ECITB's Work Ready programme helps unemployed people secure job opportunities in nuclear sector

The ECITB Work Ready Programme is making a ‘massive difference’ to lives and helping long-term unemployed people secure roles in the nuclear sector.

The programme is a collaborative and co-funded partnership between the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), employers, training providers, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and other partners across Great Britain.

The 16-week programme supports learners, who are 18 and over, to gain recognised engineering construction industry (ECI) skills and accredited qualifications and secure employment.

Two cohorts of learners successfully completed the programme last year in Cumbria after being referred to the programme via the DWP’s Jobcentres.

Steve Hampton had been unemployed for six months before starting the programme, having been in and out of short-term employment since leaving the Royal Navy seven years ago.

After completing the programme, he secured employment with NUVIA, an international engineering company that specialises in providing services and products for nuclear environments.

Five months into his employment with NUVIA, Steve said: “If I think back to being at the job centre, hearing about the programme and then completing the course – it’s been a massive journey!

“I didn’t know it was going to be such a great opportunity. I’ve gained so much training and experience and I’ve progressed so far in such a short space of time.”

Steve, who lives in Workington, Cumbria, was recruited for NUVIA’s Sellafield contract work but will also be deployed to various other locations.

The 33-year-old said: “It’s been really exciting starting work at NUVIA, no day is the same and you do lots of different jobs.

“I’ve got to do lots of different training since joining, including a monitored workers course to be able to work in radiation and contaminated areas, a course to be able to work in asbestos areas and respirator mask training for working in controlled areas.

“It has been amazing the help we have had to be able to work in different areas, the courses we’ve done and the forward progression track they’ve put us on.

“I had a bit of experience going into this with my engineering background in mechanical fitting and machining, but the programme and this extra training at NUVIA has taken it to a whole new level from where I was when I was sat at the job centre.

“This has got massive opportunities around the corner all the time and they want you to progress as much as possible.”

The programme is designed to secure jobs with local contractors in the area to be deployed onto the Sellafield nuclear site.

Work Ready was developed in 2023 to create a pipeline of new entrants to address skills gaps across the industry’s different sectors, such as nuclear.

The ECITB’s 2024 Workforce Census highlighted that there are more than 37,000 workers in the nuclear sector, with employers estimating a 10% increase in headcount by 2027.

With thousands of extra skilled workers needed in the coming years to meet demand, the ECITB is supporting employers in the sector to invest in their talent pipeline, such as by developing alternative entry pathways like the Work Ready Programme.

Work Ready Programme changing lives

As well as core training in health and safety, the Trainee Maintenance Operative (TMO) programme Steve completed at GEN2 also involved achieving a Level 2 Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations, along with a full DBS check and obtaining full clearance for access to the Sellafield site.

The full-time training and assessments on the Work Ready Programme are interspersed with work placements and employer visits.

Cohorts that have been through the programme across Britain have spoken of its life-changing impact, with the skills gained being in demand in industry to help open doors to meaningful, long-term employment.

The programme is free for learners and those who claim Universal Credit/Job Seeker’s Allowance retain their full benefits during the 16 weeks.

Steve added: “It’s made a massive difference to my life. I’m happy at work, but outside of work it just makes everything easier when you’re making good money. People say money isn’t everything, but it definitely helps.

“But more than that, just being in a good routine of coming to work. It’s a pleasure to come in every day and I’ve made friendships that have continued outside work.

“It’s been absolutely awesome.”

Mike Nuttall, Operations Manager at NUVIA, added: “Steve joined the team in September 2024 and was deployed on WAGR (Windscale Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor).

“With his existing NVQ3 in Mechanical Fitting, and having gained a qualification in asbestos handling, Steve has become a skilled operative that can work in areas with high hazard risks. This dual skillset allows a small NUVIA team to deliver work in areas previously inaccessible to Sellafield.

“Steve has been recognised internally through our Anytime Award, where senior managers have been impressed with his work ethic, problem-solving abilities and willingness to challenge unsafe behaviours.

“In the short time Steve has been at NUVIA, he has developed into an integral part of the team, and we are able to safely deliver high hazard work, helping towards Sellafield’s mission to remove high hazard, active buildings in a short timescale.”

For more information, please visit ECITB's website.