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Class of 1983’s tribute to Urenco
09 June 2023
The value of STEM education and how it can lead to successful, fulfilling careers, has been highlighted after seven former Urenco apprentices revisited the company’s UK site – 40 years later.
David Smeatham, Andrew Male, Simon Bennett, Roger Garnett, Sean Nicholson, Stephen Owens and Anthony Foran were reunited for a site tour at Urenco’s Capenhurst enrichment site.
The seven had completed their training back in 1983, with most going on to have engineering-related careers whilst three are still in the civil nuclear industry today.
David and Andrew now work at the Office for Nuclear Regulation in Bootle while Roger is based at Westinghouse/Springfields Fuels Ltd.
All of the former apprentices stressed the importance of their grounding at Urenco and in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
David said: “My apprenticeship at Capenhurst provided an excellent basis for my subsequent career. Not just the technical aspects but the importance of building good workplace relationships too.”
Andrew said: “My apprenticeship at Capenhurst gave me the knowledge, skills, experience and drive to succeed at every stage of my career since.”
Simon, who now works in Chile, said: “The knowledge and attention to detail of the technicians we learned from set the bar for my subsequent career in engineering.”
Urenco is committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers through education programmes, apprenticeships, internships, graduate placements and on-the-job development.
Tony, now self employed, added: “The fact that I had served my apprenticeship there always held me in good stead wherever I went as people within the industry held the company with such high regard.”
For more information about careers at Urenco, click here.
About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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