What it's really like working abroad in nuclear?

Hi, I'm Dane. I'm currently on assignment in Canada, working on a small modular reactor (SMR) project with AtkinsRéalis. I've been part of the team for about three months now – and since then, I've discovered a lot about nuclear, international collaboration, and myself. If you're looking for a job you can travel with, here's what the experience has meant for me.

Say "yes" to international jobs that grow your network

I started working on a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project as HVAC Lead for all buildings outside of the Nuclear Island and the opportunity to integrate fully into the CANDU team made sense. It also presented an opportunity to grow my networks and also to explore a new continent – when I did get offered the assignment, it was hard to say no to.

From UK projects to SMR jobs in Canada

I have been HVAC lead on other Nuclear projects, but this is my first role on a New Build project of this scale. I had previously worked on a Waterpark project in the Middle East as MEP Design Manager with AtkinsRéalis so I have been using my experience of working across time zones with different offices (Canada-UK-India) and interfacing with large multi-disciplinary teams on SMR.

What working abroad taught me – on and off the project?

From a technical point of view, as the SMR project is a boiling water reactor (BWR), the reactor technology is new to me and has different challenges compared to pressurised water reactors (PWR). I have been growing my knowledge of the Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) process and contracts. Being assigned to CANDU also means we have been provided with detailed training about CANDU reactors and understanding how the reactors are being refurbished and retubed. On a professional level, being exposed to a new organizational culture and country has been insightful and is helping develop my interpersonal and social skills.

How international nuclear experience powers team growth?

Ontario as a province has a universe of lakes and I have visited a few since I have been here, I am already looking forward to next summer when I really want to go portaging (essentially, picking up a boat and carrying it overland to avoid obstacles in the water). I am from London and I really do appreciate having access to nature at your doorstep here, you don't get skunks and racoons walking past you in South East London! I had the most 'Canadian ' first weekend here where our group saw a moose and a bear. I also had to try the Canadian classic which is poutine (fries, topped with cheese curds and gravy) - it really does hit the spot! 

Finding my feet – and my future – in nuclear leadership

As a lead, I manage teams from different cultures and have taken online management responsibilities for some of them , further developing my management skills. I am still relatively new to Nuclear and have found developing my technical knowledge really rewarding. Being on assignment also means you have to be adaptable and I feel that I have stepped up into a position of responsibility both inside and outside of project work. I feel more confident that I could continue on to future lead roles and eventually, what I particularly enjoy, which is multi-disciplinary engineering management and co-ordination. I have gained a better understanding of how to reach out and use the wider business, an example is that I had some queries on exhaust stack design and reached out to our Air Quality team in the UK who provided valuable insight and clarity.

Design changes, driving styles and staying adaptable

The challenges we have faced as a project are probably aligned to those of other SMRs being developed and those of other large projects. A lot of the issues are due to design maturity and having to keep on top of changes and updates to the design. Combine this with an ambitious construction program and a client who is also facing the same issues as we are, you just have to learn to keep up with everything.

The transition to the assignment has been fairly seamless for me, especially as I visited the project team earlier this year. One the biggest challenges has been getting used to driving everywhere. We are staying in Mississauga, which is not very walkable and you have to adjust to the particularities of the Canadian driving style.

Feeling connected across countries and teams

I am in regular contact with my capability group and have technical support from the UK where required, which has been really beneficial. I also feel fully integrated into the project team now and know who the various points of contact are within the organisation. I also am very thankful for the lovely community we have here, it has certainly helped settling in!

Bringing back skills, lessons and global insight

If there are any BWRs ever proposed in UK or elsewhere, I will have direct experience of working on them and I can also pass on lessons learnt and improvements of working on New Build projects. I am also building up networks and trust within CANDU and am hoping this extends past my discipline and project as the assignment progresses.

Say "yes" – because growth starts outside your comfort zone

I have previously been seconded to the AtkinsRéalis Global Technology Center in Banglore, India and now I am on assignment in Canada. Both these experiences have continued to help me develop both professionally and personally. I will not deny that there are challenges adjusting to a new culture but this has been such a great opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone, expand my professional knowledge, networks and grow personally.

Keen to explore opportunities like mine? Browse nuclear jobs or check out international roles at AtkinsRéalis.