Prestigious Partnership with Sellafield Ltd

We have worked in partnership with Sellafield Ltd for more than three years. We jointly developed a nuclear degree apprenticeship programme to meet specific company needs and ensure that their apprentices are equipped with the skills for a career in the nuclear engineering sector. Sellafield Ltd apprentices undertake an intensive five year programme, gaining hands on experience in the industry and academic study at Wigan & Leigh College’s Centre of Excellence in Engineering.

The programme means that aspiring mechanical, electrical and civil engineering apprentices attend College full-time in their first year, while studying the Higher National Diploma (HND) in their chosen engineering discipline. All apprentices undertake a bespoke practical engineering programme covering units across all disciplines. This is followed by four years of part-time study to allow students to complete the HND in years two and three, followed by an accredited degree programme, BEng in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical & Electronic Engineering in the final two years of the programme. During this time, apprentices are also employed by Sellafield Ltd, working within the design engineering teams.

The pioneering apprenticeship programme provides young people with the opportunity to engage in challenging and important engineering design work. Lauren Clarkson said: “I studied A Levels after leaving school and was initially unsure of a career pathway, but my passion for engineering was my inspiration to apply for the apprenticeship scheme. As a woman in engineering I find my role empowering. I’ve had the opportunities, knowledge and inspiration to succeed.”

EMPLOYER PARTNERS AND OPPORTUNITIES

We are proud to have strong employer partnerships within the engineering sector with Sellafield Ltd, MBDA Missile Systems, HUSCO International, Electricity North West, National Nuclear Laboratory, Severfield, Krones UK and many more.


Mark Duffy

Engineering and Education Development Manager, Sellafield
“I am passionate about inspiring and informing young people and making sure our apprentices get the best experiences and opportunities as I did when I studied at Wigan & Leigh College. The facilities here at first rate and they have equipment here you wouldn’t find in many places"