Supporting Tomorrow's Nuclear Talent

The UK nuclear sector is committed to attracting diverse talent and ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent promising students from pursuing nuclear careers. Through the Nuclear Skills Plan, we're expanding bursary opportunities to help develop the skilled workforce needed for our growing sector.

Our Commitment

As part of the Nuclear Skills Charter, nuclear organisations have committed to:

- Support high-quality nuclear bursary schemes
- Focus on increasing STEM careers and social mobility
- Create opportunities for students who may face financial barriers
- Work collectively to expand the reach and impact of bursary programmes

For Students

What Bursaries Are Available?

Nuclear bursaries financially support students pursuing education pathways that lead to nuclear careers. These are the types of bursaries available:

- Undergraduate bursaries for students pursuing degrees in nuclear-relevant disciplines
- Postgraduate bursaries for specialised nuclear education
- Living cost support to help with accommodation and day-to-day expenses
- Research bursaries for specific nuclear-related projects
- Equipment and materials funding for technical courses

 

Who Can Apply?

Bursary eligibility varies between schemes, but many focus on:

- Students studying STEM subjects relevant to the nuclear sector
- Underrepresented groups in the nuclear workforce
- Students from regions with a nuclear industry presence
- Those demonstrating academic potential alongside financial need
- UK residents eligible to work in the nuclear sector

 

How Bursaries Support Your Education Journey

Recipients of nuclear bursaries often benefit from:

- Financial assistance reducing the need for part-time work
- Connections to industry mentors
- Priority access to industry placements
- Networking opportunities with nuclear employers
- Potential pathways to graduate employment

 

For Organisations

Contributing to Nuclear Bursary Schemes

Organisations across the nuclear sector can play a vital role in expanding bursary opportunities:

- Fund dedicated bursary places at universities with relevant programmes
- Partner with existing bursary schemes to extend their reach
- Establish new bursary programmes targeting specific skills gaps
- Provide mentoring and industry experience for bursary recipients
- Collaborate with regional skills hubs on locally-focused schemes

 

The Business Case for Bursaries

Investing in bursary schemes delivers tangible benefits for nuclear organisations including:

- Early identification of promising talent
- Building relationships with potential employees during their education
- Demonstrating commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Contributing to social value objectives
- Addressing critical skills shortages through targeted support

 

How to Apply or Contribute

- Students: Our bursary schemes run throughout the year, to ensure you are the first to receive news of our next bursary scheme, please sign up using our newsletter form.
- Organisations: Contact the Nuclear Sector Skills Team to discuss how your organisation can participate in existing schemes or establish new bursary initiatives

Interested in other ways to develop nuclear talent?

Visit our pages on Graduates, Apprenticeships, and Sponsorships.

The Nuclear Skills Plan is committed to expanding bursary opportunities as part of our strategy to develop the 40,000 additional skilled workers needed in the UK nuclear sector by 2030.

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