Lindsay Hawkins is a seasoned professional in the nuclear sector, now serving as a Safety Case Training Manager. Her path to success was shaped by both the unexpected twists and the fulfilling milestones she encountered along the way. With a background in physics and a career that spans diverse roles within the nuclear sector, Lindsay’s story offers a unique perspective on the complexities, challenges, and rewards of working in nuclear safety.

Lindsay’s interest in the nuclear sector began during her university studies. "I did a degree in Physics and graduated in 2002. I found the nuclear aspects of the degree very interesting," she recalls. With a strong academic foundation, she was eager to start a career in the field and knew that the nuclear sector provided robust opportunities for graduates. "I was aware that BNFL (British Nuclear Fuels Limited) at the time had a good graduate development scheme," she adds. This recognition led Lindsay to send her CV to HR, which ultimately resulted in an offer to join the Central Laboratory, a division focused on research and development at BNFL.

Despite her enthusiasm, Lindsay’s early experience in the nuclear sector was not what she had anticipated. "I thought the work would be complex but interesting," she reflects. However, her first role, which was heavily focused on computer programming and independent work within the nuclear physics team, turned out to be quite different from her expectations. "The office environment was strangely quiet, and after 18 months, I decided it wasn’t for me," she shares. Lindsay made the decision to leave the sector and spent some time traveling, exploring other career options along the way.

After her travels, Lindsay ventured into teaching, qualifying as a secondary school science teacher. Yet, she soon discovered that teaching didn’t provide the work-life balance she desired, nor did she find satisfaction in managing classroom behaviour. "Teaching wasn’t for me either, not enough of a work-life balance, and I didn’t enjoy the behavioural management challenge of teaching," she admits. This realisation prompted Lindsay to return to the nuclear sector, applying for a safety assessor role at the Sellafield site. After a setback in the interview process, Lindsay was offered a position as a Safety Case Advisor in 2007, marking a pivotal turning point in her career.

Lindsay’s career flourished once she found her niche in safety cases. In 2011, she achieved a significant milestone by completing her Safety Case Manager workbook and becoming a Safety Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) Safety Case Manager. "I was proud of this achievement, especially as I was pregnant at the time and had only been in safety cases for about three and a half years," she says. This accomplishment highlighted not just her technical skills but her ability to excel in a challenging, fast-paced sector.

Another notable moment was her involvement in the 'B170 Phase 2' project in 2016. "It was challenging but very interesting, particularly being involved in external stakeholder engagement," she recalls. "I really enjoy working with projects that move into active commissioning, as everyone is driven and working together toward a shared goal."

Beyond her technical achievements, Lindsay also found fulfilment in her role as a trainer and mentor. "One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is helping to develop new Safety Case Advisors. It’s great to see people grow and succeed in their roles."

Lindsay is passionate about encouraging others to consider a career in the nuclear sector. "I’d say go for it. Nuclear is a very varied sector, with many different types of jobs requiring various skill sets," she advises. While the sector can be challenging from both a technical and compliance perspective, Lindsay believes the rewards are well worth the effort. "It’s a sector that offers a lot of opportunity for growth, but it’s also demanding and high-pressure, which makes it a great place for people who want to push themselves and develop professionally."

To encourage more people to pursue careers in nuclear, Lindsay stresses the importance of highlighting the sector’s learning and development opportunities. "Nuclear brings huge learning and development opportunities due to the highly hazardous nature and complex problems the sector encounters," she explains. "There are many different types of jobs and roles available, so there’s something for everyone, no matter what your skill set is."

By showcasing the diverse roles and the professional growth potential within the nuclear sector, Lindsay believes we can inspire the next generation of professionals to pursue careers that are not only technically challenging but also incredibly rewarding.

Lindsay Hawkins’ career trajectory illustrates the diverse opportunities available within the nuclear sector. From her initial role in research and development to her current position as Safety Case Training Manager, Lindsay’s journey has been shaped by adaptability, persistence, and a passion for developing others. "The nuclear sector is a great place to work if you’re looking for a rewarding career that pushes you to grow both technically and professionally," she concludes.

For those considering a career in nuclear, Lindsay’s story is a testament to the sector’s potential for personal and professional growth. With its commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous learning, nuclear is an exciting and dynamic field with endless opportunities for those willing to take on its challenges.