Why I enjoy working abroad as a mechanical engineer in nuclear

I'm Sam – a mechanical engineer usually based in the UK, now working in Ontario, Canada. My contract abroad has opened up new technical experiences, digital innovation opportunities, and a whole new set of hobbies (including ice hockey!). Here's what I've learned about life, work, and nuclear jobs you can travel with.

Why I said yes to working abroad?

What really drew me in was the chance to get a variety of experiences in work, culture, and hobbies. Plus, it all just seemed to fall into place perfectly, making it impossible for me to say no.

From mechanical engineering to digital innovation

My job here is pretty different from what I was doing in the UK. Being here has given me chances I probably wouldn't have gotten so quickly back home. Now, I'm part of the digital innovations team, which I was always interested in back in the UK but hadn't landed a job in yet.

Learning new skills on the job I can travel with

So far, I have been learning all about different aspects of what the digital innovations team do here. In addition to this, we have all been enrolled on a Candu fundamentals course which covers all the basics of Candu design, this has been a really interesting course to get a high-level overview.

How international nuclear jobs grow your confidence

We've had a lot of first-time experiences outside of work, like watching baseball and American football, spending weekends at a lakeside cottage up north, checking out Niagara Falls, and visiting Montréal for the weekend. I've also taken up new hobbies like sailing, volleyball, softball, and pretty soon, I'll be starting ice hockey!

New people, new projects – and a clear path forward

I think it has been, and will continue to be, great for my career growth. It's helped me meet new people and get exposure to different kinds of work in the industry.

The toughest part? Being far from home

One of the hardest parts has been adjusting to the different culture and being far from home, friends, and family. It's been challenging, but everyone here is super supportive and friendly.

Good people make great teammates – in any country

People back in the UK have been very supportive with both pastoral and technical support when I have called on them, including people in the UK I had never previously spoken to offering their support. The team out here have been good whenever I have needed support and everyone is more than happy to share their experience.

Stronger UK-Canada connections start here

When I return, I hope to keep the connections to the Candu teams and my knowledge of projects. Aiming to strengthen the connections between the UK and Canada, allowing support and expertise to be easily shared.

If the time is right, take the leap

Definitely! If your personal circumstances and connections to the UK allow for it. I was fortunate not to have many reasons preventing me from doing so. Being away from home can be challenging. That said, there are numerous support systems in place, including options for traveling back home.

Curious about international opportunities like mine? Explore mechanical engineering jobs or nuclear careers at AtkinsRéalis.