Building Careers in Nuclear Engineering: Amentum UK’s Early Careers Success Stories

Amy Donaldson and Rory MacDougall have gained invaluable insights from their participation in an early careers exchange programme. Their experiences have enhanced their professional development and provided a deeper understanding of the nuclear industry’s complexities.

Amy Donaldson, currently in her second year of Amentum’s Graduate Development Programme, is a member of the Systems Engineering team based in Glasgow. As part of her placement, Amy completed multiple drone surveys to ensure site safety and monitor coastal erosion at the NRS Dounreay nuclear site in Scotland. These surveys play a crucial role in maintaining site security and environmental stability.

Reflecting on her experience, Amy said: “I would recommend any graduate to take the opportunity to work on-site because it gives you a greater appreciation of the environment we work in and the challenges we face.

“The hands-on experience allowed me to witness first-hand the safety protocols, advanced technology, and highly specialised operations involved, from the management of nuclear reactors to the careful handling of radioactive materials.

“Learning about the decommissioning process, how sites are safely dismantled, and the long-term management of nuclear waste has broadened my perspective on the lifecycle of nuclear facilities.”

Rory MacDougall, a Civil & Structural Engineer based at Dounreay, also found the exchange programme highly beneficial. His participation has provided him with a greater appreciation of Amentum’s operational processes, which he believes will support him in building relationships with contractors in the future.

Commenting on his experience, Rory said: “The main objectives of my secondment were to gain more experience in civil and structural design. I have developed my steel and concrete design skills and have gained experience in new fields such as demolition and building modification.”

The early careers exchange programme at Amentum offers a unique opportunity for young professionals to gain hands-on experience and develop a well-rounded understanding of the nuclear industry. By immersing themselves in real-world applications, participants like Amy and Rory are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the sector and enhance their career prospects within the field of nuclear engineering and safety.

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