The People behind the Power There is a tendency in nuclear power generation to rely on data and science, forgoing the human dimension. It is important to promote the economic and environmental benefits of civil nuclear but we should complement this by presenting the faces behind the figures, showcasing that the men and women who operate, study, support, innovate and invent are the true champions of nuclear.
Continuing from the front cover‌ Public perception is essential in promoting confidence and decisions made now on UK nuclear will not only affect our future energy needs but will also have an impact on the tens of thousands of people working in the industry. People can more closely relate to another persons story over a set of data and with this in mind the Nuclear Industry Association went across the country in search of the people behind the power. To find out why they work in civil nuclear, what the best aspects of their jobs are and to present their stories here.
Colin, Chemistry Engineer AMEC
I joined the nuclear industry in 1973, and I like the work variation. Constantly investigating and understanding new challenges.
Tom, EngD Student/Research Engineer Dalton Nuclear Institute, The University of Manchester
Chris, Strategy Director National Nuclear Laboratory
I joined the industry as a trainee in 1989 — why? The industry seemed to offer more of a career than just a job. Over 20 years later I think I made the right decision.
Sherry, Visitor Centre Coordinator EDF Energy
I have the benefit of working with our local community every day, and I love the fact that no two days are the same.
Colette, Receptionist Dalton Cumbrian Facility
Francys, Process Engineer M+W Group
I see nuclear power generation as a positive way forward to tackle climate change and to provide for the increased needs of a growing population and economy.
Debbie, Principal Consultant AREVA RMC
My career has been a logical evolution of experience over time but one I never anticipated.
Glynn, Electrical Engineer AMEC
Rowan, Consultant Engineer REACT Engineering Ltd
Tom, MRF Apprentice Studsvik (UK) Limited
Connor, Director, UK Business NUKEM Technologies
The responsibilities of my role are varied by the nature of the industry – there are so many different facets, challenges, and areas or projects to get involved in.
The number of diverse enquiries we have coming into the visitor centre means I am constantly learning.
Marie, Visitor Centre Coordinator EDF Energy
Andrea, PhD Vanadium Alloys for Fusion Energy Dalton Nuclear Institute, University of Manchester
One great aspect of research work is the absence of routine and ability to constantly challenge myself.
Julie, Administrator Studsvik (UK) Limited
I needed job security and I knew the nuclear industry in West Cumbria was thriving.
Stephen, Graduate Scientist National Nuclear Laboratory
I have been impressed with the high standards and quality that every individual adheres to.
Behind every statistic is a beating human heart. — Stephen Fry
Ian, Partner Burges Salmon LLP
Andrew, Radiation Protection Adviser Studsvik (UK) Limited
At the end of a 2 year training scheme I got a placement within Health Physics, and never looked back!
I enjoy my role educating some of the University of Manchester’s brightest and best students.
Simon, Director of DCF/Prof. of Radiation Chemistry Dalton Cumbrian Facility/University of Manchester
Bliss, Research Technician National Nuclear Laboratory
My heart wasn’t set on going to university so I decided to do an apprenticeship straight from school at 16. I’m now a fully qualified research technician.
Alex, Business Development Director M+W Group
I see nuclear as an enormous opportunity – not just for jobs in the UK but also because of the opportunity to export British expertise around the world.
Tom, Student Engineer Atkins Limited
The best part of my job is the mental challenge it offers – it’s certainly never boring or easy.
Vicky, Administrator Dalton Cumbrian Facility
I was looking to change my job and I thought it would be a great opportunity being involved in the newly created research facility.
Steve and Trevor, Process Workers National Nuclear Laboratory
Paul, Waste Management and Transport Coordinator Studsvik (UK) Ltd
Rebecca, Research Engineer National Nuclear Laboratory
John, Security Officer G4S Gurkha Services
I have always been interested in nuclear power, and if Hinkley C goes ahead it will bring increased job security for me and many others.
Sam, Group Manager AREVA RMC
Lindsay, Business Manager IS&T National Nuclear Laboratory
I have the opportunity to work with very motivated and talented people.
Mike, Facillity Manager Studsvik (UK) Limited
At the time nuclear was the only industry in the area that could not only offer long term security but also a chance to develop further with its diverse roles.
Richard, Lab Manager National Nuclear Laboratory
I’ve been able to do a wide variety of roles within an industry with some great technical challenges.
Sheila, Technology Commercialisation Manager National Nuclear Laboratory
Matthew, Project Engineer REACT Engineering Ltd
Vicki, Senior Engineer AMEC
The NIA would like to thank the following member companies for welcoming us and to thank those staff members who took part in the project: AMEC, AREVA, Atkins Limited, Burges Salmon LLP, Dalton Cumbrian Facility, Dalton Nuclear Institute, EDF Energy, M+W Group, National Nuclear Laboratory, NUKEM Technologies, REACT Engineering Limited and Studsvik (UK) Limited.
The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is the trade association and representative voice of the UK’s civil nuclear industry. We represent 62,000 UK nuclear workers across more than 260 member companies. Nuclear Industry Association is a company limited by guarantee registered in England No. 2804518 Registered Office: Carlton House 22A St James’s Square London SW1Y 4JH TEL +44(0)20 7766 6640
Design: www.thomasmatthews.com Photography: www.gregoire-bernardi.com
For more information please contact: Dan Powney EMAIL dpowney@niauk.org