Sellafield Ltd’s ‘Evolve’ work experience program is a unique opportunity for Year 10 learners to explore the exciting world of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This 5-day program, offered on selected weeks throughout the year, aims to equip students with essential skills for their future careers.
Participants in the program will work together as a project team to develop innovative solutions for remotely monitoring the extensive pipework at Sellafield. This critical infrastructure is vital to the operation of the site, and finding efficient ways to inspect and maintain it is a pressing challenge. By leveraging technology, students will investigate, design, and develop proposals for remote inspection, presenting their solutions to the Sellafield Ltd team at the end of the week.
Throughout the program, learners will have the opportunity to collaborate with nuclear professionals from various areas of the business, including robotics, project management, engineering, quality, and commissioning. These interactions will provide valuable insights into the diverse careers available at Sellafield Ltd, helping students to better understand the applications of robotics and AI in real-world scenarios.
The ‘Evolve’ program also focuses on developing essential skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills are crucial for success in any career, and by emphasizing them, Sellafield Ltd is investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators.
In addition to the hands-on project work, participants will have the chance to tour RAICo1, Whitehaven’s cutting-edge Robotics and AI facility. They will also witness demonstrations from renowned organizations such as UKAEA, the University of Manchester, and Sellafield Ltd. A visit to the Sellafield Story at the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven and a quiz will round out the program.
Rav Chunilal, Head of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence at Sellafield Ltd, emphasized the importance of programs like ‘Evolve’ in developing the next generation of talent. “It’s incredible to welcome so many young, bright minds to the program and see their passion for robotics at Sellafield come to life,” he said. “Programs like Evolve are game-changers. At Sellafield, we invest in our people to develop and empower the next generation. They’re essential for building a pipeline of talent, ensuring that Sellafield has the skilled experts it needs for the future.”
By providing learners with the chance to tackle real-world challenges, Sellafield Ltd hopes to inspire them to pursue careers in robotics and AI. As Rav Chunilal noted, “This isn’t just about learning, it’s about giving learners the chance to discover how exciting and viable a career in future technologies such as robotics and AI can be.”
