Faye Rathmill has been named Higher & Degree Apprentice of the Year at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards 2026
The award recognises her outstanding contribution, technical skill, and commitment to career development.
Faye wasn’t the only winner with a Sellafield connection.
Two colleagues from our Programme and Project Partners were also scooped awards. Everson Dube, was named Graduate of the Year (Business & Commercial) and Nicola Aird, won the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champion category. Everson works for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and Nicola for Amentum.
Faye, an operational research analyst in the Sellafield Advanced Business Analytics (SABA) team. said:
My apprenticeship has been a huge part of my life. I’m proud to represent both Sellafield and the wider apprenticeship community on a national stage.
Seeing my work adopted in live operations makes me want to keep growing and making an impact.
The awards are organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) and Cogent Skills. They celebrate excellence across the UK’s nuclear workforce and recognise individuals who are helping to shape the future of the sector.
Other Sellafield Ltd finalists on the night were Jayakanthan Sanjeevan, in the STEM Graduate of the Year category, Matthew Hall, Advanced Apprentice of the Year, and Attlee Jack Skillen, Intermediate Apprentice of the Year.
Michelle Lambon‑Wilks, Sellafield Ltd’s head of education, training & development, said:
I was incredibly proud to see four of our people recognised as finalists across four different categories – the first time we’ve had so many represented. A real reflection of the talent, commitment and potential coming through our programmes.
A huge congratulations to Faye Rathmill on being named Higher and Degree Apprentice of the Year – a fantastic and very well-deserved achievement.
Moments like this are a great reminder of why investing in skills and supporting the next generation of nuclear professionals is so important for the future of our industry.
Nic Westcott, Sellafield Ltd Chief People Officer, added:
Being shortlisted across all four apprentice categories – and also having a finalist in the STEM graduate category – is a remarkable achievement. It speaks volumes about the quality, commitment and potential of our early‑career colleagues.
I’m proud of each of our finalists. Their drive to develop their skills, contribute to our mission and represent Sellafield so positively shines through in everything they do.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sellafield-apprentice-wins-national-skills-award
