Sellafield Ltd is recruiting electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering graduates for its 2027 Warrington Graduate Programme in the UK. The programme offers a £44,027 starting salary, rising to £45,010 in year two. Apply by 23 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
Sellafield Ltd is inviting applications for its 2027 Warrington Graduate Programme, targeting engineering graduates interested in contributing to the UK’s nuclear industry, environmental restoration and sustainable future.
The programme recruits graduates in electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering to join the company’s Design Engineering teams in Warrington. Successful candidates will gain practical experience, develop technical expertise and work alongside experienced professionals on engineering projects.
The structured Graduate Development Scheme lasts two years and combines workplace learning, professional development and support towards chartership.
Graduates will receive a starting salary of £44,027, rising to £45,010 in the second year. Applications close on 23 October 2026.
Programme Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Sellafield Ltd |
| Programme | 2027 Warrington Graduate Programme |
| Job number | SP06827 |
| Location | Risley, Warrington, United Kingdom |
| Programme duration | 2 years |
| Starting salary | £44,027 |
| Year two salary | £45,010 |
| Eligible disciplines | Electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering |
| Contract type | Graduate fixed-term contract |
| Application deadline | 23 October 2026 |
| Expected start date | 27 September 2027 |
| Official application | Sellafield Graduate Programme |
Tasks
Graduates will join Sellafield’s Design Engineering teams and contribute to engineering projects supporting the company’s work in nuclear operations, environmental restoration and infrastructure.
The programme provides exposure to technical problem-solving, engineering design and collaboration with specialists across engineering, infrastructure and innovation.
Participants will develop their professional and technical knowledge through practical assignments, structured training and support from experienced engineers.
The scheme also encourages graduates to take responsibility for their development, strengthen their professional networks and work towards relevant professional recognition.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Academic Requirements
Applicants must have achieved, or be on track to achieve, the minimum degree classification required for their discipline.
- Mechanical Engineering: A minimum of a 2:1 Master’s degree in a relevant subject.
- Electrical Engineering: A minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
- Chemical Engineering: A minimum of a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
Candidates should check the official vacancy details to confirm that their qualification meets the requirements for their selected discipline.
Skills and Competencies
Sellafield is looking for graduates who demonstrate:
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Initiative and ownership of professional development.
- A proactive attitude and resilience when dealing with complex challenges.
- Commitment to safety, security and professionalism.
- Genuine interest in developing a career in the nuclear industry.
Previous nuclear industry experience is not required. The company emphasises enthusiasm, learning potential and a willingness to develop technical expertise.
Relocation and Security Clearance
Applicants must be willing to relocate to Warrington or the surrounding area for the duration of the programme.
The role is subject to security clearance and requires a higher level of National Security Vetting. Sellafield states that applicants typically need five years of continuous UK residency for the required clearance level.
Nationality, previous nationalities and place of birth may also affect eligibility for the required clearance. Candidates should carefully review the security requirements before applying.
Additional Information
Salary and Benefits
Sellafield offers graduates a range of financial and professional benefits.
Salary: Graduates start on £44,027, rising to £45,010 in year two.
Relocation allowance: Candidates relocating from more than 30 miles away may receive £1,400 in relocation support.
Interest-free loan: Graduates can apply for a £2,000 interest-free loan, repaid through monthly salary deductions over the 24-month contract.
Annual leave: Employees receive 30 days of annual leave plus statutory public holidays, with the option to purchase an additional 2.5 days.
Pension: The company offers a defined-contribution pension scheme, matching employee contributions of 7% with up to 13.5% from the company, according to the published terms.
Additional benefits include paid sick leave, a cycle-to-work scheme, family-friendly policies, employee assistance services, savings and discounts, and access to employee support networks.
After successful completion of the programme, graduates may be offered permanent employment, subject to a suitable vacancy being available.
Application Deadline
Applications close on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The expected recruitment schedule is:
| Recruitment stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 23 October 2026 |
| Video interviews | 2–20 November 2026 |
| Online assessment outcome expected | Mid-November 2026 |
| Face-to-face assessment centre | 10 December 2026 |
| Expected programme start | 27 September 2027 |
Candidates should be available for the scheduled recruitment stages because inability to attend may prevent further progression.
Sellafield also states that financial support is available for candidates who may struggle to cover travel costs upfront when attending an assessment centre.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the official graduate programme details.
Visit the Sellafield Design Engineering Graduate Programme page and review the requirements for your engineering discipline.
Step 2: Complete the graduate scheme preview.
Sellafield asks applicants to complete an immersive preview of life as a graduate before applying. The activity takes less than 10 minutes and helps candidates understand the challenges they may encounter.
Step 3: Submit your application online.
Follow the application link provided on the official Sellafield careers page and submit your details for the relevant graduate vacancy.
Apply for the Sellafield 2027 Warrington Graduate Programme
Important: Applicants should submit an application for one graduate vacancy only. Sellafield states that applications to multiple graduate vacancies will not be considered.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Sellafield states that it welcomes applications from people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The company is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader and offers reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, including online assessments, video interviews and assessment centres.
Candidates who require assistance are encouraged to contact the recruitment team before or during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sellafield Graduate Programme 2027?
It is a two-year graduate development scheme based in Warrington, UK, for electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering graduates joining the company’s Design Engineering teams.
2. How much does the Sellafield graduate programme pay?
The starting salary is £44,027, increasing to £45,010 in the second year.
3. Which engineering graduates can apply?
The programme is recruiting graduates in electrical, mechanical and chemical engineering.
4. What degree classification is required?
Mechanical Engineering applicants need at least a 2:1 Master’s degree in a relevant subject. Electrical and Chemical Engineering applicants need at least a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
5. Is previous nuclear industry experience required?
No. Sellafield says nuclear experience is not required, although applicants should demonstrate an interest in the industry and a willingness to learn.
6. Does Sellafield provide relocation support?
Eligible graduates relocating from more than 30 miles away may receive a £1,400 relocation allowance. Graduates can also apply for a £2,000 interest-free loan.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 23 October 2026.
8. When does the programme begin?
The expected start date is 27 September 2027.
9. Is security clearance required?
Yes. The role is subject to higher-level National Security Vetting. Sellafield states that applicants typically need five years of continuous UK residency, and nationality or place of birth may also affect clearance eligibility.
10. Can applicants apply for multiple graduate vacancies?
No. Sellafield asks applicants to apply for one graduate vacancy only. Applications to multiple graduate vacancies will not be considered.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Sellafield 2027 Warrington Graduate Programme may be attractive to eligible engineering graduates seeking a well-paid entry point into the UK’s nuclear and engineering sectors. Its starting salary of £44,027, structured development scheme, relocation support and pension benefits make it a notable graduate opportunity.
However, applicants must meet the qualification requirements for their chosen discipline and carefully consider the relocation and security-clearance conditions, particularly the typical five-year UK residency requirement.
Eligible candidates should review the official vacancy and submit their applications before 23 October 2026.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external graduate and career opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Sellafield Ltd and does not participate in recruitment decisions. Applicants should verify the eligibility criteria, security-clearance requirements and application instructions through the official careers website.
SEO Keywords: Sellafield Graduate Programme 2027, Sellafield engineering graduate jobs, Sellafield graduate salary, Warrington graduate jobs 2027, electrical engineering graduate programme UK, mechanical engineering graduate jobs UK, chemical engineering graduate programme, £44,027 graduate salary, nuclear industry graduate jobs, engineering graduate opportunities UK, Sellafield careers 2026
