Qualifications to improve your career in nuclear energy

The nuclear industry in the UK is constantly on the lookout for new recruits. Several power plants have been proposed with one already under construction (Hinkley Point C). With the end goal of reducing the country’s carbon emissions, the work is leading to more opportunities for those entering and currently in nuclear.

For experienced nuclear engineers, progressing in your career is a likely option. With more entry-level positions readily available, senior nuclear engineers will be needed to take management of these large projects and assist with their production.

For a new starter in the industry, a nuclear engineering salary can start between £20,000-£28,000, while those with more experience could earn as much as £65,000+. It’s clear that furthering your career can be highly lucrative for nuclear workers, and now is one of the best times to do it.

If you’re looking to work your way up in the industry, one way is to add more qualifications to your CV. Not only will this make you more appealing to organisations, but it also allows you to develop both personally and professionally.

Here are three nuclear qualifications that could help progress your career in the nuclear industry.

Nuclear Qualifications 1 -Chartered Chemical Engineer – MIChemE

A globally recognised accreditation, becoming a Chartered chemical engineer MIChemE is the first step in a successful career. From there, you can advance to Fellow – further increasing your knowledge, experience and reputation in the industry.

Licensed by the Engineering Council UK, becoming a member of IChemE has many benefits, including demonstrating to an employer that you’ve met the industry benchmark for excellence, recognising your competence in a challenging field, and providing a wealth of opportunities for work upon completion.

How to apply

To become a Chartered Chemical Engineer, you can apply online. Then, nuclear engineers will need to demonstrate appropriate knowledge of chemical engineering, have proven experience in a relevant role and undertake a review interview as part of the application process.

Nuclear Qualifications 2 – MSc Nuclear Science and Technology

As a highly technical field, it’s no surprise that nuclear engineering jobs usually require a BSc degree. However, many senior positions also ask candidates for a master’s degree in a relevant field. This MSc in Nuclear Science and Technology broadens your knowledge of the industry and teaches skills necessary for plant decommissioning, another aspect of nuclear engineering that is continuing to grow.  Modules include:

• The processing, storage and disposal of nuclear waste

• Risk management

• Reactor physics and criticality

How to apply

This one-year course teaches in detail nuclear waste management – offering opportunity to specialise in this sector – and is available at a number of universities across the country. Successful applicants will be a graduate in a relevant field, such as engineering, physics and maths.

Nuclear Qualifications 3 – Professional Member of the Nuclear Institute (MNucl)

Joining relevant boards and committees shows your dedication to the industry. Luckily, for a nuclear engineer, there are plenty of memberships to choose from. One in particular, is with the Nuclear Institute. By becoming a Professional Member, you have unique access to resources and events, where you’ll meet likeminded professionals in the industry.

What makes MNucl different to other accreditations is Nuclear Delta®, a collective term for the attributes needed to stand out as a nuclear professional. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate Nuclear Delta® as unique criteria to meeting the Nuclear Institute’s guidelines, some of which includes understanding nuclear safety, nuclear security and technology.

How to apply

If you’re a nuclear engineer (as opposed to a scientist), you will need to register with the Engineering Council UK and complete related competency forms. Once this has been done, you can register for membership with the Nuclear Institute online, where you’ll have to fill out a section specific to Nuclear Delta®. The next stage is to send off your CV and proof of qualifications.

With nuclear energy qualifications, an industry on the forefront of change and a well-paid nuclear engineer salary, there has never been a better time to think about your future in nuclear.

Want to get a head start? Check out our current nuclear jobs.