NDA HR Graduate Lydia Shares Her First Impressions

We were delighted to welcome NDA group HR graduate Lydia Fowler to Energus, where she’ll be spending the first 12 months of her programme. Her first week offered a valuable introduction to the organisation and our role in supporting skills development and innovation across the wider industry.

From attending the Manchester MEGA event with IN4 Group to engaging with students at the University of Manchester careers fair, Lydia experienced first-hand how Energus is helping to close the nuclear skills gap and promote careers in cyber and STEM. She also joined a marketing call focussed on graduate programmes, gaining a deeper understanding of how Energus supports the journey from recruitment to professional development.

Here’s Lydia’s full reflection on her first week:

"My first week at Energus was both insightful and inspiring, offering a real glimpse into what the organisation does for both skills development and the wider energy sector. After the NDA graduate scheme induction last week, I saw first-hand how Energus helps train, guide and support the next generation of professionals entering the industry. The structured programmes and development opportunities really demonstrate Energus’s commitment to building the skilled workforce needed to support the UK’s nuclear sector.

One of the highlights of the week was attending the Manchester MEGA event, run by the IN4 group, who aim to provide “fair access to technology futures” by helping those from underrepresented backgrounds gain tech, cyber and STEM skills. This was especially valuable as Energus prepares to host its own MEGA event next year. This experience reinforced the importance of tackling the nuclear skills gap and promoting careers in cyber and STEM, both areas where Energus is making a major impact through partnerships with organisations such as the NCSC and NDA.

I also attended a careers fair at the University of Manchester, where we spoke to students about both the Nuclear Graduates and NDA schemes. It was great to see the enthusiasm from students of all backgrounds- whether technical or non-technical- who were eager to find out more about the nuclear industry. It really highlighted that there is a place for everyone in this growing and diverse sector. Furthermore, sitting in on a marketing call during the week, which focused on the graduate programs, also demonstrated how Energus supports the graduate journey all the way from recruitment through to professional development.

Overall, it’s been a fantastic introduction to an organisation that does so much - from hosting corporate and community events to running national graduate and apprentice programmes. Energus truly plays a central role in driving skills, innovation and opportunity across West Cumbria and beyond.

Everyone has been so welcoming, and I’m really looking forward to visiting the Energus site next week and continuing to learn more about the amazing work that goes on there."

We’re thrilled to have Lydia with us and look forward to supporting her throughout her 12-month placement. Her enthusiasm and fresh perspective are already making a positive impact, and we’re excited to see how she continues to grow and contribute during her time at Energus.

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