A greener pathway? Nuclear is the answer…
Written by Steve Barker, Head of Commercial
Having worked in nuclear for 8 years and having had the benefit of learning about it at a young age, the path to a sustainable future is clear to me, we need to be utilising energy sources with minimal environmental impact. Whilst renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are essential, nuclear power also has a crucial role to play in the transition to a greener world.
It’s already proven that nuclear generates electricity that produces virtually no carbon emissions during operation, making it one of the cleanest energy sources available. As we look to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, nuclear energy offers a stable, reliable alternative that complements fluctuating energy sources such as wind and solar. Unlike renewables, which are dependent on weather and daylight and therefore have limited availability, nuclear energy provides constant power around the clock.
Then consider that advances in nuclear technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and ongoing research into nuclear fusion, are moving nuclear energy into a new era of safety and efficiency. These technologies address traditional concerns about waste and safety and will provide a cleaner, more adaptable energy source for different locations around the UK. SMR plants have a smaller footprint and can be deployed close to demand centres, reducing transmission losses and increasing energy security.
Regardless of your opinion on nuclear power, the stakes are high in the climate crisis. With what scientists are forecasting, ruling out low-carbon options like nuclear power could have devastating consequences for us.
I’ll continue to advocate that utilising nuclear energy together with renewables improves our chances of a sustainable, low-carbon future. And given these potential benefits, the question is not why nuclear energy should be considered, but why it is not already at the centre of our sustainability effort?
Our brand-new annual magazine – CAN Fusion!
We are thrilled to announce our brand-new annual magazine, the CAN Fusion Magazine! Packed with exciting news, project updates, employee interviews, and our goals for 2025, this magazine reflects our incredible journey from 2024 and looks forward to what is to come this year.
Thank you to our colleagues who helped write some of the articles and also our amazing design team, The Glow Studio!
We are incredibly excited to share last year’s highlights and achievements with you all.
You can access the magazine here: CAN Fusion Magazine 2024-2025
CAN becomes a member of the American Glovebox Society (AGS) and joins the Technical Standards Overview Committee (TSOC)
As part of the continual development of one of our core specialisms, Gloveboxes, CAN have recently joined two organisations to further our capability and contribution to the discipline.
The National Nuclear Glove Box Forum (NNGF), part of the Nuclear Institute, is the working group for UK experts to share learning and relevant good practice on matters relating to glove box containment systems. CAN are not eligible to join (membership is limited to glovebox operators only) however, alongside the introduction of the new UK Alpha Resilience and Capability (ARC) programme standards a sub-forum for users of the standard has been set-up. As CAN are already embracing the implementation of these standards on live Projects, it was clear that we should join the (Technical Standards Oversight Committee (TSOC). Our Containment TAC group recently participated in the first TSOC meeting, to engage with the wider community around the exciting step change in approach to special nuclear material (SNM) glovebox supply that the ARC standards layout. Participation will allow us to be part of the conversation, sharing Learning from Experience (LFE) and providing input into the direction of the new UK industry standard for gloveboxes.
Similar to the NNGF, the American Glovebox Society (AGS) are the principal US glovebox organisation and owners of a number of guidelines/standards that present best practice in America. While CAN may not be as intimate with the US industry standard, the AGS present a huge resource of knowledge and experience that we can benefit from. Becoming a member is the first step towards enhancing the breadth of our knowledge and allowing us to widen our range of experience that we can draw on to the benefit of projects.
You can find out more about of our previous projects here, including our gloveboxes: Case Studies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
CAN X UKNNL Team Building Session
Last week, employees from CAN and Cyclife UK attended a team-building workshop with colleagues from United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) at the Park Royal Hotel in Warrington!
The workshop provided an opportunity for the project team members to get to know each other and build connections outside of the workplace. Events like this provide our team with the opportunity to strengthen client relationships and build lasting partnerships for future collaborations.
Thanks again to UKNNL and Cyclife UK for a fantastic day!
Emma Downey
Introducing Emma, our Marketing Manager! We asked Emma a few questions to get to know more about her role at CAN and what is on her bucket list!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
We’re really lucky to have a varied workday, although it usually always starts with a cup of tea and a quick check of emails! My favourite kind of day is usually filled with a mix of creative projects, analysing analytics and a few meetings thrown in to mix it up.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career so far?
For me, it has been work/life balance – after dedicating my 20s to my career and working long hours and weekends, I soon realised that rest, socialising and fun are important tools to make you more creative, fulfilled and focused on your work. I’ve worked for CAN for 18 months now and they really encourage you to ensure you prioritise your mental wellbeing.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
I’ve had some really amazing opportunities, I think running my own business was a real highlight in my career to date – it was enormously challenging but we also achieved so many exciting things!
What is on your bucket list?
A million things! I’m expecting my first child in May and I would love to take her on some amazing trips around the world, I love travelling and think it would be so much fun to see the world through her eyes. I’m not into adrenaline sports though, so there’s no wing-walking or sky diving on my bucket list!
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?
This is so tough! I can’t pick one so I will give you three: Frida Kahlo, Jane Austen and Marie Antoinette – what a dinner party that would be!
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
Tonia Crake-Goulden
Introducing Tonia, our Facilities Officer! We asked Tonia a few questions to get to know more about her role at CAN and what is on her bucket list!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My role as a Facilities Officer is very varied meaning no day is the same. However, it often begins with issuing a temporary security pass to someone who has forgotten their own! In the mornings I conduct daily site reviews, visiting each office/unit checking that no new Facility issues have arisen. This also gives the opportunity for others to discuss any Facility related concerns that they may have with me in person. Daily meter readings are recorded at this time, helping to contribute to the general tracking of KPI’s.
Once back at my desk, I answer emails, review quotes from contractors and then organise them to attend, if required, arrange security passes for forthcoming visitors as well as attend regular meetings of both a Facility and Health and Safety nature.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career so far?
That communication is key! Whether this be liaising with clients as in my role of a commodity analyst, managing both landlords’ and tenants’ expectations as in my role as a Property Manager or keeping everyone informed of any Facility issues here at CAN. I have learnt that most misunderstandings/grievances can be avoided by clear communication from the outset.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
Travelling to China during my time as a Commodity Analyst and securing additional business for the Metals Consultancy that I worked for. The purpose of the visit was to present a review of the copper market to copper producers with the aim of encouraging them to sign up for our monthly and quarterly copper reports. The presentations went well as I secured three additional clients.
What is on your bucket list?
To go on a cruise to the visit the Norwegian Fjords. I imagine the scenery will be breathtaking!
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?
Anne Frank. I would like to know how she found the resolve and strength during her two years in hiding in the attic. Having visited the attic myself, I am aware of how small the space was!
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
Today we recognise the talent, achievements, hard work and influence of women around the world. At CAN we are committed to supporting an inclusive workplace where women are empowered, valued and respected. We are incredibly proud of all the talented & successful women within our business and their dedication to their careers.
We asked a few of our colleagues what advice they would give to someone considering a career in their department…
Liz Wheeler, Finance Director
Go for it! There are many different avenues to take when considering a career in Finance, CIMA, ACCA, Taxation etc. I started by enrolling in AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) on a modern apprenticeship. I enrolled as soon as I had finished sixth form college and was able to complete my studies whilst working full-time.
Following my completion of AAT, I was given the opportunity to become Finance Manager at a new company, Cyclife Aquila Nuclear. As my role in the new business grew, I wanted to further my qualifications by using the knowledge I was applying in everyday work to obtain a Chartership in Accounting. The CIMA qualification (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) allowed me to apply knowledge used every day whilst learning about many more areas of business. A career in finance can be incredibly rewarding and offers numerous opportunities for growth and development. It’s important to stay determined, seek out mentors, and build a strong support network. Remember, every challenge you face is a step towards your success. So, embrace the journey, keep learning, and believe in yourself.
Dr Nara Ringrose, Head of People & Organisational Development
The most critical principle is constant learning from experience. Whatever you do, give it your all. Resilience and pure knowledge in HRM subjects are the most demanded qualities for an HR professional. It is beneficial to support your knowledge by learning about various industries and business trends outside of HRM. Finally, in the world of AI, the ability to stay genuine and approachable is invaluable.
Emma Downey, Marketing Manager
Marketing is such an exciting and varied job I’ve been doing it for over 12 years and still love it! Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, data focused or more creative, love designing or writing, you will find a role within marketing that aligns with your values and passions. I’d probably always suggest two main things: spend time in an agency; they’re have a great atmosphere, and you get to work on various brands and projects, which will allow you to figure out what you enjoy.
Secondly, find a great mentor or network of fellow marketers, this has been invaluable to my career, building my confidence, offering more opportunities outside of job roles and strengthening my skillset.
If you’re interested in a career at CAN, visit our job vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
Ben Honour
Introducing Ben Honour, one of our Senior Project Engineers! We asked Ben a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what is on his bucket list!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
No day is the same, there are always internal and external drumbeat meetings and regular reporting requirements that are needed to be delivered on my current projects. I always try to make time to proactively manage the projects I work on, applying the skills and learnings I have taken from my APM PFQ and PMQ. Unsurprisingly there is an amount of reactive situation management too. I also make sure I get away from my desk and take in some fresh air around the rural setting of the CAN offices, the countryside sounds and fresh air are always a good distraction to reset and refresh the mind during the working day.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career so far?
Nothing beats the value of going to someone’s desk or calling them on the phone or teams to talk through something. It is a very underestimated skill or tactic from a project / people management angle to get something resolved or explained. Of course, following up in writing is always good to clarify the conversation to avoid confusion.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
Being part of the UK’s nuclear defence programme. The two and a half years of work on the project has taught me a lot about project management and engineering design.
What is on your bucket list?
I would love to go to the boxing day test at the MCG during an ashes series. The atmosphere of 100,000 people watchin the cricket is something I would like to experience, what would be even better is if the English team were on top in the game too….
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?
Shane Warne, I would love to hear some of his stories from throughout his career and his take on the mind games applied in cricket and wider sport. I expect the dinner bill would also include a couple of bottles of wine too, as the interesting and more entertaining stories would need to be coaxed out!!
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
This week we are celebrating National Apprenticeship Week!
Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills and start a successful career. At CAN, we pride ourselves on our fantastic apprenticeship programme, which gives people a chance to work towards a career in Engineering. We aim to onboard two apprentices every year.
The Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship takes four years to complete. The apprenticeships begin in September with a BTEC Engineering Diploma. In the first year, the apprentices will undertake full-time training at Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA). Once they pass the first year, their second and third year will include a combination of learning. They will learn the Engineering Standards at SETA, carry out work-based learning at CAN and pursue further education, working towards their Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering.
In their final year, they will complete their Engineering Standards, carry out work-based learning at CAN and continue with further education. Once completed, they will be promoted to an Assistant Mechanical Design Engineer and finally a Mechanical Design Engineer.
We spoke with Charlie Collings and Fred Wood, two of our former apprentices, they share their experiences from when they were apprentices:
Charlie Collings
“I completed my HNC and HND in General Engineering during my 4-year apprenticeship at CAN, working in the office for four days and a day release for one. This time spent on site allowed me to develop valuable skills and knowledge from the team whilst working on a range of projects, complementing my HNC and HND learning and development.”
Fred Wood
“Cyclife Aquila Nuclear has supported my growth as an engineer throughout my time with the company. As an apprentice, I was offered many opportunities for professional development; this included a business-funded degree in mechanical engineering in which CAN supported me in studying part-time alongside my work. I’m grateful for the investment the business has made into my development.”
Both Charlie and Fred completed their apprenticeships in 2023 and are now fully qualified Mechanical Design Engineers.
We are incredibly proud of all of our apprentices and the hard work and dedication that they have shown to develop their careers. At the end of last year, we onboarded two new apprentices, Ben and Kai, who have started their journey towards a career in engineering. You can visit our apprentice page to learn more about our apprenticeships: Apprenticeships with CAN – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
You can also view our apprenticeship video here, where Charlie and Fred give their advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship at CAN: National Apprenticeship Week Video
Gianluca Diluccio
Introducing Gianluca Diluccio, one of our Senior Project Engineers! We asked Gianluca a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what is on his bucket list!
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I liaise with clients daily, talking to them about programme delivery, risks, and milestones. In the background I manage procurement for projects, as well as daily meetings and action logs.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career so far?
That communication is the most important skill any project worker can learn. I assume everybody knows nothing and that everyone is privy to communications I receive. I also find being approachable and friendly helps not only me but my co workers do a better job.
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
At AWE I commissioned a high-tech x-ray system which involved numerous stakeholders and engineering input. It was a huge ask, but I orchestrated it and delivered it on time.
What is on your bucket list?
I want to play at my favorite music festival – Download.
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?
Karl Marx, I’d like to understand what his vision of the world was and if anywhere has even come close to it.
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group