Investing in the Future of Nuclear Skills

Sponsorships are a crucial part of how we're tackling the nuclear skills challenge, creating pathways that benefit both ambitious students and forward-thinking employers. Sponsorship schemes under the Nuclear Skills Plan are aimed at increasing social mobility and provide financial support and opportunities to prospective university students considering a career in Nuclear.

Our Commitment

The Nuclear Skills Charter is our sector-wide promise to:

- Deliver a high-quality nuclear sponsorship scheme
- Open doors to STEM careers for people from all walks of life
- Make sure money isn't a barrier for talented people who want to join our sector
- Pool our resources to make sponsorship programmes bigger and better than they could be if we all worked alone

For Students

What Are Nuclear Sponsorships?

Think of nuclear sponsorships like partnerships, where an employer and student get to know each other while you're still studying. Sponsorships create a relationship where both sides invest in each other, with the employer providing financial support and industry experience while you bring your fresh ideas and commitment to learning. It's a two-way street that often leads to a job offer when you graduate.

 

About Nuclear Sponsorships

The Nuclear Skills Plan sponsorship scheme is available for those who may not, due to their financial circumstance, have previously had the opportunity to go to university. These high-quality nuclear sponsorship schemes focus particularly on:

  • Increasing opportunities in STEM careers
  • Promoting social mobility
  • Supporting the sector's commitment to develop talent
  • Creating pathways into the nuclear workforce

 

As the sector works to fill 40,000 new roles by 2030, these sponsorship programmes form an important part of our strategy to build a skilled and diverse nuclear workforce.

 

Benefits of Being Sponsored

Wondering what's in it for you as a sponsored student? Well, quite a lot actually! Here's what you can look forward to:

- Less financial worry – With support for your tuition fees or living costs, you can focus more on your studies and less on your bank balance
- Real-world experience in spades – You'll get hands-on with meaningful work during placements, not just making the tea!
- Your very own industry guru – Many schemes pair you with a mentor who'll share insider knowledge and help you navigate the nuclear world
- Hit the ground running – By the time you graduate, you'll already understand how things work in the industry, giving you a serious head start
- A potential job waiting for you – Many sponsors offer employment after graduation, meaning less time spent in nerve-wracking interviews
- A contact book full of nuclear pros – You'll build relationships with people across the industry, which will be invaluable throughout your career

 

Who Can Apply?

Would you like to know if you’re eligible? Our current scheme eligibility criteria includes:

- Students pursuing degrees that are relevant to nuclear
- People with a spark of potential and enthusiasm for the industry (you don't need to be a nuclear expert already)
- UK residents who can work in the nuclear sector (there are some security considerations)
- Individuals from all backgrounds – the nuclear industry is keen to become more diverse

For Organisations

Creating Effective Sponsorship Schemes

Ready to dip your toe in the sponsorship waters? Here's how to make a splash with your programme:

  • Target your skills gaps – Focus on the roles where you're constantly struggling to recruit
  • Get in early – Building relationships with students before they've even finished their education gives you a competitive edge
  • Create diverse entry routes – One size doesn't fit all when it comes to bringing in new talent
  • Complement your existing recruitment – Sponsorships work alongside traditional hiring, not instead of it
  • Shape the skills you need – Work placements and mentoring let you mould talent to fit your specific requirements

 

The Value of Sponsorship

Still wondering if sponsorships are right for you?
  • Talent spotting made easier – You get introduced to promising students before they even hit the job market
  • Ready-to-go graduates – When they start full-time, they already understand your organisation and nuclear culture
  • Stickier employees – Sponsored students typically stay longer with their sponsors (loyalty works both ways!)
  • Showing you mean business – It demonstrates your serious commitment to developing the nuclear workforce
  • Doing good while doing well – You're creating opportunities and social mobility while solving your skills challenges

How to Get Involved

Feeling inspired? Make your next move:

Students: Check out current sponsorship opportunities through your university careers service, the Destination Nuclear Careers Portal, or by checking out the websites of nuclear employers directly
Organisations: Get in touch with the Sponsorships project team using the contact form below.

Looking for other ways to kickstart your nuclear journey?

Visit our pages on Graduates, Apprenticeships, and Bursaries.

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