Graduate Case Studies - USMANN AHMEDI - ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
I'm on a two year graduate scheme made up of a few different secondments. So far I have had a role at Sellafield in the design team where we would have to research and develop safe solutions to problems on plant and regularly work on plant looking at obsolescence issues. I'm currently at Atkins for my second placement and this is different again. I'm now working on more project management roles in an office this includes keeping track of budgets for engineering projects and writing reports that justify that work being done is safe and of course keeping in mind the three most important parts of project management: time, cost and quality.
I ended up doing this because my final year project in my electronics and electrical engineering course was based on power generation. Through research I read up a lot on nuclear and was amazed by the challenges that are facing nuclear today especially in the decommissioning sector.
I understand the concerns and the controversy over nuclear energy looking at recent events but working in the industry has given me a first-hand view of the safety aspects that is taken every step of the way before any work is done. We just need to look at the next generation of reactors that are being researched and developed. Safety is at the forefront of design. I personally believe it is one of the safest forms of energy and future plants will be even more safe and reliable.
The single biggest difference between nuclear and any other kind of engineering is the emphasis on safety. The amount of time and money spent to ensure safety is paramount to the project is amazing. Another major difference is future effects of the project. Whenever working on a nuclear project except from safety the environment is considered and the impact that the materials used could have. Therefore ensuring the correct materials are used in plant/facility/system is vital to keeping the impact on the environment minimal.
Energy demand is ever increasing and fossil fuels are in decline and causing damage to the environment. I believe nuclear has the answer to fulfil the energy demand in the UK as a reliable consistent source of energy. Of course nuclear has its downfall in terms of waste but with rapid growth of technology these issues could be addressed in time.
When at university I wasn't too sure at what exactly I wanted to do but I did know I didn't want a repetitive nine to five job. Coming in the nuclear industry was a good decision for me as I can be working on a project for two months then do another, totally different project within days of finishing my previous work. I'm kept busy and engaged with my work all the time.
Although safety is paramount and can never be compromised this makes simple jobs last a long time. Electrical jobs that would take three days to implement outside the nuclear industry can take two weeks on a nuclear facility. It is understandable but can be frustrating.
It is tough times for grads just now but there is a massive skills shortage within the nuclear industry. Not only that, but the industry has an ageing workforce. The last plant commissioned was Sizewell B back in 1995. 16 years later the industry needs a fresh, young, dynamic workforce to ensure nuclear has a major part to play in the UK energy market in the future.
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