NDA Group Graduate Shortlisted for APM Emerging Project Professional Award
“From the beginning of my Project Management Graduate role, I have immersed myself into a major Sellafield procurement project. I have taken ownership of significant areas of the project such as producing the Integrated Assurance and Approvals Plan (IAAP) to accompany the Outline Business Case through governance, managing stakeholder engagement and contributing majorly to scope management. Despite being junior in my career, I have been proactive and engaged in developing my competencies and performing to an exceptional standard. I show agility by consistently providing support to my team and endeavour to perform to the best of my ability. I have fostered excellent relationships with my project team and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive culture which is representative of the Sellafield Manifesto. Through my dedication, I have supported my project in continuing to achieve its objective of providing essential services to Sellafield on time and on budget, with benefits to the wider Cumbria and Risley communities.”
Her manager, Paul Hayes MSc. MAPM, Senior Project Manager on the Design Delivery Framework, praised her strong start in the role:
“Naeemah has been a pleasure to work with from day one; she has grasped everything we have asked of her and I am sure she has laid the foundations for a successful career in Project Management.”
Rising Star in a Vital Profession
The Association for Project Management (APM) is the world’s only chartered membership organisation for the project profession. With more than 45,000 members and over 470 corporate partners, APM champions the highest standards in project delivery and professional development.
Its Emerging Project Professional Award recognises individuals in the early stages of their career who have made a significant contribution to a project or programme. The Regional Network Awards provide a platform to highlight excellence and emerging talent within local APM communities.
Naeemah credits the NDA Group Graduate Programme with playing a vital role in her professional journey:
“The NDA Group Graduate Programme is an excellent start to a promising career; I have been presented with a wide range of learning and development opportunities from conferences to exceptional training courses, with my achievements celebrated and capability challenged. My career is well supported by Energus and sponsor company Sellafield, equipping me with the competencies and experience I need to prosper as a graduate project manager. I look forward to further developing my career within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.”
About the NDA Group Graduate Programme
Delivered by Energus on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group, the graduate programme offers a two-year structured route into one of the UK’s most vital sectors. Graduates can build careers across a range of disciplines, including engineering, radiological protection, cybersecurity, procurement and project management.
Participants take part in secondments, specialist training and real-world project delivery at over 30 locations across the UK, forming part of a wider 17,000-strong workforce focused on safely, securely and sustainably decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.
With over £45 million invested annually in early careers, the programme offers:
- A competitive starting salary
- Professional institute membership
- Generous annual leave and study days
- Travel and relocation support
- A dedicated mentor and expert-led guidance
- A supportive and inclusive environment with employee-led networks and wellbeing initiatives
Looking Ahead
The 2025 APM Regional Network Awards will be held later this year, with winners announced at regional celebrations of professional excellence. Everyone at Energus and across the NDA group is incredibly proud of Naeemah and her achievements so far.
Congratulations Naeemah – and best of luck at the awards!
