Assessment Methods
Your knowledge and skills will be continuous assessed and you will have to demonstrate that you can meet the required standards throughout your training. There will be a mixture of coursework, projects, practical tasks, exams and end assessment. As an Apprentice you will have an allocated Trainer Assessor who will oversee your training at work and College. Your Trainer Assessor will regularly review your progress and help you with any problems.
A £15m capital investment provides a state-of-the-art nuclear training facility, including a virtual reality environment, a reactor simulator and computer-equipped training rooms, labs, recreation collaboration space and student accommodation. These fantastic facilities and dedicated staff enable us to replicate the nuclear environment, engaging students in project-based work that help you learn new skills, behaviours and the safety cultures essential for a licensed site.
Progression Options
Apprenticeships provide excellent career progression opportunities and are widely recognised in the employment market. Fully qualified engineers are always in demand, both at home and abroad, and are often amongst the top earners. On successful completion you could progress to the Higher Education courses including a BEng/BSc Degree with the National College for Nuclear, apply for Tech-Eng status or study further professional qualifications.
Entry Requirements
You will need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range, including Mathematics or an appropriate Level 2 qualification with an overall Merit which includes Maths and Science is acceptable. For mature applicants we will accept a wide range of non-standard and professional qualifications and experience, but if candidates are unsure as to whether they qualify we encourage them to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
Accommodation is mainly based at Cannington College and is primarily utilised by Cannington and Bridgwater students. We also have a limited number of independent living Higher Education flats in Taunton.
Accommodation caters for Further Education (16-18 year olds) and Higher Education degree students (18+ years). Accommodation is allocated based on age, and the two age groups are accommodated in different lodges. The limited number of Taunton flats are only offered students over the age of 18.
Our accommodation is staffed 24/7 and there is always support to be found in the Residential Office. Residential students will be made aware of where and how to find staff for maintenance, wellbeing, financial, and any other concerns they may have.
Students in accommodation have a variety of social, enrichment and engagement activities that they can participate in. Activities are run everyday and there is a team of activity officers that run these. These activities may be on-site or off-site, and they cater to a variety of interests. Student suggestions for activities are encouraged and welcomed – students can simply contact an Accommodation Officer or visit a shared student space for more information.
Yes, the college offers an initial information session followed by up to six counselling sessions with our professional, qualified counsellors or counsellors in training. This service is confidential and easily accessible for students in need. To contact the Counselling Team directly, please email counsellingservice@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk.
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Cannington College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.