Radiation Protection Graduate Programme

OverviewWhat will you do on the programme?

This is not your average graduate role.

As part of our Radiation Protection team at Cavendish Nuclear, you'll gain valuable skills and experience in one of the most important areas of the nuclear industry.

You'll help keep people and environments safe while supporting some of the UK's most complex engineering work.From the moment you join, you'll be contributing to real projects.

You might find yourself supporting the decommissioning of redundant nuclear facilities, assisting in dismantling retired submarines, contributing to the safe operation and construction of nuclear facilities, or providing support to our facilities that use or operate with radioactive materials.Working alongside radiation protection experts with experience in applying radiation protection in both nuclear and non-nuclear regulated industries, you'll learn to assess radiation hazards, suggest improvements, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Throughout the programme, you'll collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to draft and implement radiation protection policies, and review safety systems to ensure they meet regulatory standards.

Your work will involve evaluating radiation risks in the workplace, recommending safe and effective waste disposal practices, and assessing the environmental impact of radioactive materials.

You'll also learn how to provide consultancy support, prepare detailed reports, liaise with regulators, and identify training needs to enhance radiation safety awareness.

Every placement brings new challenges, fresh perspectives and the chance to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on the world around you.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year journey designed to give you breadth, depth and clarity.

Through structured placements across Cavendish Nuclear, you'll explore different areas of radiation protection, build real-world experience and gain insight into where your skills shine brightest.

You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.You'll grow with every rotation.

Supported by experienced mentors and surrounded by likeminded professionals, you'll develop the technical know-how and personal confidence to shape your future, and ours.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you'll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.You'll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.As a Radiation Protection Graduate you will have the opportunity to attend core training to deepen your understanding of radiation protection principles.

This includes internal development programmes and access to external training courses that are widely used across the industry by organisations such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Association of University Radiation Protection Officers (AURPO).

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what's ahead.

That's why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you'll benefit from : A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your managerGenerous pension and employee share schemesAdaptable benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discountsWellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.You'll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

What do you need to apply?

You'll need an (Hons) degree in Physical Sciences, Natural Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science or Maths.A postgraduate degree in a subject like Radiation and Environmental Protection, Safety Engineering, Nuclear Science or Nuclear Engineering is desirable but it's not essential.Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for.

For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Radiation Protection programme for Autumn 2026 are available at Cavendish Nuclear.

You'll be based at one of our sites in Bristol, Warrington or Rivergate.

You may also be asked to spend time in other locations depending on the needs of your placements, so adaptability is important.

Cavendish Nuclear is a core part of Babcock International Group's Nuclear Sector.

We provide a comprehensive range of critical nuclear solutions across the markets of Clean Energy, Defence and Civil Decommissioning, both in the UK and internationally.

From decommissioning redundant nuclear facilities, through supporting the Continuous at Sea Deterrent, to supporting the operation and build of nuclear power plants, our role in Cavendish Nuclear is to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.

Ready to apply?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.

To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

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