Degree Apprenticeship Nuclear – Academic Studies
Introduction
The Degree Apprenticeship Nuclear has been developed by the national nuclear industry and educational partners such as Gen2 and Universities as part of the new government trail blazer initiative.
The apprenticeship is a five year programme that provides the learners with vocational training in the nuclear industry as well as an Engineering Council accredited degree. The framework has been designed to include a wide range of engineering and science disciplines recognising the diversity within thenuclear sector. Subject areas include general engineering such as Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Control, Operations and Quality Engineering, as well as Chemistry and Nuclear Physics. In addition the apprenticeship also embraces Nuclear Specific Disciplines such as Nuclear Plant & Process and Reactor Operations.
Apprenticeship Stages
The five year apprenticeship is split into three stages:
Stage 1
Stage 1 is a full time 16 week bridging course that runs from Sept to December and provides the learners with a thorough background in a range of engineering, science and mathematical topics. This has been designed to enable candidates who have achieved 240 UCAS points in variety of A levels to access the programme.The course also introduces the students to the concept of the nuclear delta and the behaviours required from a Nuclear Engineer and/or Scientist.
Stage 2
Stage 2 is the 3 year Foundation Phase. On the successful completion of the bridging course, the Learner will spend 4 days per week with the employer gaining nuclear based experience whilst also working towards the level 5 knowledge and behavioural based competences that are required within the apprenticeship standard. In addition the Learner will attend Gen2 for 1 day per week to study for a Foundation Degree in Plant Engineering which has specific named pathways e.g. Mechanical Engineering and Quality Engineering
Stage 3
Stage 3 is the 2 year Development Phase. On the successful completion of the Foundation Phase (including the vocational and academic elements) the Learner will work towards the level 6 competences for 4 days per week whilst also undertaking a BEng Honours Degree in Plant Engineering on a day release basis. The Honours Degree will provide a natural and seamless progression from the Foundation Degree
The successful completion of the Degree Apprenticeship will conclude with an end assessment which will be in the form of a portfolio of evidence, VIVA and Dissertation Report.