Nuclear career campaign launches for GCSE Level 4 students

Date published: 13 February 2025
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Campaign to highlight nuclear careers to Key Stage 4 GCSE science and geography students launches 

A campaign with free educational resources including videos and teaching plans has been designed by the Nuclear Institute to educate GCSE level students about nuclear and career opportunities.

The aim is to drive awareness of the career opportunities in the nuclear sector and double the number of apprentices by 2025/26.  The industry needs 40,000 additional highly skilled, well-paid roles to support its growth ambitions.

Engaging lessons for curious minds

The lesson plan, designed for use in science and geography classes, aims to reinforce students' knowledge of the UK’s energy mix and delves into nuclear energy's unique capabilities. Through interactive activities, students will:

·       Explore the processes of nuclear fission and fusion, gaining insight into how nuclear reactors work.

·       Investigate the many applications of nuclear technology, from diagnosing and treating diseases in medicine to powering NASA’s deep-space missions.

·       Evaluate the societal, ethical, and environmental impacts of nuclear technology through research, discussions, and debates.

·       Showcasing nuclear innovation

The accompanying video, Introduction to Nuclear, illustrates the sector’s innovations and global impact, designed to capture the imagination of young audiences and showcasing how nuclear technology addresses some of humanity’s biggest challenges. It highlights nuclear’s potential to provide reliable, low-carbon energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create sustainable solutions across multiple sectors.

In addition to promoting STEM skills, the resources aim to encourage critical thinking and ethical discussions, empowering students to envision themselves as part of a future workforce driving sustainability and innovation.

Robert Gofton, CEO at the Nuclear Institute, said: “Nuclear technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future, spanning applications in energy, medicine, agriculture, defence, and even space exploration.

“This is the first in a series of videos and lesson plans that will provide engaging and accessible resources, we hope to inspire the next generation of nuclear innovators and demonstrate the diverse and meaningful career options available in this exciting industry.”

Teachers and educators can access these free resources via the Institute’s educational resources webpage.

Nuclear technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future, spanning applications in energy, medicine, agriculture, defence, and even space exploration.

This is the first in a series of videos and lesson plans that will provide engaging and accessible resources, we hope to inspire the next generation of nuclear innovators and demonstrate the diverse and meaningful career options available in this exciting industry.

— Robert Gofton, CEO at the Nuclear Institute
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