Nuclear Waste Services has been offering its support and guidance to young people through a series of STEM outreach events around the country, working with its potential employees, community leaders and decision makers of the future.
STEM outreach focuses on initiatives designed to engage young people in science, technology, engineering and maths.
NWS took part in a science and careers fair in St Nicholas Gardens in Whitehaven, working with Sellafield Ltd and Whitehaven Town Council to plan and deliver a two-day programme focused on innovation, scientific curiosity and community engagement.
NWS also recently ran a three-day work experience to its Low Level Waste Repository site at Drigg for a group of students aged 18 to 24.
Tracy Badham, NWS’s social responsibility manager, said: “The amazing young people we work with are often lacking in opportunities; it was a pleasure to work alongside them.
“We introduced them to our environmental work across the LLWR that underpins the work of NWS, as well as a range of other careers across the company. It gave the students a chance to meet experienced scientists rather than just reading about them in school textbooks”.
In addition to spending time with Martin Walkingshaw, NWS chief operating officer, to learn about NWS’ operations, the group studied the organisation’s environmental protection work and were helped with CV writing and interview skills.
Brandon Lee Hudson-Williams was one of the young people to join the visit and plans to begin degree studies in ecology and wildlife conservation at the University of Cumbria in September.
He said: “This opportunity has helped me massively. It was fascinating to learn how future waste can be managed, which is a good foundation for my career.”
“The staff were fully professional and accommodating. I thank the team for accepting me so professionally.”
Last month, NWS, with other representatives from across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group, came together to talk to young people about careers on offer in the sector at the Big Bang Fair 2025.
Big Bang was held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham hosting 30,000 school age students from across the country.
