Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and Sellafield Ltd attended UlverSTEM last week as an opportunity to enthuse and inspire young people in Cumbria into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.
UlverSTEM is an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths focused event for 6 to 16 year olds, held at Ulverston Victoria High School and was attended by over 3,000 students.
At the event, NWS explored topics of geology and nuclear with the students, offering hands on activities to engage and learn. Sellafield Ltd facilitated interactive learning around building essential skills such as communication, teamwork, creativity and adaptability alongside an overarching theme of construction.
Tracy Badham, social responsibility manager at Nuclear Waste Services, said
NWS has always supported STEM in our communities and UlverSTEM was a great success, it was wonderful to see so many young people eager to learn about geology, nuclear science and engineering.
We had lively conversations about the creation of rocks, importance of strong engineering in nuclear, how NWS deals with radioactive waste and the topic of radiation in everyday life.
Stephanie Hetherington, educational outreach lead at Sellafield Ltd, said
Educational Outreach is vital in Sellafield. Inspiring young minds aged 6 to 16 year olds across Cumbria means showing them that their classroom subjects aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re stepping stones to real careers.
By linking activities to job roles and the national curriculum, we help them see their future in STEM, not as distant or exclusive, but as exciting, inclusive, and achievable.
When role models reflect the diversity of our communities, every child can see themselves in their own journey of STEM.
Nuclear Waste Services and Sellafield Ltd are both part of the NDA group, which is responsible for decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy.
Primary School workshops with NWS in Cumbria can be booked via the Centre for Leadership Performance website.
More information about Sellafield Ltd’s educational outreach team can be found here Education Outreach – Sellafield Ltd