Allison Hunt’s journey from Administrator to Nuclear Skills Leader

For Allison Hunt, a career in nuclear was never part of the plan. Having worked as an administrator and office manager, she moved to Anglesey and suddenly found herself living next door to the Wylfa nuclear power station.

“I had no background in nuclear, no formal qualifications, and it had never crossed my mind as a career option,” Allison recalls. “But living so close to the site, it became part of my environment.”

Determined to create new opportunities for herself, Allison studied for an Access to Science and Technology qualification, which opened the door to a degree in Soil Science and Forestry, followed by a Master’s in Water Resources. While not directly related to nuclear, her scientific training broadened her understanding of complex systems – skills she later applied in unexpected ways.

Her first step into the industry came by chance: a temporary role at Wylfa, copy-typing documents for a system transfer. “That admin role introduced me to the nuclear environment. It wasn’t technical, but it opened my eyes to how the industry worked.”

From those early days, Allison’s career grew quickly. She supported the Periodic Safety Review that extended Wylfa’s operational life, worked with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in its formative years, and later managed STEM initiatives to inspire young people into technical careers.

Her willingness to try new roles led to opportunities in project planning, managing multi-billion-pound lifetime plans, and later developing nuclear foundation degrees in partnership with Hull University and Cogent.

Now, as Growth and Partnerships Manager at the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN), Allison works closely with training providers, employers and partners across the UK to support skills development and workforce growth.

“It’s been incredibly varied. I’ve held roles in learning and development, regional management, client relationships, and now growth and partnerships. Nuclear has given me opportunities and qualifications I never imagined I’d have – including an MBA and chartered manager status.”

When Allison first entered the sector, she had no preconceptions about what it might involve. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I quickly saw how central safety is – from the rigorous training to the behaviours expected of everyone on site.”

She acknowledges that awareness of nuclear’s role in net zero was limited 25 years ago compared to today. “Now it’s widely recognised as a clean, reliable energy source. Back then, that wasn’t part of the conversation.”

For Allison, the people she works with are the most rewarding part of the job.

“I love the enthusiasm of colleagues across the sector, from training providers to employers. Seeing young people inspired to choose nuclear, or mid-career professionals transition from industries like oil and gas, is really motivating. Nuclear offers stability, variety and the chance to contribute to something bigger.”

Allison’s advice is simple: go for it.

“There are so many different roles within nuclear. You might start in one area, but you can move into another. Skills are transferable, and opportunities are everywhere – in decommissioning, new build, small modular reactors, operations, waste management and beyond.”

She also believes the sector must continue to raise awareness among schools, teachers and careers advisers. “If influencers don’t understand the breadth of opportunities, young people won’t hear about them. We need to make nuclear visible as a career option.”

Reflecting on her journey, Allison says:

“Nuclear has provided me with opportunities, jobs and qualifications I never dreamed I’d have. It’s given me variety, security and purpose. If you’re thinking about a career in nuclear, my advice is simple – go for it.”