You can do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• nuclear engineering
• electrical or electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• physics

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You can do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need to become a nuclear technician. 

Courses include:

• physics and maths
• mechanical or electrical engineering
• nuclear engineering and science
• engineering maintenance

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

To become a nuclear technician, you could apply for a place on a Nuclear Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

You can also start a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship then get further training on the job to work in nuclear facilities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of physics
• knowledge of public safety and security
• observation and recording skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• analytical thinking skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass security checks

You'll usually need a driving licence to get to work outside of public transport hours.

As a nuclear technician, you could:

• install and test new equipment and control systems
• monitor radiation levels at power plants
• find and fix faults
• run regular inspections and safety checks
• work with engineers to produce technical reports for managers
• remove equipment from power stations that have shut down

We've identified this as a potential green job

For a nuclear technician to be a green job, you could:

• install more energy efficient equipment in power plants
• work to reduce levels of waste from reactors
• improve ways to clean up the sites of decommissioned power stations

Find out more about green careers

You could work at a power station, at a research facility or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.