Sellafield Achieves Prestigious Top Two Ranking for Apprenticeship Programmes

Sellafield Ltd has achieved the distinction of being named the second highest-ranked apprenticeship employer in England, as part of the HIGHERiN Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 ranking, which is conducted in collaboration with the UK Government.

This esteemed scheme acknowledges employers who deliver exceptional apprenticeship programmes and provide the necessary support for apprentices to thrive in their careers.

The rankings are determined by apprentice feedback and employer performance metrics. These factors include programme completion rates, the availability of apprenticeship opportunities, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and direct feedback from apprentices themselves.

Commitment to Early Careers and Skills Development

This accolade underscores Sellafield and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s long-standing commitment to investing in early careers and skills development. It also highlights the significant contribution that apprentices make to the UK’s nuclear sector and the broader economic growth of the nation.

Michelle Lambon-Wilks, Head of Education, Skills and Social Mobility at Sellafield Ltd, expressed her pride in this recognition: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as England’s second highest ranked apprenticeship employer in the HIGHERiN Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026. This award acknowledges the efforts involved in creating top-quality apprenticeship opportunities. This achievement belongs to our apprentices, our colleagues, our training providers, and everyone who aids individuals in their learning and development. Together, they help forge rewarding careers and cultivate the skills essential for the future.”

Strong Performance Across Early Careers Programmes

The ranking follows a particularly successful year for Sellafield’s early careers programmes, with the company featuring prominently in all three HIGHERiN employer rankings: second in the Top Apprenticeship Employers category, fiftieth in the Top Graduate Employers category, and eighty-seventh in the Top Undergraduate Employers category.

These results illustrate the extensive range of opportunities available at Sellafield, spanning from apprenticeships to graduate programmes.

Nic Westcott, Chief People Officer at Sellafield Ltd, remarked, “Being named England’s second highest-ranked apprenticeship employer is a fantastic achievement. Our apprentices are integral to our workforce; they bring fresh perspectives, acquire valuable skills, and assist us in fulfilling our mission on a daily basis. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our apprentices, colleagues, and training partners.”

Apprenticeship Experience and Opportunities

One of the apprentices, Sophia Conway, who is currently in her second year of a business administration apprenticeship, shared her experience: “My apprenticeship has provided me with the chance to learn from experienced colleagues, develop new skills, and contribute to meaningful work. It’s wonderful to see Sellafield acknowledged nationally for the support and opportunities it offers to apprentices, and I take pride in being part of that success.”

As a key member of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Group, Sellafield stands as one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship employers, with programmes encompassing fields such as engineering, project management, business services, digital technology, science, and operations.