Sellafield Ltd, the company responsible for safely decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy, has recruited 10 project management apprentices as part of the Association for Project Management’s (APM) Higher Apprenticeship scheme.
This number is expected to grow as both Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) fully commit to investing into the next generation of project professionals to support the growing needs of the nuclear sector.
Sellafield, the first NDA site to implement this new Higher Apprenticeship scheme developed by APM and Skills CFA, believes it is absolutely vital to organically grow the workforce and invest in the future.
Loren Redmond, Sellafield training manager and programme owner of this scheme said: "This apprenticeship scheme is a welcome opportunity to invest into the next generation of, not only project managers, but risk managers, project control managers and other supportive functional areas. Successful delivery of major projects, with a commitment to safety, remains essential to Sellafield’s mission. The Higher Apprenticeship scheme supports this mission by developing strong project leaders for the future.
“It is also a great opportunity to attract new talent into this industry and for our new generation to choose project management as their number one career choice".
Although the APM Higher Apprenticeship is a two year scheme, Sellafield Ltd has extended its duration to four years. This will allow apprentices to gain in-depth practical experience across a wide range of project deliverables and successfully integrate between varying project functions. The company feels the scheme not only offers short to medium term benefits, but also real long-term sustainability.
Placements will be spread across the Sellafield site covering a wide range of major projects, from multi-million pound new build construction facilities to dealing with legacy waste and material within hazardous environments.
Sellafield Ltd have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of apprenticeship programmes available with a record intake of 121 apprentices undertaking training this year across a diverse range of site wide areas.
A Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management, which is equivalent to the first year of a degree course, will provide aspiring young professionals with the opportunity to develop competence, skill and knowledge-sets and make project management a career of first choice. The aim of the programme is to create new pathways into the project management profession, improve the management of projects and embed vital project skills in organisations throughout England and Wales.
