Responsible for the operation of plant systems and equipment on nuclear facilities
Occupational Profile
Core responsibilities:
The Nuclear Operative is responsible for the hands on operation of plant systems and equipment on a nuclear facility and associated off site plant. This will involve working within a variety of environments within nuclear facilities, either operational work or decommissioning work (a process of removing all radioactive, non-radioactive and contaminated plant and equipment), necessitating the use of innovative methods and equipment, where required, and the practical skills associated with this. The working conditions are varied and may involve wearing specialist safety equipment, and working on sites running 365 day operations. Nuclear Operatives will be required to work individually and as part of a team, meeting required standards and adhering to strict controls and procedures. Nuclear sites are highly regulated and a premium is placed on demonstrating an understanding of nuclear, radiological and conventional safety, together with the appropriate attitudes and behaviors to ensure apprentices comply with organizational safety and regulatory requirements at all times.
Decommissioning option role responsibilities:
The Nuclear Decommissioning Operative is responsible for the safe operation and surveillance of nuclear plants within their decommissioning phase, including dismantling, removal and disposal of a variety of plant and equipment associated with a nuclear licensed site, often using state-of-the-art techniques and equipment. This will be achieved through disciplined operations, efficient team working, developing solutions to project requirements and the deployment of bespoke equipment to aid decommissioning.
This role will involve the sampling, size reduction, segregation and packaging of different categorizations of waste within a number of challenging environments, often in full personal and respiratory protective equipment, ensuring all work is conducted to national and industry standards and best practice to minimize any impact to the workforce, public and environment.
Process option role responsibilities:
The Nuclear Process Operative is responsible for safely carrying out plant process operations in a variety of nuclear operating plants including but not limited to fuel manufacture and storage, nuclear reactors, reprocessing, and waste processing and storage. The role requires a good understanding of the operating plant, processes and materials and the operating rules and procedures required for the safe operation of plant equipment, monitoring and adjusting controls, recording data in logs, taking operational samples and responding to emergency procedures.
Summary of standard
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/nuclear-operative/
Full standard
