Stephen Woodburn from Egremont recently completed a health physics monitor apprenticeship at Energus.
He joined Sellafield Ltd in 2022 after a 30-year career in joinery and later a teaching role at Lakes College.
“My latest career move has changed my life,” he said.
“I’ve wanted to work at Sellafield for a long time for a number of reasons. I live in Egremont 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.”
Health physics monitors provide radiological monitoring services to the Sellafield site, helping to protect people, plant, and the environment.
Stephen’s apprenticeship training involved gaining practical experience across four different locations, working in support and alongside other disciplines in operations and maintenance teams.
“I’m now fully trained and really enjoying my role, working in a number of buildings and meeting different people every day – no two days are the same. There are lots of opportunities to progress which is exciting,” he said.
