Two Cumbrian students have joined an engineering firm as apprentices.
Summer Doran and Ollie Lunn, both 18 and graduates of the T-Level programme at Kendal College, are now working with Like Technologies’ engineering team on projects linked to the maintenance and life extension of UK nuclear infrastructure as part of their degree apprenticeships in electronics at The University of Lancashire.
Lancaster-based Like Technologies provides specialist electronic and control system support to clients including EDF, Sellafield Ltd, Thales and Cavendish Nuclear.
The new apprentices will support projects in obsolescence management and equipment repair, technical disciplines considered essential to the long-term safety and performance of nuclear facilities.
Summer Doran, a former student of Ulverston Victoria High School, was previously an army cadet progressing to rank of sergeant. She said: “In my first year of college on work placement studying manufacturing, I designed, 3D modelled, and 3D printed my own lightsaber.
“But, I realised I needed more of a challenge in my education. I switched to electronics because I didn’t know much about it and that gave me more to learn. That’s what really appealed to me.”
Ollie Lunn, who attended John Ruskin School in Coniston, said his interest developed through home projects with his dad: “We used to take apart broken printers and washing machines and try to make something new out of the parts.
“Although this primarily sparked my interest in mechanical engineering, I slowly became more interested in the electronic components and how they interacted, and how they could be repurposed in other projects.
“With the Government’s well-publicised commitment to the industry, nuclear is a great sector to work in, and Like Technologies really embodies the long term approach to sustainability, which is really appealing.”
Kate Houlden, managing director at Like Technologies, said: “We’re really pleased to have Summer and Ollie join the team. Their curiosity and willingness to get hands-on reflects exactly the kind of mindset the industry needs.
“The nuclear sector faces well-known workforce challenges, and technical education is central to addressing them. But that needs engagement from all sides. Not just from large organisations, but from SMEs, educators and families too.
“At Like Technologies we’re committed to playing our part. We support T-Level placements, deliver masterclasses, and contribute to curriculum development through our role on the Electech Innovation Cluster board.
“What’s particularly encouraging is that today’s students are motivated by values like sustainability, repairability and long-term impact, values directly relevant to careers in nuclear engineering and obsolescence management.”
