From nuclear expertise to Australian defence: Ashleigh’s career journey

Working across continents might seem like an impossible dream, but what if your next career move could take you from the nuclear facilities of the UK to the defence corridors of Australia? For Ashleigh, this journey became reality through AtkinsRéalis' global mobility opportunities. 

Ashleigh's story demonstrates how international career growth isn't just about changing locations—it's about expanding expertise, embracing new challenges, and discovering untapped potential. Her transition from UK nuclear decommissioning to Australian defence showcases the career possibilities that emerge when companies prioritise employee development across borders. 

The path from Apprentice to Project Manager reveals how strategic career moves, supported by the right organisation, can transform professional trajectories in unexpected ways. 

Building foundations through apprenticeship and early career growth 

Ashleigh's career began in 2018 with a project management degree apprenticeship at Sellafield, one of the UK's major nuclear sites. This wasn't just any training programme—it was a comprehensive three-year journey that combined practical experience with academic learning. 

"I was at work four days a week and at university one day a week," explains Ashleigh. During this period, she rotated through different business areas, gaining exposure to project management, cost management, planning, and construction. This diverse foundation proved invaluable for her future career development. 

The apprenticeship model at Sellafield provided Ashleigh with something many graduates miss: real-world application of theoretical knowledge. By working across various disciplines, she developed a holistic understanding of complex project delivery that would later serve her well in international assignments. 

Advancing through UK nuclear sector leadership 

Following her apprenticeship graduation, Ashleigh's career trajectory accelerated rapidly. She progressed from a sub-project manager to a project manager. The role provided extraordinary exposure to senior leadership and government interactions—experiences typically reserved for much more senior professionals. 

"I had a lot of insight into the strategic overview of the enterprise and things like that, which I wouldn't have got to see in my day job," reflects Ashleigh. The shadow executive role developed her strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, preparing her for the complex challenges she would later face in international assignments. 

After seven years at Sellafield, Ashleigh felt ready for new challenges. The nuclear sector had provided excellent foundations, but she sensed opportunities for growth beyond her current environment. This internal drive for professional development would soon lead to unexpected possibilities. 

Making the leap to AtkinsRéalis and international opportunities 

In August 2024, Ashleigh transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, initially remaining in the UK. What attracted her wasn't just a new role—it was the potential for career development. 

The decision to join AtkinsRéalis represented more than a company change. It opened doors to global mobility that would have been impossible in her previous role. The timing proved perfect when an opportunity arose in Australia, combining her nuclear expertise with defence sector applications. 

By May 2025, Ashleigh had relocated to Australia, transitioning from UK nuclear decommissioning to Australian defence projects. This sector change might seem dramatic, but the underlying project management and technical skills transferred seamlessly between industries. 

Navigating the Australian transition and building new networks 

Relocating internationally for work presents unique challenges, especially when moving alone to an unfamiliar country. Ashleigh's experience in Australia highlights both the difficulties and rewards of international career moves. 

"It is scary, especially if you're on your own, you don't know anyone," admits Ashleigh. However, she discovered that many colleagues in the Australian office had similar relocation experiences, creating a supportive community of internationally mobile professionals. 

The Australian team's shared experiences of relocation fostered an environment of mutual support and understanding. This network proved invaluable for practical settling-in advice and professional integration. The company's emphasis on social activities and team bonding further eased the transition process. 

Discovering opportunities in Australia's emerging defence market 

Australia's defence sector presented unexpected opportunities for career development. Unlike the mature UK nuclear industry, Australia's defence market offered scope for strategic influence and business development that would have taken years to access in more established markets. 

"I didn't realise how immature the defence market was until I got here," notes Ashleigh. This market immaturity created opportunities for experienced professionals to contribute at strategic levels, applying their expertise in new contexts and geographical markets. 

The smaller scale of AtkinsRéalis's Australian operations compared to the UK business provided additional growth opportunities. In smaller teams, individual contributions carry greater weight, and career development can accelerate through increased visibility and responsibility. 

Making international transfers successful 

Ashleigh's transfer process, while initially uncertain, ultimately proved straightforward once the right connections were made. The key factors included proactive communication with Australian team members, expressing interest through internal vacancy applications, and maintaining open dialogue with UK management about international aspirations. 

Support from line management proved crucial in facilitating the transfer. When Ashleigh expressed interest in international opportunities, her manager actively helped navigate the process, demonstrating how organisational support enables global mobility. 

Building resilience through international career moves 

International relocation requires personal resilience and adaptability. Ashleigh's experience demonstrates how these challenges can become strengths, developing capabilities that benefit both individual careers and organisational effectiveness. 

The process of establishing new routines, finding local communities, and building professional networks develops problem-solving skills and cultural intelligence. These capabilities prove valuable for future international assignments and complex project delivery in multicultural environments. 

Australian cities offer numerous networking opportunities for international professionals, from industry conferences to social groups designed for expatriates. Engaging with these communities accelerates professional integration and personal settlement. 

Whether you're early in your career like Ashleigh was during her apprenticeship, or ready for a significant change after years of experience, global mobility opportunities offer pathways to accelerated growth and expanded expertise. 

The combination of technical skills, international experience, and cross-sector knowledge creates unique value propositions that benefit both individuals and organisations. In an increasingly connected world, professionals with global experience and cultural intelligence command premium opportunities. 

Explore AtkinsRéalis' global opportunities and discover how your expertise could flourish across continents, sectors, and cultures.