Human Factors Programme

Human Factors Graduate Programme

Programme title: Human Factors Graduate Programme

Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.

Location: Warrington or Bristol

Application closing date: 20 October 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74610

What will you do on the programme?

Human Factors plays a vital role in keeping people safe and operations running smoothly. Whether supporting nuclear operations, contributing to major decommissioning programmes or helping deliver critical infrastructure for the UK’s nuclear sector, you’ll help ensure equipment, environments and procedures are designed with people in mind.

As part of our multi-disciplinary teams within our Cavendish Nuclear business, you’ll work on live projects across the full lifecycle – from concept and construction to in-service support, decommissioning and incident investigation. That could mean supporting nuclear operations, helping to design and improve complex nuclear facilities and systems, or refining how critical systems are used and maintained.

You might carry out task analysis, contribute to requirements, or help ensure people have the tools, environment and procedures to work safely and effectively. Alongside this, you’ll meet operational staff, shadow senior professionals and collaborate with engineers, designers and stakeholders – building your expertise and making a real impact through design.

How is the programme structured?

This is a two-year programme designed to build your confidence, grow your expertise and help you find your path within Human Factors.

You’ll rotate across different teams and projects, applying your skills in real-world settings and contributing to safe, effective operations.  These rotations offer opportunities to broaden your experience – and some may even take you to different locations – helping you build your professional network and deepen your understanding of how the business operates.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

As part of your development, you’ll have the opportunity to work towards technical membership of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors – a recognised step toward achieving full Chartership with the CIEHF.

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

Upon completing the programme, you'll transition into a permanent role within Human Factors.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from: 

• A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous pension and employee share schemes
• Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
• Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.  

What do you need to apply?

• You'll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a BEng, MEng, BSc, MSc, BA, or MA in one of the following subjects: Human Factors, Ergonomics, Behavioural Sciences, Applied Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Systems Engineering, or Sociology.

• Many of our programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.

Where will you be based?

Places on our Human Factors Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available in our Cavendish Nuclear business. You’ll be based in Warrington or Bristol, with opportunities to spend time at other locations depending on the needs of your placements. 

We offer agile working, providing some flexibility; however, you can expect to spend several days each week on-site to support your role and development.  

Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you’ll continue your career in the same location, so it’s important to consider this when applying. 

Joining Cavendish Nuclear means getting involved in some of the most important engineering projects in the UK – and beyond. You could be working on the decommissioning of legacy nuclear sites, supporting the construction and operation of cutting-edge nuclear power plants, or helping sustain our national defence through work on the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Whether you're based in Bristol or Warrington, you'll be helping to clean up the nuclear legacy and create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments. 

Application process and important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.

We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.