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Nuclear measurement device

Nuclear Technician

Helping to manage nuclear facilities by operating equipment to high safety standards and keeping everyone safe

How this role makes a difference

The main role of the nuclear industry is producing electricity. The heat that’s produced during nuclear fission is used to heat water and the steam that results is used to spin large turbines that generate electricity. However, nuclear processes and reactors are used in several other industries as well.

Reactive material is used in consumer products such as fire detectors, watches and clocks. Gamma rays are used to kill bacteria on food. Radioactive tracers are used in medical diagnosis machines that help to save lives. You could be the technician who delivers essential electricity or supports other innovative uses of nuclear.

The kind of work you’ll do

  • Operating systems and equipment safely
  • Solving technical problems
  • Preparation of technical reports to assist decision-making
  • Carrying out routine tasks following strict procedures
  • Mathematical tasks and preparing data for analysis
  • Recording and drawing conclusions from data
  • Supporting other engineers and technicians so they can function effectively
Useful skills
Critical thinking
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Problem solving
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Logical thinking
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Communicating complex ideas
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Precise
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

Some understanding of engineering and scientific principles.

Good discipline when it comes to organising your time and resources.

The ability to think carefully about a subject or idea, ask questions and implement what you’ve learned.

An enjoyment of problem solving and a logical approach to understanding and tackling problems.

The ability to understand and communicate complex ideas.

A responsible attitude to following procedures accurately, with good attention to detail.

You could also be right for this role if you have any of the following interests:

- science

- building, making and fixing things

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities

You could become a team leader in a specialist area of the nuclear industry, supporting innovative applications of nuclear processes and reactors.

Alternatively, your skills could lead you to a risk management or health and safety role, or you could help to promote the work of the industry and why it is needed.

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Nuclear facilities are managed with stringent procedures to make sure the people working in them and living in the surrounding environment are safe. You’ll be involved in making sure procedures are followed. You'll also help inform the general public on the benefits of nuclear power and how systems are managed safely.

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Myra Cooke

Nuclear Technician

Myra Cooke
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