The Human Factors & Ergonomics Graduate Scheme 2012 is open for applications for a limited time - Apply now.
Nuclear is a key component of a diverse energy strategy, and when it comes to nuclear power, our experience and expertise are second to none. EDF Group is the world’s largest nuclear power generator, safely operating 58 nuclear reactors in France and 15 in the UK. Our recent integration with British Energy means we are now the leading player in nuclear power generation in the UK as well.
The UK Government has called for a mixed energy policy, and nuclear is part of the solution to the long-term energy challenge. By 2025, we’re aiming to build and operate four new nuclear reactors, the first of which will be commercially operational in 2018 provided a robust investment framework is in place. It is an exciting time to begin a career in nuclear generation, and this is your chance to be one of the few afforded the opportunity to develop expert skills in this dynamic and challenging environment.
Who is it for?
Graduates with a minimum 2:1 in Ergonomics or Human Factors or a relevant postgraduate qualification
What will you be doing?
You will join the twelve-month graduate programme, which is designed to introduce you to the company by building your knowledge and experience within both the Nuclear Generation and New Nuclear Build parts of the business. During this programme you will undertake formal technical and commercial awareness training.
What could you be doing after the programme?
When your twelve months on the programme are complete, you could go on to progress your career in one of two directions:
Nuclear Generation
Nuclear Generation operates our eight nuclear power stations in the UK. Together these have a combined capacity of almost 9,000 megawatts. This electricity is vital to the UK economy and our aim is to build the skills of a new generation of nuclear professionals to keep our nuclear portfolio running safely and efficiently.
You could join the Nuclear Generation Human Factors Team at Barnwood. The Team provides authoritative technical advice to the Company's power stations and corporate functions on key safety and commercial issues, to ensure that human factors issues are assessed and adequately addressed in plant operations, safety cases and plant modifications.
The work here involved identifying and applying HF methodologies, standards and guidelines while developing task analysis, time-lines, and human reliability assessments. You may also have the chance to help design Human Machine Interfaces currently under modification or design. You’ll learn extensively from experienced nuclear human factors professionals about the theory and practice of applying human factors to the operation and eventually decommissioning of nuclear plants. Throughout, you’ll find a continuous focus on nuclear professionalism supported by dedication, hard work and an overarching commitment to safety.
New Nuclear Build
With the commitment to having a mixed energy policy in the UK, looking forward to new nuclear build is one of EDF Energy’s top priorities – a truly exciting challenge. It is likely that there will be opportunities to spend time developing your career in this direction as the business area expands.
You could join the Nuclear New Build Human Factors Team in London. The role would be to ensure that human factors is properly considered for the largest construction project in Europe, the design, build and eventual operation of EDF’s four new UK nuclear reactors,
Where you’ll be based
During the initial twelve months you will spend time training at the Barnwood office in Gloucester and you undertake placements within the human factors teams based at Barnwood (Nuclear Generation) and in London (Nuclear New Build Human) you will also spend time at two of the following power stations:
- Sizewell – Suffolk
- Hinkley – Somerset
- Dungeness – Kent
- Heysham 1 & 2 – Lancashire
- Hartlepool – Teesside
- Hunterston – North Ayrshire
- Torness – East Lothian
We’ll discuss opportunities for moving into your first role with you towards the end of your initial training period. This may be within Existing Nuclear or New Nuclear Build.
