Feeling stuck in his previous career, Geraint noticed that the nuclear sector was entering a period of growth. With encouragement from his family, particularly his grandfather, who had a long career in nuclear, and a desire for real change, he decided to make the move.

Although Geraint entered the sector with no nuclear-specific experience, he discovered that much of what he had learned during his early career could be applied directly to his new role.

With experience across a number of engineering sectors, including the water treatment industry, where he helped develop wastewater treatment reactors, Geraint found he could bring his technical engineering capabilities to a nuclear-focussed role. This, along with his interpersonal skills, such as collaboration and the ability to establish productive working relationships, has convinced him that others considering a similar career change shouldn’t be put off simply because they haven’t worked in nuclear before.

Geraint's advice to professionals considering moving into nuclear is to seize the opportunity rather than let a lack of nuclear experience discourage them.

A particularly useful way of thinking about the transition came from his manager.

Geraint was told that his role was approximately 90% mechanical engineering and 10% nuclear. That perspective helped put the transition into context. If someone already has a strong grounding in the majority of the skills required for a position, they don't necessarily need to arrive with complete knowledge of the nuclear-specific element.

Instead, they can build that remaining knowledge once they enter the industry.

Geraint's career therefore demonstrates how an experienced engineer can take an established technical skill set from another sector and combine it with new nuclear knowledge to build the next stage of their career.

Wondering where your skills could take you? Take our career fit quiz to help identify potential nuclear career routes suited to you.