ALMOST 300 young people started their nuclear careers with Sellafield Ltd this month.

The company welcomed 200 apprentices and 88 graduates.

Sellafield Ltd now has more than 600 apprentices in training with apprentice training providers Gen2 and Wigan and Leigh College.

Donna Connor, head of education and skills at Sellafield Ltd, said: “The sheer numbers of apprentices and graduates we continue to train and employ every year clearly demonstrates our commitment to investing in the next generation of nuclear workers.

“Beyond the volume of recruits, we are particularly proud of the variety of training opportunities we are able to provide, with 18 different apprenticeship schemes.

"Our graduate scheme is also diverse with people starting their careers in science, engineering, technology, project management, business, and safety roles.”

READ MORE: 'Unbelievably proud' - Cumbria side victorious over Jamaica in front of thousands

Sellafield Ltd was recently voted in the top 100 apprentice employers in the country for 2022.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said: “I’m delighted that once again Sellafield Ltd is recruiting an impressive number of apprentices and graduates across a range of courses who now have the chance of an exciting career at the most complex nuclear site in Europe.”

Georgia Nevins is on the Nuclear Operator Apprentice scheme. She said: “I’d heard a lot about Sellafield Ltd from family and friends that work here. It excited me as it offers lots of opportunities for personal development, I chose the nuclear operator route as it sounded interesting and worthwhile.

"I wanted to be part of the biggest employer in the area and contribute towards its goal. I feel really privileged to be employed by Sellafield Ltd.”

The apprentices will complete their training across multiple disciplines, from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 6 (degree level) schemes.

Those who have joined the graduate schemes will embark on a two-year programme designed to develop their behavioural, business, and technical skills.

READ MORE: Business cluster agree to 'collaborative working' and strengthens international links

Marc Skillen, Sellafield Ltd’s graduate development manager, said: “It is amazing to welcome 88 graduates – one of our biggest ever single intakes – from all corners of the country.

“The breadth and depth of knowledge and skill that they carry will undoubtedly bring innovation and creativity to help us achieve our purpose of creating a clean and safe environment for future generations.”

As part of their formal welcome to Sellafield Ltd the graduates have already been involved in activities such as behavioural development, understanding what it means to be a nuclear professional, attending the Nuclear Vision Conference and working on a local community project.