Monday 30 May 2016

Culham's great for more than just fusion!

CCFE (or the UK Atomic Energy Authority, I should say) has been earned a reputation for world class fusion research over the years, but there’s more than just materials science and neutral beams to convince people to join us. We’ve got a fantastic apprenticeship scheme which has been running for years, and now our apprentices are in the runnings for the title of Apprentice Team of the Year, a national competition in which the Culham Graduates have already been named the regional title (for London and the South East).


The Brathay Apprentice challenge is being held by the Brathay Trust and the final is on the 15th of June, when our apprentices will be testing their mettle against 7 other distinguished teams of apprentices.

This isn’t the first time the Culham Apprentices have seen national awards, either. Earlier this month, 4 apprentices won national awards, recognising their work and achievements at the 2016 Engineering Trust Awards.

The final stage of the competition will take place at the Brathay Trust in Windermere, Cumbria, and will involve team building and logistical challenges. 

The teams through to the final have all contributed to raising the profile of engineering and STEM in the UK, recruiting 300 businesses to begin offering apprenticeships and presenting to young people to encourage engineering.

As a result of the efforts of these teams, more young people are being encouraged and enabled to find a bright start in engineering. As someone both working in engineering and keen on science communication, it’s fantastic to see the positive impact that our apprentices are making.

Congratulations to our apprentices on their achievements and good luck in the upcoming finale!

Pictures: 
Top: Culham Apprentices
Right: Back Row - Tom Cox, Sam Tokelove, Dave Godden, Jake Payne and Peter Blowfield; Front row – Matt Sayer, Elliot Taylor, Emily Swatton, and Joe Woodley