David-Marc Robinson, an Engineering and Maintenance Engineer at Heysham 1 Nuclear Power Station, has spent nearly 20 years navigating the dynamic world of nuclear engineering. “The sound of turbines and the hum of overhead lines during a school trip to Wylfa Power Station captivated me,” he recalls. This early fascination grew into a passion for problem-solving and technical innovation, fuelling a career that has taken him across the globe.

David-Marc’s journey began with a school visit to Wylfa Power Station in North Wales. “I was amazed by the complexity of the control room and the scale of operations,” he says. That pivotal experience inspired him to pursue Electrical Engineering and Computing at university.

Upon graduating, he seized the opportunity to work in the nuclear sector, starting with a one-year placement at Wylfa. “I wanted to apply my skills in a challenging environment, and nuclear provided the perfect platform,” he explains. His success during the placement led to a permanent role, marking the start of his nuclear career.

David-Marc admits his early expectations were focused on the scale of operations, but what struck him most was the collaborative culture within the nuclear sector. “I quickly learned that asking questions wasn’t a weakness; it was a strength,” he shares.

He likens the nuclear site to a “small village” where everyone has a role to play, and strong working relationships are built over years. “The camaraderie here is unique,” he says. “It’s like being part of a family working toward a shared goal.”

David-Marc’s career is a testament to the diverse opportunities in nuclear. Starting in Wylfa’s IT department, he transitioned to the Programmes team, gaining valuable insights into project management and station operations.

In 2011, he shifted to Engineering, where he specialised in reactor protection, power supplies, and equipment reliability. Over the years, his expertise has taken him to France, the Netherlands, and India for technical missions. “Working internationally has broadened my skills and given me a global perspective,” he notes.

Since joining Heysham 1 in 2014, David-Marc has led projects ranging from maintenance optimization to refurbishments. “Whether it’s a small improvement or a major modification, seeing the tangible benefits of my work is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

For David-Marc, the highlight of his career is the impact of his work on station performance. “It’s fulfilling to know that my efforts directly improve safety and efficiency,” he shares.

Equally rewarding is the global network he’s built through his career. “I’ve formed lifelong friendships with colleagues from around the world,” he says. Unexpected reunions—whether on holiday or during missions—have been a delightful bonus.

“Nuclear is a career where you can truly make a difference,” David-Marc emphasizes. With evolving technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and ongoing innovation, the sector offers endless opportunities for learning and growth.

He advises newcomers to embrace challenges and seize every opportunity. “My father always told me, ‘Make the most of your opportunities,’ and that mindset has guided me throughout my career,” he says.

David-Marc believes outreach is key to attracting new talent. “We need to demystify nuclear and show its diversity,” he explains. He supports initiatives like STEM events and advocates for educational content on social media to engage younger audiences.

He also highlights the importance of programmes like the BBC’s Powering Britain. “It sparked conversations among my friends and family and opened their eyes to what we do,” he says.

David-Marc is proud of his contributions to the nuclear sector, including technical missions and innovative cost-saving projects. He’s particularly passionate about inspiring the next generation, often participating in STEM events to share his journey.

As the nuclear industry embraces diversity and inclusion, David-Marc is optimistic about its future. “The sector is evolving, not just technologically but culturally,” he says. “It’s an exciting time to be part of nuclear.”