Young people working at Sellafield in the nuclear industry have been highlighted by the BBC as part of a national jobs feature.

Ellie Haggart, a cyber security apprentice, and Jack Lofthouse, a remotely operated vehicle pilot, opened the doors on their day-to-day work at the Sellafield site.

Featuring on the BBC Bitesize ‘World of Work’ series, the pair shared their experiences of what it is like to work in cyber security and nuclear decommissioning.

Ellie, a cyber security apprentice with Energus and sponsored by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, works to keep the Sellafield site safe from cyber threats.

Jack, who operates the ROVs under water in the site’s storage ponds, is helping to clean up nuclear waste.

Jacqui Longrigg, the NDA’s head of skills and talent, said: “Ellie and Jack are examples of the next generation of nuclear workforce who have the skills needed to continue our decommissioning mission.

“The NDA is committed to ensuring a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the future demands of the nuclear industry, and Ellie and Jack’s stories will inspire more young people to consider an exciting career in the sector.”

Jamie Reed, head of corporate affairs for Sellafield Ltd, said: “The decommissioning of Sellafield is one of the most complex engineering challenges anywhere in the world.

“We’ll need a pipeline of skills over many decades to get the job done safely,securely, and cost effectively.

“We want to ensure as many local people as possible can access these opportunities.

“It’s great to see Ellie and Jack achieving their potential and encouraging other young people to do the same.”

Nadim Zahawi, Minister for Nuclear, said: “The UK has world-leading expertise in decommissioning, and to maintain our position we want to encourage as many young people as possible to consider a career in the low-carbon nuclear sector.

“The training Jack and Ellie have benefited from will stand them in good stead for their future careers, and the skills this next generation of nuclear apprentices learn will be crucial as we work towards meeting our legally-binding commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.”

Adrienne Easterbrook, general manager of Energus, added: “Two years after recruiting the first cohort of cyber security apprentices, we have now supported a number of them into permanent roles.

"It has been fantastic to see them grow into the young professionals they are today.

"Ellie will soon be moving into her permanent role within the cyber security support team.”