Operating Instructor

At Sizewell C, we are building one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure and clean energy projects. As we develop the future operating organisation, the capability, competence and standards of our people will be fundamental to the safe and reliable operation of the power station.

As an Operations Instructor, you will play an important role in shaping that future workforce. You will help develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by Operations personnel, while contributing to a strong culture of nuclear professionalism, human performance, operational discipline and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to make a tangible contribution to the readiness and long-term success of a new nuclear power station.

A key part of the role is a three-year development and familiarisation programme at Hinkley Point C in Somerset. Working alongside experienced colleagues across HPC, EDF, the Nuclear Skills Alliance and the wider EPR community, you will build your technical and operational expertise in EPR technology, reactor operations and instructional practice. The three-year period at HPC is a fundamental part of the role and will prepare you to transition to Sizewell C in Suffolk, where you will help establish and develop the training capability for the future station.

This is a rare opportunity to learn from the UK's first EPR project and apply that experience to the development of the next. If you are passionate about learning, developing others and working in a high-performing, safety-critical environment, this role offers the chance to have a lasting impact on the people, capability and operational culture that will underpin Sizewell C for years to come.

The Operations Instructor is responsible for developing and maintaining the knowledge, skills and professional standards required for the future Sizewell C operating organisation.

Complete initial training and development in EPR technology, reactor operations, operational standards and instructional techniques to establish and maintain technical credibility as a member of the future Sizewell C operations organisation.

Develop, maintain and continuously improve training programmes, learning materials and assessment arrangements using a Systematic Approach to Training (SAT).

Deliver high-quality classroom, simulator and workplace-based training that supports the development and authorisation of Operations personnel.

Contribute to the establishment of the Sizewell C Operations training framework, ensuring alignment with regulatory, company and industry requirements.

Support the development and implementation of training processes, standards and governance arrangements required for the future operational phase of the station.

Evaluate operating experience, plant events, organisational learning and industry best practice to identify opportunities for training improvements and performance enhancement.

Support the specification, validation and effective use of control room simulators and other training tools required to develop operational competence.

Conduct trainee assessments and provide objective feedback to support individual development and authorisation decisions.

Foster high standards of nuclear professionalism, human performance and operational discipline, reinforcing the behaviours and standards expected of the future operating organisation.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues across SZC, HPC, EDF, the Nuclear Skills Alliance and the wider EPR community to support the development of operational capability.

Provide specialist operational and training expertise to support Pre-Operations activities, organisational readiness and the transition to station operation.

Support the intelligent replication of proven training products, processes and operational learning from Hinkley Point C and the wider EDF fleet where appropriate.

Contribute to training committees, working groups and governance forums, providing informed recommendations on training, competence and operational readiness matters.

Identify risks, issues and opportunities relating to operational training and competence development, supporting the implementation of effective corrective actions.

Make recommendations on training programme content, delivery methods and assessment approaches.

Determine when training materials, programmes or interventions require revision based on performance trends, operating experience or organisational learning.

Recommend trainee development actions and provide input to authorisation and competence assessments.

Advise on simulator utilisation, training resource requirements and future capability development needs.

Escalate risks, performance concerns or competence shortfalls that could impact operational readiness, safety or programme delivery.

This Post will have nuclear safety responsibilities which could have an impact on nuclear safety through the activities that they perform. These are detailed in the Nuclear Baseline.

Acts as a subject matter expert in EPR operations, operational standards and operator training.

Shapes the knowledge, skills and behaviours of future Sizewell C operations personnel through training, coaching, mentoring and assessment.

Reinforces high standards of nuclear professionalism, operational discipline and Human Performance across the training environment.

Maintains technical credibility through continued professional development and participation in operational training programmes.

Provides expert advice and guidance on training and competence matters to the Pre-Operations organisation. Based on the existing Operations Instructor role expectations.

Develops, maintains and delivers training programmes, learning materials and assessments in support of the Sizewell C Operations training strategy.

Supports the intelligent replication and adaptation of training products, processes and operational standards from Hinkley Point C and the wider EDF fleet.

Contributes to the development and implementation of training governance, assurance arrangements and competence management processes.

Supports the specification, testing and validation of simulators and other training tools required for operational readiness.

Works with internal and external stakeholders to ensure training programmes align with project milestones and future operational requirements.

Evaluates trainee performance against defined competence standards and provides objective feedback to support development and authorisation decisions.

Monitors training effectiveness and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement.

Reviews operating experience, industry learning and organisational learning to identify training implications and performance improvement opportunities.

Supports training audits, reviews and assurance activities as required.

Encourages a questioning attitude and continual learning culture.

Reinforces expected operational standards, behaviours and nuclear safety culture.

Supports individuals in achieving and maintaining competence through coaching, mentoring and constructive feedback.

Identifies performance trends, development needs and competence risks and escalates these where appropriate.

Promotes a collaborative learning environment that supports operational excellence and continual improvement.

Responsible for the effective use of training resources, facilities and equipment.

Supports delivery of training activities within approved budgets and resource constraints.

Identifies opportunities to improve training efficiency whilst maintaining required quality and compliance standards. The existing JD references budget responsibilities where required.

Identifies and escalates risks relating to training quality, personnel competence and operational readiness.

Ensures training activities support nuclear safety, licence compliance and future operating standards.

Contributes to the resolution of issues that could affect operator competence or programme delivery.

Supports implementation of corrective actions arising from operating experience, audits and training reviews.

Works closely with colleagues across Sizewell C, Hinkley Point C, EDF, the Nuclear Skills Alliance and the wider EPR community.

Influences operational readiness through the development of the future operating workforce rather than through direct authority.

Contributes to the successful transition from project delivery to safe and reliable station operations.

Supports the development of a long-term capability that will underpin Sizewell C operations throughout commissioning and commercial operation. Based on the role's purpose supporting future operators and operational readiness.

Ability to learn and apply complex technical information.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Demonstrates an ability and willingness to coach, support and develop others

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to maintain high standards of professionalism, attention to detail and procedural compliance.

Ability to organise and prioritise tasks to meet objectives and deadlines.

Competent in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications.

Willingness to challenge and be challenged in support of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Experience of training, coaching, mentoring or assessment techniques.

Knowledge of industrial processes, engineering systems or plant operations.

Working Knowledge of the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT).

Knowledge of Human Performance, Organisational Learning or operational excellence principles.

Understanding of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR), nuclear or conventional power generation technology.

Knowledge of electricity generation, transmission or distribution systems.

Experience of simulator-based learning or training environments.

Qualified to a minimum of HNC, HND or Degree level in an engineering, scientific or other relevant technical discipline.

Demonstrates the aptitude and capability to learn and apply complex technical information.

Strong commitment to personal development and continuous learning.

Applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to undertake the role without requiring visa sponsorship.

Willingness and ability to undertake an extended training and familiarisation programme at Hinkley Point C before transitioning to Sizewell C.

Experience of training, mentoring, coaching or developing others.

Experience supporting workforce development, competence management or organisational learning activities.

Experience within a technical, engineering, operational or highly regulated environment, including operating, maintaining or supporting complex plant or equipment.

Experience of operating or supporting Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs), other nuclear facilities, conventional power generation plant, electricity transmission or distribution systems, military operations, manufacturing, chemical processing or other complex industrial environments.

Holder of a recognised training, instructional or assessment qualification.

Be part of one of the most important low-carbon energy projects in the UK.

Work in a mission-driven environment that values innovation, integrity, and long-term sustainability.

Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career development.

Recognise the value brought from different cultures and experiences

Be open to other’s points of view and ideas, be willing to debate and to compromise

Positively challenge poor quality and performance

Identify solutions at the lowest possible level

Encourage tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward

Value the rules and environment in which we operate

Give and receive feedback with respect

Embrace and engage with new people and ideas

One team, working closely together and helping each other

Empowered teams always looking forward.

Shared responsibility for delivery the project outcomes

Communicate clearly and consistently

Promote collaboration and team alignment

Clearer and faster decision making

Drive simplification at all levels

If this sounds like the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today.

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