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
Our tendering team is an integral part of our business. They are responsible for winning new business, identifying opportunities and presenting them to internal stakeholders. They also respond to requests for information and coordinate input from engineering, sub-contract partners and internal departments to produce the most compelling bid response. Each member of the tendering team will manage a tender however, they work together so that the responses are comprehensive and to a high standard which provides a great opportunity to learn from each other. They are always reviewing their processes to improve ways of working and develop their strategy. The team is made up of our three Senior Proposal Engineers, Dave Collings, Daniel Pettinger, and Iain Moore.
We asked each of them to tell us about their role:
Dave Collings
“What I love is that the role requires us to exercise a wide range of skills and technical knowledge while also collaborating with subject matter experts from across the business. We’re empowered to develop long-lasting relationships with our supply chain partners to create high-quality proposals. What I really admire is that CAN invests in our professional development, meaning we’re fully supported in achieving career goals and progression. Perfect for someone proactive, driven and ready for a challenge!”
Daniel Pettinger
“I joined the company last January and it’s been a steep learning curve since my background is in tendering automated materials handling and warehouse storage systems; so, I am in a totally different world. I would say the best thing about joining CAN has been the people; the team have been really supportive, and everyone pulls together to reach our common goals. On a day-to-day basis the role is quite varied, the most important part of the role is taking ownership of the end-to-end tendering process in order to bid for new business, this requires pulling together input from a variety of different departments and internal experts, engaging with our supply chain, and no two tenders are truly alike; there are different phases to the tender process and because CAN are designing bespoke engineering solutions across a range of nuclear sectors, our offering is always unique.”
Iain Moore
“I joined CAN in January 2024 as a Senior Proposals Engineer. This role introduced me to the nuclear industry as I have previously worked in the Rail, Defence, and Oil and Gas industries. A key part of the role involves managing the tendering process from opportunity identification/assessment through to the proposal submission. A typical day can include liaising with customers and supply chain, identifying/assessing opportunities, planning/developing proposals, collaborating with in-house experts to create proposals tailored to each customer and their unique requirements. I really enjoy the role as each opportunity has a different set of challenges that not only keeps things interesting but also promotes personal and professional growth.”
Last week, CAN attended Nuclear Industry Association’s DECOM25 event and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) Supply Chain event!
Our team joined representatives from Cyclife and Cyclife UK and exhibited at the two events, showcasing our comprehensive capabilities in nuclear decommissioning, defence, science-based projects, and power generation.
The event provided valuable networking opportunities with NDA group companies and key decision-makers. We gained cross-sector insights from JET, Oil & Gas, AWE, and Space decommissioning projects and learned about the latest developments in digital innovation and robotics for enhanced safety.
As a key supplier to the nuclear industry, Cyclife Aquila Nuclear’s presence at both DECOM2025 and the NDA supply chain event reinforced our position as a vital partner in nuclear decommissioning, defence, science-based projects, medicines, and power generation. Our exhibition presence at both events provided valuable opportunities to showcase our capabilities and engage with current and potential clients.
Key highlights from the events include:
Industry Updates and Opportunities
We gained firsthand insights into NDA group updates and strategic direction, an understanding of upcoming decommissioning projects and supply chain opportunities, and exposure to digital technological innovations shaping the industry’s future.
Cross-Sector Learning
We acquired valuable insights from parallel industries facing similar decommissioning challenges and were able to gain a greater understanding of emerging technologies and methodologies that could enhance our service offering.
Strategic Relationships
During the conference dinner (sponsored by KBR and Frazer Nash Consultancy), we formed relationships with decision-makers and potential clients and strengthened relationships with existing clients.
Future Focus
At both events, we saw the industry’s future plans, including digital capability development and robotics applications for enhanced safety and efficiency, an understanding of workforce development needs and skills requirements, and knowledge of upcoming opportunities in front-end nuclear expansion.
Exhibiting at these interconnected events demonstrated our commitment to the industry and reinforced our position as a trusted supplier across the nuclear sector. The events provided an excellent platform to showcase our expertise while gathering valuable market intelligence to inform our future service delivery and business development strategies.
Piers Anderson
Introducing Piers Anderson, one of our Mechanical Design Engineers! We asked Piers 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?
My day starts with coffee — because without it, I’m basically on autopilot. Once caffeinated, I tackle emails, check my schedule, and dive into projects like report writing or CAD design, which I enjoy.
Lunch is where the real action happens: I hit the pool table and claim my title as reigning champ.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career so far?
The biggest lesson I have learnt so far in my career is to always ask questions and don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know. I have been fortunate to work with people who have a great wealth of knowledge and happy to pass on their experience to me and help me grow as an engineer
What is your proudest professional achievement to date?
One of my proudest achievements has been helping drive a company-backed monitored professional development scheme. I handled mentor-mentee registrations and tracked progress to make sure everything was ready ahead of the IMechE accreditation visit. It was rewarding to see the program come together successfully.
What is on your bucket list?
My bucket list is to continue travelling around South-East Asia as I have already visited Thailand and Vietnam. I really want to visit Malaysia and Singapore to try different cuisines and explore.
If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with a historical figure, it would be Oliver Cromwell as it must have been a difficult decision to go against your king for the rights of the common man.
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER VACANCIES – APPLY NOW
At the end of 2023, we were awarded a significant contract to design and build a facility to manufacture radioactive power cells to provide a vital source of energy for future space missions. The production process will be housed in a high integrity glovebox suite to ensure the highest levels of safety and cleanliness.
What is a glovebox?
Gloveboxes are containment systems. Their purpose is to protect operators and the wider environment from a potentially harmful material and to protect the material from potential contamination from operators or the outside environment.
An example of both scenarios occurs in the field of nuclear medicine for the production of radioisotopes for diagnostics and therapy in cancer treatment. In the case of nuclear medicine production, the operators must be protected, while the product inside the glovebox must be manufactured in a sterile environment. Gloveboxes and containment systems are used throughout the nuclear and pharmaceutical industry.
NNL programme of work
The UK Space Agency and National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) are to collaborate on the world’s first space battery powered by Americium-241.
NNL’s work, commissioned and funded by the UK Space Agency, will be delivered in a new £19 million laboratory in Cumbria equipped with next-generation equipment and technology. It will deliver a sovereign supply of fuel for space batteries in the context of a global shortage, enabling the UK and its partners to pursue new space science and exploration missions.
Atomic space batteries, also known as Radioisotope Power Systems (RPSs), release heat as the radioactivity within them decays. The heat can be used directly to prevent spacecraft from freezing and it can be converted into electricity to power onboard systems. The batteries go on working for decades, without need for maintenance over the many years in which a spacecraft could be travelling.
National Nuclear Laboratory – a look at our Central Laboratory – https://youtu.be/d67TxfPzls0
About NNL
As the UK’s national laboratory for nuclear fission, NNL is harnessing nuclear science to help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. NNL’s work is channelled into four strategic areas: Clean Energy, Health and Nuclear Medicine, Environmental Restoration and Security and Non-Proliferation. These four Focus Areas are the cornerstones of NNL’s ambition, shaping what it delivers to customers and for UK society, and how it invests in our future. At a time when society is waking up to acting on the environmental crisis our planet faces, it is impossible to overestimate the scale of the challenge ahead for the UK in reaching net zero by 2050. Without nuclear, the UK will not meet this target on time. And without NNL’s work, the UK nuclear sector cannot deliver what is required. NNL is custodian of a unique set of facilities and capabilities that enable groundbreaking nuclear research and development – including four world-leading laboratories in the North West of England. The most important asset for NNL’s future success, however, is its people. NNL is fortunate to be gifted with some of the most creative and inspired scientific minds in the nuclear sector, in the world. Everyone in NNL’s workforce is here to deliver environmentally and financially sustainable solutions to the major challenges of the 21st century, with the support of customers and partners in government, academia and the supply chain.
© Cyclife Aquila Nuclear – CAN NNL Glovebox Team
Brad Fettes
Introducing Brad Fettes, our Project Accountant! We asked Brad a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I am the Project Accountant here at CAN. I enjoy the variety of work that I am involved in and how I work with people from across the business on different tasks.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I have worked at CAN since June 2019 so just over 5 years.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
Throw yourself into your role and immerse yourself in all areas of the business to gain a clear picture of how CAN operates.
What do you do at the weekends?
I have a 9 month old baby and a 8 year old Sprocker Spaniel so a lot of my weekend is spent walking him and then spending quality time as a family.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have mastered a fair few cocktails, so am chief cocktail maker at any get together, so have accumulated a rather large collection of alcohol.
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group