Graduate’s future goes nuclear

Getting the chance to shape the design of the next generation of nuclear submarines is set to be an average day’s work for Physics and Astronomy postgraduate, Chris Reynolds.

Chris is one of only a handful of students to be accepted onto the highly competitive Nuclear Graduate Scheme.

The scheme is run by a group of world-leading companies in the modern nuclear industry.

“Getting onto the nuclear graduates program was one of the proudest moments of my life. It took a lot of
hard work and the assessment centre I attended during the application process was directly after a four day University course in mid Wales,” says Chris.

“Though I do think that this University course was a significant factor in me getting the job as it gave me valuable experience in team work and gave me a lot of confidence,” he adds.

It seems that all the hard work is set to pay off.

Chris has landed himself with a full- time placement with Rolls Royce and is all set to work on one of the most exciting projects in the nuclear industry.

Chris adds: “These sponsor companies are the ones who actually hire you through the Nuclear Graduate Scheme.

“As Rolls Royce is my sponsor company, I will be getting involved with the design and operation of new nuclear reactors for the royal navy’s new nuclear submarine fleet. I haven’t decided yet what I want to do for my other secondments.

“At the end of the scheme I become a direct employee of Rolls Royce and the next thing to aim for is Chartership – so I have a lot to look forward to.

“I feel very lucky to have been accepted on to the scheme and I definitely owe a lot to Cardiff University in helping me develop to a point I was able to stand out from the many people who applied for the scheme and get the job and I am forever grateful for it.”