Training Areas

The Springfields training workshop facilities are designed to replicate real working situations but in a controlled environment.

This helps give you the confidence to complete tasks in the workplace which we believe is the best way to learn.

The Mechanical and Process workshop training includes installation, maintenance, fault finding and testing of all mechanical plant including: pumps, valves, transmission, hydraulic, refrigeration, pipework, and control systems.

The Electrical/Instrument workshop training includes installation and maintenance of power, measurement and control systems giving you the chance of a first class start to a career in industry.


Apprentice training area programmable logic control	Apprentice training area centre lathes

Apprentice training area fluid transfer process plant	Apprentice training area fluid transfer process plant

Apprentice training area conveyor and motors	Apprentice training area motors and motor starters

Apprentice training area milling machine and grinding area	Apprentice training area hydraulic and pump drive alignment

Case Study

“I started my career at Springfields as an apprentice instrumentation and electrical craftsperson aged 18, prior to that I had spent two years at college studying a fulltime BTEC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. The Springfields Advanced Apprenticeship scheme was perfect as I was allowed to study a HNC in Electrical & Electronic Engineering all while carrying out on the job learning as an Instrumentation Mechanic, the hands on approach to learning suited me a lot more.

I enjoyed the increase in responsibility and felt that I was learning valuable skills both in and outside of work. The first 6months of my apprenticeship scheme was spent learning basics such as use of hand tools, bench work and machining. Once I had a strong foundation set of skills I transitioned over to learning the electrical and then instrumentation sides of my trade for a further year. I then had a number of 3-6month placements across the site where I picked up valuable ‘on the job’ learning which involved carrying out preventative maintenance and responding to real plant breakdowns. I really enjoyed being part of a ‘Team’. I completed my apprenticeship 6months early so I joined the shift operations team in the Enriched Uranium Recovery Plant. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Shift Team worker and found the chemical processes fascinating allowing me to gain a strong knowledge of the plant in a short amount of time.

Following a year working as a Shift Team Worker I moved onto the UF6 Conversion maintenance team as an E&I craftsperson. This move from working shifts to working days took me back to a more maintenance centered role and allowed me time to apply to university and start to study a BEng Hons in Mechatronics which I received a First-class honours, all which was funded by Springfields.

After a just few months of studying I was successful in gaining a Development Role as a Project Engineer. I have now been in projects nearly 3 years and have managed a number of projects including bids for new types of fuel and upgrades to state of the art fuel production systems. Recently I have transitioned to the Oxide Fuel Projects team which carries out capital funded projects on our Oxide fuel Fabrication Facilities which are state of the art and highly automated, I have now progressed to an Engineering Project Manager Role. As part of my continued professional development I have completed a number of a project management qualifications, in addition I am currently studying an MSc in Engineering with Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. I am also awaiting my interview data for Professional Registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) with The Institution Engineering and Technology (IET). I would like to achieve chartered engineer status before I am 30 and in the long term I would like to work on some large scale projects such as the next generation of nuclear reactors. I would strongly recommend the Springfields apprenticeship scheme to anyone who enjoys a hand on approach to learning and is interested in a career in engineering.” – Ben Matley