Wed, 11 February, 2026
National Apprenticeship Week provides a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on an apprenticeship program TWI Certification Ltd (TWI Cert) is proud to support. Designed to develop the skills and knowledge required to provide quality control and welding inspection services within the nuclear industry, the Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician (NWIT) Apprenticeship is a four-year program uniquely constructed to enable individuals to gain the specific skills required to work within the nuclear industry, created and utilized by several key industry stakeholders, including Sellafield Ltd.
TWI Cert carries out the end point assessment examinations, as well as their professional interviews for EngTech Registration through The Welding Institute. Ahead of the end point assessments, each apprentice’s portfolio of work from the duration of their apprenticeship is sent over to TWI Cert for review. Once their portfolio is approved, they move onto their three day end point assessment. Over the first two days, they undertake a combination of multiple choice, written, and practical examinations, invigilated by our assessors. On the third day, they undertake their professional interview; a one hour interview covering their experience and portfolio, with questions based on what they should know as a Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician in the nuclear industry.
We spoke to James Cuthell, Inspection Manager (Site) at Sellafield Ltd, about how the apprenticeship came to be, and the benefits it provides for both apprentices and their employers:
“Ten years ago, we recognised a growing skills shortage in welding inspection and the need to accelerate the development of future inspectors. In response, we worked with government, industry partners, and specialist organisations including TWI to establish the UK’s first Nuclear Welding Inspection apprenticeship. Our aim was to create a high‑quality route into a challenging and important profession, giving people the skills to help keep nuclear facilities safe.
Since then, the apprenticeship has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of. It has brought talented people into our organisation, strengthened our relationships with local suppliers, and helped us build strong inspection capability within our own teams. Even more rewarding is seeing former apprentices now firmly established in their careers and playing a role in shaping the scheme for those following behind them.
What makes the programme so effective is the blend of learning it offers. Apprentices combine classroom study with real‑world experience on site and in the supply chain, allowing them to see how inspection works in practice. Their end point assessment examinations and professional interviews are carried out by TWI, giving them a strong, independent benchmark of their knowledge and readiness for the role. This mix helps them understand what high‑quality inspection looks like and gives them the confidence to carry it out.
A decade on, the apprenticeship remains an important and successful way of developing the specialist inspection skills needed at Sellafield and across the nuclear sector. It continues to make a real difference both to the people who choose this path and to the teams they go on to support.” - James Cuthell, Inspection Manager (Site)
We also spoke to Miles Macdonald, Asset Integrity Inspector at Sellafield Ltd, who is a graduate of the NWIT Apprenticeship program:
“The apprenticeship gave me the technical skills and confidence I now use as an Asset Care Plant Inspector. It taught me attention to detail, clear communication, and safe working. I now support new apprentices, and it’s rewarding to see how well the scheme prepares people for long‑term careers.” – Miles Macdonald, Asset Integrity Inspector
This is what Millie Norman, Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician Apprentice, had to say about why they chose this apprenticeship and the benefits it has had for them:
“I chose this apprenticeship because it gives real hands‑on experience alongside recognised certifications. Placements on and off site, including time with supply chain companies, have helped me understand the role from different angles.” – Millie Norman, Nuclear Welding Inspection Technician Apprentice (4th Year)