Dream Placement: How UK Students Are Landing Nuclear Careers and Shaping the Future of Energy

Dream Placement 2023 students Macy (left) and Sophie showcase their poster on geological disposal facilities. (Photo: NWS)

A Lego model of a geological disposal facility created for NWS Dream Placement 2023 by Andrew (right) and his teammate Addison. (Photo: NWS)

2022 Dream Placement students Libby (left) and Teddy, who later became NWS apprentices. (Photo: NWS)

This initiative is part of the Dream Placement program, managed by the Center for Leadership Performance, a nonprofit in Cumbria, northwestern England. It fosters leadership skills in youth and builds connections with local businesses. Since 2013, the program has strengthened ties between students and employers, promoting collaborative action for Cumbria's future leaders.

Dream Placement is a free six-month leadership development program for 16- to 18-year-olds in Cumbria. It helps students explore careers and allows employers to shape their future workforce. Nicola Woolley, the center's secondary program manager, noted that businesses co-created the program to retain local talent and highlight opportunities in the region.

Annually, selected participants engage in weeklong placements at various industrial sites in February, with the nuclear industry being a key sector. Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has participated since 2022, introducing students to career paths amid a growing skills shortage in the UK nuclear sector. Thomas Hogan of NWS emphasized that 20% of Dream Placement attendees since 2022 are now apprentices, and four of five 2025 participants secured summer internships.

The Energy Coast

Cumbria's coast, known as Britain's Energy Coast, hosts Sellafield, the UK's largest nuclear site, including historic facilities like Calder Hall. The region is a hub for nuclear waste management, offshore wind, and advanced engineering, positioning it as a vital energy center.

Dealing with Waste

Nuclear energy has powered the UK for over 70 years, accounting for 15% of electricity. NWS, established in 2022, manages radioactive waste with a team of 900 experts. It focuses on recycling and reusing 98% of nuclear waste, using a waste hierarchy to minimize disposal. A repository in Cumbria handles low-level waste from various sectors.

Dream Placement

Participants in NWS's Dream Placement program celebrated their achievements in March at the Energus Conference Center. (Photo: NWS)

Since 2013, Dream Placement has offered 2,150 young applicants leadership opportunities, with 590 placements across 90 companies. NWS CEO Martin Walkingshaw supports widening participation, noting many alumni join the industry. Sarah Glass of the Center for Leadership Performance aims to reach underrepresented groups, boosting aspirations.

Benefits for businesses include access to motivated youth and a talent pool of over 1,600 alumni. Students gain confidence, career awareness, and skills like communication and teamwork. The 2024-25 Impact Report recorded 230 participants, with 70 completing weeklong placements.

Student Experiences

During their week at NWS, students engaged in talks, group exercises, and site visits, learning about waste management. They developed leadership and problem-solving skills, with career guidance on CV writing and interviews. A key project involved creating an educational game on energy and waste for schools, adapted for different age groups and integrated into the UK curriculum.

NWS employees volunteered, fostering community ties. Tracy Badham, NWS social responsibility manager, highlighted mutual learning, with staff gaining fresh perspectives from students.

The Dream is Just the Beginning

NWS Dream Placement participants, including 2022 and 2023 students, with NWS's Tracy Badham. (Photo: NWS)

Feedback shows 90% of students recommend the program, and 94% of employers see improved talent connections. Four 2025 participants received NWS internships, continuing a trend where alumni like Teddy and Macy pursued apprenticeships, citing the program as pivotal for their careers.

Badham and Paul Skelton of NWS emphasized the program's evolution and community impact, with ongoing commitment for three more years. Hogan reiterated its role in providing valuable work experience in the nuclear industry.