Rachael studied BSc Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Liverpool and gained nuclear industry experience before securing a role as a principal radioactive waste manager and radiation protection adviser (RPA) for Westinghouse Environmental Services UK
How did you get your job in radiation protection?
While studying for my degree, I took a module in medical physics, which really sparked my interest in radiation and its applications. At the time, I was working in the National Health Service (NHS), then my brother started a career offshore, which sounded exciting and introduced me to an industry I hadn't considered before.
I began exploring how I could transition into an offshore role, particularly in industrial radiography - still working with ionising radiation, but in a more industrial setting rather than a medical one.
As I was completing my offshore certifications, I saw an advert for an RPA and radioactive waste adviser (RWA) designate. The role involved providing radiation and radioactive waste advice to non-nuclear clients, which was a great entry point into the field.
After gaining experience, I achieved my RPA certification and gradually moved into advising within the nuclear industry. I now work for a global company that provides services across the entire nuclear lifecycle - from new build to decommissioning. It's a varied and rewarding career that I hadn't even known existed when I first started out.
What does the role involve?
I often work on multiple projects at once. Since my company operates across the entire nuclear lifecycle, I have the opportunity to apply radiation protection principles in various settings. Some of the things I do include:
Advising on engineering controls for new nuclear build projects, ensuring radiation safety is built into the design from the start.
Creating radiation risk assessments and developing operational documents to support safe working practices during ongoing operations.
Advising on accident scenarios, including how to assess potential exposures and determine the need for medical surveillance.
Training personnel on radiation protection principles, helping them understand how to work safely with ionising radiation.
Applying radiation protection processes in complex nuclear decommissioning environments, where legacy waste and infrastructure present unique challenges.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The variety. Not just in the type of work I do, but also in the environments in which I work. I've had the opportunity to be involved in some truly unique and fascinating projects all over the world, including:
Visiting offshore platforms and chemical manufacturing facilities in the UK, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how these industries operate was eye-opening.
Working in remote locations like the Omani desert and even on a manmade island in Qatar.
Supporting UK nuclear new build projects, helping to ensure a safer, cleaner energy future through radiation protection and radioactive waste advice.
Working with robotics, advanced radiation monitoring instruments, and modelling software to visualise complex nuclear facilities - the future of technology in this field is mind-blowing.
Delivering training, both online and in person, to people across the world.
Going underground in a mine.
Tell us about three challenges facing the nuclear sector today.
Resources - both people and funding.
Time - building and decommissioning within tight deadlines.
Regulation - navigating a complex approval system.
The UK nuclear sector in 2025 is facing a mix of technical, economic, and workforce challenges as it works toward ambitious energy and climate goals. The government aims for nuclear power to supply 25% of the UK's electricity by 2050, but many of today's reactors are ageing and are due to be shut down soon. That means we need to build new reactors and safely decommission old ones - all within a short timeframe.
This creates a huge demand for funding and skilled people. In fact, the sector is expected to need 40,000 new workers by 2030 to meet its targets. At the same time, the UK's regulatory system, which ensures safety and environmental standards, can be slow and complex, adding to the challenge.
The good news? The UK is establishing taskforces and implementing reforms to address these issues. While the road ahead is challenging, it's also an exciting time to join the industry and help shape the future of clean energy.
In what way is your degree relevant to the role?
It gave me the technical knowledge I needed to understand how ionising radiation works and how it affects the human body - this is the foundation of radiation protection. However, beyond the science, it also helped me develop a range of skills that I now utilise every day in my career.
For example:
Critical thinking and problem solving - I learned how to break down complex problems and find practical solutions, which is essential when assessing radiation risks or planning safety measures.
Data analysis - I often work with radiation monitoring results and modelling software, and my degree helped me feel confident interpreting technical data.
Communication - I regularly explain technical information to people from different backgrounds, so being able to communicate clearly and confidently is a must.
Adaptability - my degree taught me how to learn quickly and adjust to new challenges, i.e. working in accident and emergency (A&E), which is important when working in different environments, from offshore platforms to nuclear sites.
Staying calm and in control during emergency situations - or when quick decisions are needed.
How has your role developed, and what workplace issues are you most passionate about?
My day-to-day work has shifted from supporting tasks to leading large teams, developing strategies for multi-million-pound projects, and solving complex problems in high-hazard environments.
What I'm most passionate about is sharing knowledge, especially helping others understand radiation protection and the range of careers available in the nuclear industry. I'm currently the chair of outreach for The Society for Radiological Protection (SRP), and I regularly attend STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) events to engage with students and the public.
With the UK entering a new era of nuclear development, it's a fantastic time for people of all ages and backgrounds to consider a career in this field. There are so many opportunities, and the work we do really makes a difference.
What are your career ambitions?
I want to see a career in nuclear return to the level of pride and importance it had in earlier generations, where it was seen as a key part of national progress. The nuclear industry can play a significant role in helping the UK build a thriving and sustainable economy.
I'm also passionate about ensuring that we properly address the legacy of past nuclear activities. At the time, people didn't fully understand the long-term consequences of their actions. Now, we have the knowledge and responsibility to manage those hazards safely and ethically.
Ultimately, I want my career to leave a lasting legacy, where every decision I've influenced has considered the needs of future generations, and where I've helped build a nuclear industry that's respected, responsible, and resilient.
What advice would you offer to others interested in entering this field?
Be open to unexpected opportunities. I didn't originally plan to work in the nuclear industry - it was something I discovered through a mix of curiosity and chance. Keep an open mind, explore different areas of science and engineering, and don't be afraid to follow a path that's new to you.
Build a strong foundation, but don't worry about knowing everything. A good understanding of science, especially physics or engineering, definitely helps, but you'll learn a lot on the job. What's more important is being willing to learn, ask questions, and apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Get involved and stay curious. Attend STEM events, speak with professionals in the industry, and explore internships or shadowing opportunities. The nuclear sector is home to passionate individuals who are eager to share their experiences. The more you engage, the more confident and informed you'll become.
