Retraining for an exciting new career
Sellafield Ltd’s Stephen Woodburn has proven that it’s never too late to take on a new challenge having completed his apprenticeship aged 48
‘My latest career move has changed my life,’ is how 48-year-old Stephen Woodburn described his new position at Sellafield, having recently completed his health physics monitor apprenticeship at Energus in West Cumbria.
Stephen only joined Sellafield Ltd two years ago to take up his apprenticeship following a 30-year career in joinery at local firms, as well as teaching at Lakes College.
He said: “I’ve wanted to work at Sellafield for a long time for a number of reasons – I live in Egremont, West Cumbria so it’s on my doorstep, I have friends who work for the company who really enjoy their job and I’m interested in the wide range of activities at the site.
“I wish I’d applied years ago but holding me back was a lack of relevant qualifications. As a result, in 2013 I decided to go back to college to gain GCSEs in Maths, English and Science. That then allowed me to apply for an apprenticeship.
“When I started my course, I was obviously a lot older than the other students, but this wasn’t a problem as I got on really well with everyone and the course was great.
“So much so, that I was delighted to be named health physics apprentice of the year in October.”
Sellafield Ltd's health physics monitors provide radiological monitoring services at the workface to protect people, plant and the environment. Stephen’s apprenticeship training involved gaining practical experience across four different locations on site, working in support and alongside other disciplines in operations and maintenance teams.
Stephen said: “I’m now fully trained and really enjoying my role, working in a number of buildings and meeting different people every day – no day is the same. There’s also lots of opportunities to progress which is exciting.
“I encourage anyone to take on a new challenge, including a Sellafield apprenticeship where there is a wide range of disciplines to choose, from fire fighter to engineering design.”
The closing date for applications is 11th February – Apply Now | Apprenticeships | Sellafield Ltd Careers (sellafieldsite.co.uk)
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