This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- England's highest-ranked apprenticeship employers, HIGHERiN Top 100 (2026)
- 2nd
- Source: Sellafield Ltd (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)
- Apprenticeship schemes, from Level 2 to Level 6 (October 2022)
- 18
- Source: Sellafield Ltd (GOV.UK) (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Sellafield Ltd is cleaning up one of the most complex nuclear sites in the world, at Sellafield in West Cumbria. It’s part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group and one of the UK’s biggest apprenticeship employers.
The apprenticeships
In 2022, Sellafield said it ran 18 apprenticeship schemes, from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to Level 6 (degree level), with more than 600 apprentices in training. That October, 200 new apprentices started. Areas include:
- engineering
- project management
- business services
- digital
- science
- operations, including a nuclear operator apprenticeship
Training takes place at GEN2 in West Cumbria, and in Wigan and Leigh.
Recognition
In July 2026, Sellafield was named England’s second highest-ranked apprenticeship employer in the HIGHERiN Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers ranking.
What they don’t tell you
The pages we found don’t give pay or programme lengths, and some figures are from 2022, so check Sellafield’s latest information.
What they do
Sellafield Ltd is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group and is responsible for safely cleaning up the Sellafield nuclear site in West Cumbria. It also has offices in Warrington and Risley.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Apprenticeship schemes
Engineering, project management, business services, digital, science and operations
Sellafield said in 2022 that it ran 18 schemes from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 6 (degree level), including a nuclear operator apprenticeship. Training takes place at GEN2 in West Cumbria and in Wigan and Leigh.
Career areas
Entry requirements
We have not found entry requirements published in a form we can verify for this employer. They usually vary by programme, so check each role's details on the official site.
Who can apply
- Sellafield is a nuclear site, so expect security checks before you start.
Our tips for Sellafield Ltd
- Sellafield's application tips are on the NDA blog: it's worth reading them before you apply.
- Most roles are in West Cumbria, with some at offices in Warrington and Risley, so think about where you'd be based.
- The schemes cover much more than engineering, including digital, science and business roles.
Summary
- Sellafield Ltd runs apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree level, in engineering, project management, business, digital, science and operations.
- It was named England's second highest-ranked apprenticeship employer in the HIGHERiN Top 100 for 2026.
- In 2022 it had more than 600 apprentices in training across 18 schemes.
- Training takes place at GEN2 in West Cumbria and in the North West.
Questions about Sellafield Ltd apprenticeships
Does Sellafield do apprenticeships?
Yes, from Level 2 to degree level, across engineering, project management, business services, digital, science and operations. It's one of the UK's largest apprenticeship employers.
How good are Sellafield apprenticeships?
Sellafield was named England's second highest-ranked apprenticeship employer in the HIGHERiN Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 ranking.
Where do Sellafield apprentices train?
Training takes place at GEN2 in West Cumbria and in Wigan and Leigh, with roles at the Sellafield site and offices in Warrington and Risley.
What is a nuclear operator apprenticeship?
It's one of Sellafield's schemes, training you to work on the operations side of the nuclear site. Compare it with other energy and utilities apprenticeships.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.