From global adventures to nuclear innovation: Keith’s story

We’re sharing stories from people across AtkinsRéalis working in nuclear — one of the most exciting and fast-growing parts of our business. This is Keith’s.

Keith is a Project Director in the Major Projects team, based out of the North West Hub in Manchester. And if you catch him on a weekend, he’s probably somewhere on a hillside — he’s the current fell running champion at his local running club.

Oh, and he spent a year teaching English in northern Thailand. He can still speak, read, and write in Thai.

But it’s what Keith does Monday to Friday that he’s most animated about right now.

“We are embarking on a nuclear renaissance”

Keith leads bids on the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme — the UK government’s flagship initiative to build a new generation of nuclear reactors that will generate clean energy for communities across the country. AtkinsRéalis is one of very few organisations with the capability to help deliver it.

“This ‘first of a kind’ work is a template for the future,” Keith says. “It will generate clean energy for communities and is a critical part of our transition to net zero. Longer term, it will also help other countries generate clean energy by developing and exporting the skills needed to design and build this next generation of nuclear reactors.”

He pauses. “Pretty exciting stuff!”

His day-to-day involves understanding clients’ needs, demonstrating AtkinsRéalis’ capability, leading teams — “and drinking lots of tea!”

You don’t need a nuclear background

One of the things Keith is most keen to challenge is the assumption that you need to come from a nuclear background to work in the sector.

“I am proof that this isn’t necessarily the case,” he says. “Many skills are transferable across the company and will be much needed over the coming years.”

Keith’s own career path proves the point. He joined AtkinsRéalis in 2002 and has steadily moved between technical, project management, and business management roles — progressing from technical support to business director positions by being open to new experiences and putting his hand up.

“Every role I’ve taken has challenged and developed me in some way,” he says. “Over the years, my career path has moved between technical, project management, and business management. There are many synergies — experience in one area helps you in others.”

A decade in the Middle East

Ask Keith for a career highlight and he doesn’t hesitate.

“My 10 years in the Middle East is certainly a standout. The scale and pace of delivery, combined with the melting pot of cultures, was exciting, challenging, and rewarding in equal measure.” That breadth of experience — across geographies, disciplines, and cultures — is something he now brings to the nuclear programme, where the complexity of delivery demands exactly that kind of range.

The people make the difference

When Keith talks about what keeps him at AtkinsRéalis after more than two decades, he keeps coming back to the people.

“I’m regularly inspired — and humbled! — by colleagues here. We employ some of the brightest minds in the industry, who are also some of the most helpful, enthusiastic people you could meet. Many I consider true friends.”

He also values the sheer breadth of what’s on offer beyond the day job. “One of the benefits of working for such a large and varied organisation is the range of opportunities open to our staff — technically and professionally, but also personally. Inclusion initiatives, coaching and mentoring, industry leadership, social committees, wellbeing, charity events — the list goes on. There’s something for everyone.”

A once-in-a-generation opportunity

For anyone thinking about joining the nuclear team, Keith’s message is clear.

“This is a tremendously exciting time. The sector is well funded, with a significant skills shortage — what a great opportunity to shape the future of our planet and its people.”

Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis spans new build, fleet support, decommissioning, remediation, and products and services. The breadth of work means there’s room for all kinds of skills and career paths — and Keith’s own journey from technical support to Project Director, via a decade in the Middle East, is proof of that.

“We’re not just building reactors,” he says. “We’re building a template that other countries will follow. That’s the kind of legacy you don’t get everywhere.”

Interested in building your career in nuclear at AtkinsRéalis? Explore our opportunities and discover what’s possible.