A first for radiation protection in the UK
Employees from the Sellafield nuclear site are the first in the UK to graduate with a BSc (Hons) Degree in radiation protection.
Professor Peter Cole (centre) with Sellafield Ltd employees (L to R) Gayle Faragher, Allison Hollerin, Joy Hetherington and David Denwood
Launched in September 2014, degree provides a route for people like Sellafield Ltd safety advisor, David Denwood, to progress within the field of radiation protection and the nuclear industry in particular.
David and 4 colleagues spent 2 years studying for the unique qualification at the University of Cumbria (UoC) while working full-time at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria.
David said:
As it was the first of its kind nationally, I had no idea what to expect from the degree. At times, I found it hard to balance study with work commitments and home life but all the hard work has been worth it.
Going forward, I believe the knowledge and skills gained will be beneficial to my job role as a safety adviser and will significantly contribute to the safe delivery of nuclear activities at Sellafield.
I am extremely proud to have taken part in this benchmarking degree course, which I hope will now pave the way for more people to develop their nuclear professionalism.
The course was the culmination of years of planning and collaboration between UoC, nuclear and non-nuclear sectors including industry, regulatory, medical, the Society for Radiological Protection and other academic partners.
Jim Bishop, head of radiological protection at Sellafield Ltd congratulated the graduates. He said:
Radiological protection is hugely important at Sellafield and our radiological safety staff play a key part in ensuring the safety of our people and our site.
The achievement of these 5 workers in obtaining their degrees is both a reflection of their hard work and demonstrates the development of local people to solve the challenges of clean up at Sellafield. I congratulate all of my colleagues on their success – a well-deserved reward, and a first for radiation protection in the UK.