A trainee from Culham has received the Advanced Apprentice of the Year accolade.

Thomas Dominguez Walker, serving as an assistant cybernetics engineer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority in Abingdon, secured the prize at the 18th Nuclear Skills Awards presentation.

The event, held in Manchester on March 12, showcases expertise throughout Britain’s nuclear industry.

Mr Dominguez Walker was acknowledged for his technical expertise, constructive approach, and professional dedication throughout his Level 3 apprenticeship programme.

He mentioned that upon completing his apprenticeship, his team leader put his name forward for the NSAN Advanced Apprentice of the Year distinction.

He expressed pride in receiving such acknowledgment and noted that being chosen was genuinely thrilling and represented an excellent opportunity.

He added that reaching this point required sustained commitment, building technical competencies, and developing interpersonal skills that enable projects and teamwork to flourish.

Throughout his apprenticeship, he participated in the Robotics and AI Collaboration initiative, which is hastening the implementation of robotics and artificial intelligence in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering work.

He also assisted with research and development efforts aimed at creating solutions to robotics and artificial intelligence obstacles.

Mr Dominguez Walker continued that for him this had involved dedication to his apprenticeship coursework, fulfilling obligations on UKAEA and RAICo initiatives, and actively helping colleagues.

His qualifications had presented challenges and rewards in equal measure, providing him with accredited certifications and hands-on experience.

He expressed hope that winning the prize would motivate others to explore engineering apprenticeships and discover what they could achieve.

His instruction comprised 18 months of three-month rotations across UKAEA sites, followed by an additional 18-month placement at RACE, UKAEA’s facility for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments.

He spent a year directly engaged with RAICo.

James Ferrand, principal engineer and team leader at UKAEA, stated that Thomas had been an absolute pleasure to work alongside and supervise in recent years.

He noted that Thomas had made a strong impression and cultivated an excellent standing for his approach to work.

He had demonstrated considerable skill in acquiring new technologies, consistently seeking to expand his understanding both of the technology itself and how his contributions related to the broader context.

He personally regarded Thomas as a benchmark for what an ideal apprentice should represent for others to aspire toward.

He offered warm congratulations to Thomas.

During his apprenticeship, Mr Dominguez Walker obtained a Higher National Certificate, a credential comparable to the first year of a university degree programme, attaining distinctions throughout.

Now working permanently at Culham, he carries on with RAICo initiatives.

He also dedicates his time to events that highlight apprenticeships and engineering professions.

The Nuclear Skills Awards are staged by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Skills.

The ceremonies recognise outstanding quality and accomplishments of individuals and organisations throughout the nuclear sector.