Teddy Waning
Scientific Nuclear Apprentice at Nuclear Waste Services (NWS)
Key Details:
| Current industry | Energy, Waste & Water |
|---|---|
| School attended | Caldew School |
| College/training provider attended | National College for Nuclear - Northern Hub |
| Year completed GCSEs | 2021 |
| Favourite lessons at school | Physics, Biology and Design & Technology |
Q&A
— Give a short overview of your career journey after school
During my A-Levels, I completed a Dream Placement with Nuclear Waste Services which really brought me out of my shell and gave me a strong idea of what career path I wanted to pursue. From this, I was determined to secure a degree apprenticeship after completing my A-Levels as I had decided University was not the route for me. Since then, I am now two years into a 5 year degree apprenticeship with Nuclear Waste Services and am loving the work that I do.
— What do you love about your job?
I love that my work (although mainly desk based) can take many different forms. There are a lot of unique challenges that are dealt with at NWS and I really enjoy learning about the different approaches that have and will be taken to find a solution. NWS also has a great working culture with a great understanding of early career development.
— What piece of advice would you give to young people about finding their best next step?
Take every opportunity that comes your way. All experience is good experience. You develop the most when you are just outside of your comfort zone!
The Cumbria Future Leaders website is a great way to find these opportunities (https://cforlp.org.uk/cumbria-future-leaders/)
— What three essential skills do you think have helped you to be successful in your job?
Listening, Aiming High, Leadership.
— What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?
Ask Ask Ask. If you see an opportunity that you are interested in. Get in touch. It is rare that a keen individual will be turned away.
— What is the best piece of advice you have been given that has helped you on your career journey?
Develop your essential skills first and the rest will follow. Especially in early careers, employers are not looking for someone that has all of the answers. They are looking for a keen human sponge that can learn the answers and become a valuable member of the team.