Partnership provides graduates with career-boosting energy sector opportunities

A partnership between Lancaster University and Heysham 2 nuclear power plant, which is operated by EDF Energy, is helping to recruit talented graduates into the energy sector. The Lancaster University and EDF Energy Placement Scheme provides science and technology students with a one-year paid internship in a variety of disciplines at the power station including Engineering, Chemistry, Continuous Improvement and Environmental Safety. Students recruited onto the scheme, which has been running for two years, include Emily Richards who graduated from Lancaster in 2015 with a degree in Environmental Science. After working in the radiological protection team on-site at Heysham, Emily applied for a graduate position with the company, which led to her accepting a position as Health Physics Graduate. This role will enable her to develop and learn alongside experts in the field, while visiting EDF sites nationally. Emily said: "I am currently undertaking technical training at EDF Energy's engineering headquarters in Barnwood, Gloucester. I am still based at Heysham 2 but will have the opportunity to work at other stations within various roles, as well as working for nuclear new build in Bristol before coming back to Heysham 2 as a permanent member of staff within their Health Physics Department.