National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026 offers an opportunity to celebrate how apprenticeships are shaping careers, strengthening businesses and supporting the wider economy.
We’re committed to developing the next generation of nuclear professionals, helping to maintain the essential skills pipeline that keeps the UK nuclear industry safe and secure.
We are passionate about helping people grow, whether that means developing new skills, progressing in their careers, or taking on fresh challenges. Apprenticeships give us the opportunity to:
- bring diverse perspectives into our organisation
- develop specialists who understand our unique regulatory role from the outset
- build a sustainable workforce for the future
Since launching our apprenticeship programme in 2019, ONR has welcomed apprentices working towards Business Administration qualifications and five-year BEng (Hons) Degrees in Nuclear Engineering, accredited by Lancaster University.
What started as a response to the sector-wide skills gap has become a cornerstone of how we build our workforce. Rather than relying solely on recruiting experienced professionals from the nuclear industry, we now invest in growing our own talent from the ground up.
Jo O’Brien, from ONR's apprentice programme said “Our apprentices have quickly become valued members of DDS, bringing fresh thinking, enthusiasm, and a real appetite to learn.
They’ve embraced the complexity of our regulatory environment with maturity and curiosity, and they’re already making meaningful contributions to the teams they support.
Their drive and professionalism are impressive, and we’re incredibly proud of the impact they’re having as they grow into the professionals of the future.”
Hear from some of our apprentices on their experiences...
Amber Parmer
Amber is in the final few weeks of a Level 3 NVQ apprenticeship, which she started in November 2024.
“Alongside my NVQ I’ve been working across our New Reactors Directorate including the ANTs and Early Engagement workstreams. I also support our Innovation team.
“The first module we studied, 'The organisation', was really interesting and useful for me. As I was new to ONR at the time, it really helped me gain a clear understanding of the organisations mission, value and over all objectives. It also gave me a better insight into how different teems work together and how my role contributes to the wider goal of the organisation.
“It has been interesting to do business role, which is different from what I was doing previously and once I’ve completed my apprenticeship my plan is to stay on new reactors. It’s really positive that ONR recognises how important NVQs are and offers us the opportunity to continue our career here.
“We have a full day a week set aside for studies and our lines managers are great with supporting the balance between work and our NVQ requirements.
“At ONR, the apprenticeship really comes first. I would encourage anyone to think about doing one.”
Emily Strype
Emily, 18, has been with ONR since October 2024 and works on the People Services team within HR. She said she was attracted to the role as she “found the organisational purpose and culture at ONR appealing.
“Since starting with HR I have learnt a lot about the importance of a positive and supportive team.
“I am looking forward to further developing within my role”
David Olivia
David joined the ONR apprenticeship programme in September 2024 and has recently achieved his NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, securing a permanent position with the organisation.
Since joining ONR, David has worked within our New Reactors Directorate, providing expert business administration support to the regulatory teams responsible for assessing new reactor designs and overseeing construction projects such as Hinkley Point C.
David said: "The apprenticeship programme has given me the opportunity to gain a professional qualification while also growing in confidence and self-belief.
"My experience at ONR has been overwhelmingly positive, and my colleagues have been incredibly supportive since I joined. I'm looking forward to staying at ONR and developing my career here.
"I would encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to give it serious thought – it's been an excellent experience for me."
Chloe Lunt
Chloe, 22, joined ONR as an apprentice in September 2024 and works in ONR’s Technical Directorate.
Chloe has a degree in Software Engineering from Edge Hill University but was drawn to working in nuclear as she’s always been interested in the sector.
"I’m fascinated by all the small parts within the nuclear sector that make up the big picture. There is so much happening behind the scenes – which is evident in all the work I see across TD.
"Joining ONR with no prior experience in nuclear has been challenging but it’s a very supportive environment and people are always on hand to help.
"I’ve noticed my interpersonal skills have improved during my time at ONR - my role requires me to work with a wide range of people so having strong communication skills is essential."
Chloe recently completed her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and received a Distinction – a huge achievement!
Abbie Bruce
Abbie joined ONR as an apprentice in September 2024 and began a Business Administration Level 3 qualification.
This took 18 months to complete, and the 26-year-old recently passed this course with three distinctions.
Abbie recently became a permanent ONR staff member and now works in the Technical Directorate.
She said: “I work with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) team and those type of incidents, international engagement, draft safety standards and the enforcement database.
“The apprenticeship has been so valuable to me, helping me to build my confidence working in a big organisation, developing leadership skills engaging with colleagues in a technical sector.
“I’ve not had a background in the nuclear industry, but the programme has helped me get that stepping stone to work with the regulator.
“I’ve got so much from the apprenticeship and I’ve loved it. I’m looking forward to developing my career with ONR in the future.”
Kayleigh Parry
Kayleigh, 39, joined ONR in November 2024. She started out in the Sellafield Decommissioning Fuel & Waste (SDFW) Directorate as part of the Directorate Delivery Support (DDS) team and now works in the combined Operating Facilities and SDFW DDS team.
Kayleigh said: "I absolutely love working here – my team is really supportive. Before this, I'd worked in all sorts of different sectors, and most recently spent about ten years in social care as a manager.
"When my son was about to turn 16 and start college, I had a bit of a lightbulb moment. I thought, right, it's finally time to focus on me and find a career I actually want - not just one that fits around being a single parent. I'd already done a workplace apprenticeship when I worked in care, so I knew that route worked well for me.
"I genuinely think apprenticeships are such a brilliant option. They're a fantastic alternative to college or university, and they open doors that might otherwise feel closed – especially if traditional learning routes aren't right for you. For someone like me who decided in their mid-thirties to completely switch careers, it's been the perfect fit."
