtkinsRéalis ensures I get the best support within work and university to get the grades and the project exposure I want. They are helping to shape me into a quality engineer!

Agree that creating nuclear energy is key to building a cleaner future? Join us: Browse these fantastic mechanical engineering and nuclear sector apprenticeships!