The nuclear sector is not just growing. It is evolving.
Last week, we joined over 20 exhibitors at the Nuvia Nuclear Careers evening. The turnout was exceptional, with over 700 candidates walking through the doors.
For us, this wasn't just a networking event. It was a clear signal that the workforce is ready to step up to the challenge of critical infrastructure projects.
Here is what we learned from the night, including insights from our ten-year partner, Nuvia.
The Challenge: Staffing the Future
The projects are there. The investment is there. The bottleneck is people.
During the event, we spoke with Graeme Thomason, Head of Recruitment at Nuvia. He was candid about the reality of the market. Nuvia, like the wider sector, does not have an indefinite supply of people.
The solution lies in looking beyond the traditional "nuclear-ready" candidate.
The Shift to Behavioural Hiring
One of the most encouraging takeaways for candidates came from Graeme's interview with us.
"We're looking at more sort of behaviours now rather than just the technical ability because we can't teach the behaviours. So that's what we're setting our onus on."
This is a critical pivot. It opens the door for professionals in other highly regulated industries (Automotive, Rail, Oil & Gas) to transfer their skills. If you have the right safety mindset and behaviours, the technical specificities of nuclear can often be trained.
Practical Support: The Workshop Approach
Because we understand that "transferring skills" can be daunting on paper, we wanted to offer practical support on the night.
Our team, led by Sean, ran a series of CV and Interview workshops during the event.
These sessions were designed to help candidates:
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Identify their transferable value.
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Structure their experience for a nuclear audience.
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Navigate the specific expectations of defence and energy clients.
The turnout for these workshops was fantastic, proving that candidates are hungry for guidance, not just job descriptions.
A Decade of Partnership
We have worked with Nuvia for over ten years. As Graeme noted, we aim to be more than just an agency; we act as a partner that delivers on everything from live projects to strategic market information.
Events like this demonstrate why that partnership matters. It allows us to connect the dots between ambitious candidates and the clients who need them to deliver the UK’s energy future.
If you are considering a move into the sector, now is the time to explore your options.
Ready to make your move?
