Nuclear skills have been celebrated at prestigious industry awards.
The UK Nuclear Skills Awards are organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) and Cogent Skills. The awards highlight the excellence that exists within the nuclear sector.
Now in their 17th year, the awards are judged by independent industry representatives.
Anouschka Van Mourik and Rachel Gleaves picked up the Graduate of the Year (Science, Technology and Engineering) and the Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year award respectively.
Anouschka is a commissioning engineer who has recently completed the Sellafield Ltd graduate scheme.
Anouschka was recognised for her exceptional contributions and rapid development as a graduate. In her drive to exceed expectations, she was praised for her technical intelligence, innovative problem-solving abilities and leadership skills.
Anouschka was also recognised for her active promotion of STEM and diversity within the organisation.
Anouschka said: “I’m delighted to have won this award amongst an impressive shortlist of fellow nuclear professionals, and this has been a fantastic way to complete my two-year graduate scheme.
“During my time as a graduate, I’ve been able to contribute to many meaningful projects that have not only helped me to develop professionally but have also helped to enhance safety on the Sellafield site.
“I have been able to do my core role whilst promoting diversity at Sellafield as chair of the Gender Balance Network and as a Diversity Committee member. I look forward to continuing this work alongside my professional development at Sellafield.”
Rachel, a control systems engineer at Sellafield Ltd who finished her apprenticeship in 2024, was recognised at the event for her exceptional work ethic, leadership, and dedication to both the profession and community.
She was described as a true role model to the wider industry. and was praised for her contribution to key business targets in nuclear hazard reduction, and her commitment to diversity, inclusion and education.
Rachel said: “As an apprentice at Sellafield I have been privileged to be able to work alongside industry experts to contribute to solving world-first nuclear decommissioning challenges.
“I’ve been provided with endless opportunities to get involved with passions outside my usual day job. I am the founder and chair of the Sellafield Degree Apprentice Council, and also support our Women in Operational Technology Group by promoting engineering careers through STEM initiatives.
“I’m so proud to have been recognised alongside some of the most skilled professionals within the nuclear sector.
Moneka Duffy, a mechanical designer at Sellafield Ltd, also received an acknowledgement in the Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year award. She was shortlisted due to her exceptional contributions and rapid development within the challenging field of radioactive waste management.”
Lauren Lesiak, education manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: “We have always aimed to create a high calibre of budding nuclear professionals through our graduate and apprenticeship schemes.
“Having multiple nominations at these prestigious industry awards is credit to the quality of learning and development they receive with us, and the opportunities available within our wide range of programmes.
“We’re incredibly proud of all three of our nominees – they are a testament to Sellafield, the nuclear industry and their professions.”
Sellafield Ltd sponsored the Best Employer & Training Provider Partnership Supporter award. It was won by BAE Systems Submarines & Blackpool and The Fylde College & the Fylde College.
Winners
- UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year and Intermediate Apprentice of the Year: Keely Salter from Nuclear Restoration Services.
- Advanced Apprentice of the Year: Koby Conway from UK National Nuclear Laboratory.
- Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year: Rachel Gleaves from Sellafield Ltd.
- Graduate of the Year (Science, Technical and Engineering) Anouschka Van Mourik from Sellafield Ltd.
- Graduate of the Year (Business and Commercial): Holly Cook from Cavendish Nuclear.
- Postgraduate of the Year: Clayton Bevas from Amentum.
- Nuclear Ambassador of the Year: Graeme Sutcliffe from Rolls-Royce SMR.
- Equality Diversity and Inclusion Champion: Nicola Summers from Amentum.
- NSAN’s Honorary President’s Award: Dr Paul Howarth from UKNNL.
- Special Recognition award: Nuclear Waste Services for their transformative approach to sustainability.
- Best Employer and Provider Partnership: BAE Systems Submarines and Blackpool and The Fylde College.
