Award-winning leadership development programme gives young people insight into range of nuclear careers

Students in Cumbria spent a week at Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) learning more about career opportunities and leadership as part of Dream Placement.

Dream Placement is run by Centre for Leadership Performance and is a collaboration between educators, businesses and young people in Cumbria that offers essential leadership development opportunities for students aged 16 to 18. 

Five students completed a week-long placement with NWS as part of the leadership development programme, learning about different career opportunities, experiencing leadership in the workplace, building confidence and connecting with businesses in Cumbria.

20% of the students that have attended Dream Placement with NWS have gone on to secure Apprenticeships at NWS. 

This year’s packed agenda included a variety of activities with a multitude of teams from across the organisation – such as Environmental, Waste Characterisation, Cyber Security, GDF Grants and HR. 

It was a unique chance for young people to engage senior leaders at Nuclear Waste Services and learn more about their work to help the young people build confidence, skills and enhance their CV. 

The teenagers were tasked with creating a lesson and activity for secondary school pupils aged 11 to 12 about Energy, Waste and the Environment – linking the topic with both NWS and the national curriculum, with the project outcomes being used by NWS as an education resource. 

Tracy Badham, Social Responsibility Manager, at NWS said: 

“Dream Placement is a wonderful opportunity for NWS colleagues to showcase our work to the younger generation and gives the students a chance to experience a wide range of departments across our business.

“Our aim is that we learn as much from the students during their week with us, as they do from us. Not only does it enhance our volunteers who take part but it enables us to engage with young people in West Cumbria and introduce them to NWS and broaden their horizons. 

“The main learning point that students often take away is that while we may be part of the nuclear sector, we are not all scientists, and there are many job opportunities in other areas.” 

NWS’ scientific nuclear apprentices Teddy Waning and Macy Bradley’s initial experience of NWS came through Dream Placements.

“My placement week at NWS was a turning point in my decision to pursue a degree apprenticeship with the organisation,” Teddy said. 

 “Experiencing such a positive working environment at just 16 was incredibly valuable. Without this experience, I might not have considered entering a professional setting straight after sixth form.”  

Macy Bradley , Scientific Nuclear Apprentice, added:

“Upon starting Sixth Form I knew I wanted to pursue a degree; however, University life just didn’t appeal.

“Before Dream Placement, I had never actually heard of NWS before or knew of the post A-level opportunities they had to offer.

After an amazing insight into the working community of the company, it opened up my search for a degree apprenticeship further than my local area.”   

Earlier this month, those that took part in Dream Placement came together at Energus in Lilyhall to celebrate the success of this year’s programme at the Dream Placement Showcase Event run by the Centre for Leadership Performance in Cumbria. Three of the five students have secured work experience with NWS in the summer.

Paul Skelton, NWS Near Surface Disposal Delivery Programme Director, has been involved with the initiative for the past four years and said it has been amazing to watch it mature. 

“Every year we offer a different experience ensuring that the NWS Dream Placement continues to evolve, and it does not stay static and most importantly that the project delivered by the students is something that actually helps us with our wider work in the community. 

“Year on year we see that more colleagues want to become involved and engaged, which in turn grows the experience for both the students and our staff. 

“We talk about the importance of being a good neighbour, and I hope to think that this is what being a good neighbour looks and feels like to the younger community.”