Rob
- Name
- Rob
- Job Title
- Station Physics Engineer
- Company
- Magnox North
A typically a working day for me involves completing tasks associated with a running nuclear reactor and its related plant, and undertaking technical investigations into various issues that need addressing. The tasks involve taking readings or information from the control room, and analysing this data to make sure that everything is running as it should. Any problems need to be addressed using the correct procedures, and need to be investigated fully. I have undertaken a number of investigations, both relating to the nuclear and conventional safety areas of the site. These provide a good technical challenge and help me to enhance my analytical thinking.
Advice for new graduates
I advise new graduates to make the most of all opportunities available to them and to maintain an open outlook. When you enter the nuclear industry it can be overwhelming and daunting with hundreds of abbreviations, regulations and procedures. With time though this becomes second nature and is ultimately very rewarding, particularly for those willing to make the effort and remain enthusiastic. One of the most important things to do is to get yourself known on site. Sites like Oldbury have a lot of people with a vast array of different roles. Go meet people you are dealing with rather than sending an e-mail; it’s helpful to both parties and you learn new things about site by talking to people.
Comments about the graduate scheme
The graduate scheme has a number of parts to it. Various courses are organised for all graduates across the company to attend, and cover a wide range of subjects. The courses also provide a good backdrop for graduate networking/ socialising. The graduate scheme also works with relevant professional/ academic institutions (the Institute of Physics in my case) in order get each graduate chartered or accredited. This will prove very beneficial for my future career.
Hopes for the future
I enjoy working at Oldbury, and there will be many new opportunities as the site goes into the defuelling and decommissioning phases. I am happy living and working where I do, but I don’t rule out moving to another site within the Magnox fleet if something really catches my eye. The skills that I am learning at Oldbury could prove invaluable at a next generation power station or a decommissioning site in the future.