Human Factors Graduate Programme
// Role Summary
Embark on a two-year graduate programme in Human Factors within Cavendish Nuclear, a vital part of Babcock. You'll contribute to critical nuclear sector projects, ensuring safety and efficiency by designing with people in mind.
// Key Responsibilities
- Gain hands-on experience in live nuclear sector projects across the full lifecycle.
- Develop expertise through structured training, mentorship, and rotations in different teams and locations.
- Work towards technical membership with the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
- Receive a minimum starting salary of £35,000 and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Requires a relevant degree and the ability to obtain BPSS and SC security clearances.
// Role Specification
About the Human Factors Graduate Programme
Human Factors is crucial for ensuring safety and smooth operations within the nuclear sector. This programme offers a unique opportunity to contribute to major decommissioning projects, the delivery of critical infrastructure, and the design of equipment, environments, and procedures with people at the centre.
As a participant in our multi-disciplinary teams within Cavendish Nuclear, you will engage with live projects throughout their entire lifecycle, from initial concept and construction through to in-service support, decommissioning, and incident investigation. Your work could involve supporting nuclear operations, contributing to the design and enhancement of complex nuclear facilities and systems, or refining the operational and maintenance procedures for critical systems.
Specific responsibilities may include conducting task analyses, contributing to requirements definition, and ensuring personnel have the necessary tools, environment, and procedures for safe and effective work. You will also have the chance to engage with operational staff, shadow senior professionals, and collaborate with engineers, designers, and stakeholders, fostering your expertise and making a tangible impact through design.
Programme Structure and Development
This comprehensive two-year programme is designed to build your confidence, deepen your Human Factors expertise, and guide you towards your career path. You will experience rotations across various teams and projects, applying your skills in real-world scenarios and contributing to safe and effective operations. These rotations are designed to broaden your experience, potentially including assignments in different locations, helping you build your professional network and gain a deeper understanding of business operations.
From your first day, you will benefit from structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship. You will join our Graduate Development Programme, which includes expert-led masterclasses focusing on essential skills such as communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing. A key development opportunity includes working towards technical membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF), a significant step towards full Chartership.
Career Progression
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will transition into a permanent Human Factors role. Your development journey will continue, with support to advance into more senior positions and take on increased responsibilities. The Babcock Role Framework provides a clear roadmap for career progression, outlining pathways, development opportunities, and the resources you need to achieve your career goals.
Rewards and Benefits
We are committed to supporting your development, wellbeing, and work-life balance. In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you will receive:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays.
- Generous pension and employee share schemes.
- Flexible benefits, including a cycle-to-work scheme and discounts.
- Comprehensive wellbeing support covering mental, physical, financial, and social aspects, including an Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You will also have opportunities to participate in STEM outreach activities and volunteering.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, MSc, BA, or MA in one of the following subjects: Human Factors, Ergonomics, Behavioural Sciences, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Systems Engineering, or Sociology.
Due to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, eligibility may be impacted by your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency. For this programme, candidates must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
Location
This programme offers positions within our Cavendish Nuclear business, based in Warrington or Bristol. While agile working offers some flexibility, several days per week will be spent on-site. You will continue your career in your chosen location after completing the programme.
Joining Cavendish Nuclear means contributing to significant engineering projects, including nuclear site decommissioning, the construction and operation of power plants, and work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Whether in Bristol or Warrington, you will play a role in cleaning up the nuclear legacy and supporting national security and energy supply.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed upon receipt, and the closing date is 20 October 2026. Early submission is recommended due to potential early closure if high interest is received. Please apply to only one programme. We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss flexible working options.