Two Cumbrian students have landed degree apprenticeships at an engineering firm, joining a growing wave of young talent entering the UK’s nuclear sector.
Summer Doran and Ollie Lunn, both 18 and graduates of the T-Level programme at Kendal College, have begun working with Lancaster-based engineering firm Like Technologies.
They are now part of the firm’s engineering team, contributing to the maintenance and life extension of nuclear infrastructure across the UK.
Kate Houlden, managing director at Like Technologies, said: "We’re really pleased to have Summer and Ollie join the team.
"Their curiosity and willingness to get hands-on reflects exactly the kind of mindset the industry needs.
"The nuclear sector faces well-known workforce challenges, and technical education is central to addressing them.
"But that needs engagement from all sides.
"Not just from large organisations, but from SMEs, educators and families too."
The apprentices are working as part of their degree apprenticeships in Electronics at The University of Lancashire.
They will support projects in obsolescence management and equipment repair—technical disciplines considered essential to the long-term safety and performance of nuclear facilities.
Like Technologies provides specialist electronic and control system support to clients including EDF, Sellafield Ltd, Thales, and Cavendish Nuclear.
Ms Doran, a former student of Ulverston Victoria High School and an army cadet who rose to the rank of sergeant, said: "In my first year of college on work placement studying manufacturing, I designed, 3D modelled and 3D printed my own lightsaber.
"But, I realised I needed more of a challenge in my education.
"I switched to electronics because I didn’t know much about it and that gave me more to learn.
"That’s what really appealed to me."
Mr Lunn, who attended John Ruskin School in Coniston, said his passion for engineering began with hands-on projects at home.
He said: "We used to take apart broken printers and washing machines and try to make something new out of the parts.
"Although this primarily sparked my interest in mechanical engineering, I slowly became more interested in the electronic components and how they interacted, and how they could be repurposed in other projects.
"With the Government’s well-publicised commitment to the industry, nuclear is a great sector to work in, and Like Technologies really embodies the long term approach to sustainability, which is really appealing."
Like Technologies also supports T-Level placements, delivers masterclasses, and contributes to curriculum development through its role on the Electech Innovation Cluster board.
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