How a graduate nuclear engineer helps power six million homes safely!

My name is Lesley, and I have a BSc Physics degree from the University of Leeds. I'm an Assistant Nuclear Safety & Reliability Engineer with the Nuclear Safety & Licensing team in Power New Build, Nuclear & Power. I work on making sure nuclear power plants are safe by reviewing potential risks and writing safety reports. This includes different types of reactors, like small modular reactors and advanced gas-cooled reactors. My job helps ensure everything runs safely and meets strict regulations. So far, I have almost reached the end of my two-year Graduate scheme with AtkinsRéalis.

How I'm making an impact as an AtkinsRéalis graduate?

From the beginning of my scheme, I started working on Europe's largest construction site and the most significant environmental project in Britain – Hinkley Point C. As a nuclear safety engineer, I began learning about all the different systems on the plant and how Nuclear Safety is ensured from the plant's concept to commissioning. I started performing Nuclear Safety categorizations, which means assessing manufacturing issues to ensure they meet the strict safety standards required in the nuclear industry. After completing over 400 categorizations, I became an Authorized Nuclear Safety Categorizer.

When equipment needs to be changed or doesn't meet the expected standards, this project ensures it's handled appropriately. By making sure everything is built and tested carefully, the two new nuclear reactors can safely and sustainably provide clean electricity for around six million homes, helping Britain Achieve Net Zero.

What is your top tip for new graduates?

Be proactive and say yes to all the opportunities that come your way! Use your time here as a graduate to your advantage. Be eager and open to learning, as your senior colleagues are willing to teach and work with you. This is your time to discover what you're good at, what you love to do, and what you dislike. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly question, which is particularly true in the Nuclear industry. Our safety culture is built on behaviors such as having a curious and questioning attitude.

Why choose AtkinsRéalis?

To put it simply, AtkinsRéalis ticked all the important boxes for me: value, opportunity, and community. I wanted to dive into my career at the forefront of innovation and help solve problems behind today's most pressing global challenges, like climate change. With AtkinsRéalis, you have endless opportunities to create better outcomes for our planet and its people. While you dedicate your time to making a greater change in the world, AtkinsRéalis dedicates time and resources to fostering a fun, diverse, and inclusive work environment. As a graduate, I have grown close with my team around me and the Early Careers community. We have cake days, celebrate each other's personal wins, and most importantly, everyone is a friendly face.

What has your project experience been like at AtkinsRéalis?

The organization offers a diverse range of projects that significantly enhance professional development and learning. I've been here for just two years, and I've worked with five high-profile clients on all kinds of work, organizations, and technologies. I've gained experience in various nuclear power plants, from advanced gas-cooled reactors to small modular reactors and the most common type, pressurized water reactors. I've also worked on different life stages, like design, manufacturing, and operational. It's really helped me identify what kind of work I enjoy while gaining a wider appreciation of the nuclear industry.

How is your professional development going?

It's been clear to me from the start that continuous professional development is a given at AtkinsRéalis. Since joining, I've gained a chartership mentor, attended Lunch & Learns, and many formal training sessions to support my continuous learning and career advancement. My favorite opportunity so far was touring the Hinkley Point A site with the site director and taking part in a filmed interview with Women In Nuclear to help encourage more women to join the industry.

In the future, I look forward to taking part in global opportunities. With a presence in multiple countries, AtkinsRéalis offers opportunities for international assignments and collaborations, which will undoubtedly be invaluable for my personal and professional growth.

How has AtkinsRéalis supported your work/life balance?

Flexible working is the norm here, which means I have always felt comfortable doing what's best for me. I feel secure in knowing that if things change in the future, work can adapt to my needs. When I have felt a bit overwhelmed, colleagues have always been quick and eager to support me in any way they can, whether offering to take things off my plate or just being a shoulder to lean on if I needed to talk.

How does learning alongside the industry's most relevant clients and experts sound? Browse and apply for roles on our Graduate Development Programme.