Chemistry - NDA group graduates 2026

Say hello to the NDA group graduate programme 

Graduates are fundamental to our future. Our programme focuses on supporting talented and ambitious graduates to build a first-class foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear sector.  

Our graduate programme covers all aspects of nuclear decommissioning, from the breaking down of nuclear reactors, to the safe transport and treatment of waste, to the restoration of sites for new purposes.

Step into a career that truly matters. As part of the NDA Group Graduate Programme, you’ll gain unparalleled access to placements across the UK’s leading nuclear organisations, such as: Nuclear Restoration Services, Nuclear Transport Solutions, Nuclear Waste Services, and Sellafield. You’ll collaborate with world-class experts on projects that shape the future of nuclear safety, sustainability, and innovation.

As a Chemistry Graduate, you’ll embark on rigorous technical training, you’ll also take part in a dynamic behavioural development programme designed to sharpen your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. You’ll be empowered to make real contributions from day one, applying your chemistry expertise to some of the most complex and meaningful challenges in the sector.

Whether it’s regulating nuclear sites, processing radioactive materials, supporting plant operations, or delivering high-impact investigations and reports, your work will directly influence the safe and effective management of the UK’s nuclear legacy. You’ll interpret radiochemical data, propose innovative solutions, and help shape strategies that protect people and the environment for generations to come.

Recent graduates have had a variety of fantastic opportunities to develop their industry skills and technical competencies. They were tasked with writing and presenting technical reports that inform critical decision-making across the sector. They conducted disposability assessments to evaluate the long-term safety of waste materials and performed detailed waste characterisation to understand their chemical and radiological profiles. They managed pond chemistry to ensure optimal conditions for fuel storage and decommissioning and explored cutting-edge techniques like abatement ultrasonics to reduce contamination and improve operational efficiency. These experiences are not exhaustive but give a glimpse into what exciting prospects await in this Graduate Scheme.

We are looking for individuals who can thrive in both collaborative and technical environments. If you have a demonstrable set of technical skills and a passion for the nuclear sector, we highly encourage you to apply.

Why us? 

Throughout your two-year journey on the NDA group graduates programme, you will be employed by Energus and complete two 12-month placements within the NDA group (three for FAR graduates). 

At the end of the programme, we will support you to secure a role within the NDA group or within the wider nuclear sector.

Benefits whilst on the programme are:

• Annual salary of £32,000 

• A comprehensive, tailored programme of professional development worth £9,900  which includes Membership of up to 2 professional institutions 

• A robust support network which includes dedicated mentor, a company lead, access to our graduate and employee networks and a pastoral care professional 

• Generously funded travel & subsidence to support with travel to training and events

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional discretionary days leave

• As well as membership of Energus’  Contributory pension scheme,  Employee Assistance Programme, Aviva DigiCare+ (to help you take control of your health and wellbeing) and our Cycle2Work Scheme 

To be considered for a place on our prestigious programmes, you will need

• A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject 

• The right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme.

• To be willing and able to travel and relocate to any of the offices/sites that host placements for your chosen programme. Placements are organised to maximise your development and are aligned to business needs.

• To show that you personify our group values of Respect, Openness, Collaboration, Performance, & Creativity 

Any offers will be conditional upon you providing proof of your right to work by the time you start in the role and passing security clearance and vetting checks .

Individuals holding National Security Vetting (NSV) have several key responsibilities, primarily revolving around maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information and reporting any potential security concerns. They must ensure their clearance remains valid, promptly report any changes in their circumstances that might affect their clearance, and adhere to local security protocols.

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent via email. Please regularly check your emails (including any junk mail/spam folders),

Closing Date: Friday 31st October 2025

Any applications received after this date will not be considered. We reserve the right to close a role early should we receive sufficient applications. We encourage that you apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Please note only one NDA group graduates application is required - please do not submit multiple applications.

As proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, Energus aim to create a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates.  If you have a disability or health condition and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know – we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.  We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.  In the event of a high number of eligible applicants, we will prioritise those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.