Office for Nuclear Regulation apprentice recognised at award ceremony - National Apprenticeship Week 2024

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and one of its apprentices were proud to be recognised at an award ceremony dedicated to celebrating last week’s National Apprenticeship Week.

Siân McGee was chosen as Business Administration Apprentice of the Year as part of DBC Training’s 2024 Apprenticeship Awards.

The 27-year-old was singled out by judges for her ‘unwavering commitment’ and ‘surpassing expectations’ while ONR was shortlisted as a finalist for Employer of the Year in the annual awards, held in Derby.

Siân is a Business Administration Apprentice within ONR’s Sellafield, Decommissioning, Fuel and Waste (SDFW) division, where she works for the Divisional Delivery and Support team.

At the same time, she is working towards her Level 3 Business Administration NVQ with DBC Training, who help ONR employees secure qualifications to equip them for their ongoing careers.

Apprenticeships are a key element of ONR’s commitment to recruiting and training the next generation of nuclear specialists and support staff.

They provide a key talent pipeline to support people through education into skilled work, helping ONR to keep the UK nuclear industry safe and secure by developing a motivated and qualified workforce.

At the same time, she is working towards her Level 3 Business Administration NVQ with DBC Training, who help ONR employees secure qualifications to equip them for their ongoing careers.

Apprenticeships are a key element of ONR’s commitment to recruiting and training the next generation of nuclear specialists and support staff.

They provide a key talent pipeline to support people through education into skilled work, helping ONR to keep the UK nuclear industry safe and secure by developing a motivated and qualified workforce.

Siân said: “I am incredibly proud to be named DBC Training’s Business Administration Apprentice of the Year.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to DBC, my development coach Amanda Issott and ONR for all of their support during my apprenticeship.”

As the sector prepares to support a growing nuclear portfolio, apprenticeship programmes like ONR’s are vital to ensure there is the right capacity and capability for the coming years and decades to maintain strong workforce continuity.

Paul Burton, Head of Apprenticeships at DBC Training, said: “Each year our Apprenticeship Awards shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals that show excellence in apprenticeship training, as well as employers who are ambassadors for apprenticeships in their organisations, and those who provide unparalleled support and mentorship to apprentices.

“From the start of her apprenticeship, Siân has produced high standards of work and gone the extra mile every step of the way.

“Her output continues to surpass expectations and she is a worthy winner of our Business Administration Apprentice of the Year award.”

The ONR apprenticeship programme includes both business administration and nuclear degree apprentices working across its organisation.

It started in 2019, with apprentices working towards either their Business Administration NVQ or their five-year BEng (Hons) Degree in Nuclear Engineering, accredited by Lancaster University.

Cath Albans, Head of Business Development at DBC Training, said of ONR’s shortlisting: “ONR is deeply invested in the journeys of their apprentices, and recognise the importance of ensuring that each apprentice is allocated a workplace mentor as well as having access to pastoral support.”