The Perfect Nuclear Family

Splitting the atom is one of the most incredible endeavours mankind has ever achieved, the accomplishment came as a result of some of the finest minds in history coming together and risking their lives – and the results could save our race. As recently as the 80’s the whole world believed that this nuclear stuff would bring about the end of the world via a big old-fashioned war (see WarGames, Mad Max or When the Wind Blows (bring a hanky for that one)), but now – as we approach a world without fossil fuels – it seems clear that nuclear power is, in fact, the future.

All of which makes it a little bit disturbing that the man synonymous with nuclear power in the 21st Century isn’t a genius physicist or mathematician but an obese, academically challenged heavy drinker with a tendency to lose focus and behave recklessly. I am, of course, referring to Mr Homer Simpson, a hilarious delight, no doubt, but not the man you want with his finger near any button that might do anything important.

Thankfully there’s a whole new breed vying to take his crown (no, not Lenny and Karl) and they learn the nuts and bolts of their trade at the EDF Nuclear Engineering Apprenticeship course in Gosport. This two year course is dedicated solely to providing the next generation of nuclear power providers – and as it takes several thousand people to safely run and maintain a nuclear power plant it’s a good job the course is popular!

The course itself is run much like any college course, with a variety of subjects to study, accommodation in the form of halls and plenty of social activities to establish social bonds – and you come out of the other end with a job for life! Sounds pretty good to us, and so when they asked us to make a film to let the young people of the UK (and their parents of course) know it was out there it was easy finding apprentices to volunteer to feature – they genuinely love it, and that came out in the film.

Oh, and in the canteen? Fission chips… I thank you