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Former Second Sea Lord visits UCS apprentices at Nuclear Engineering conference

📆 Friday 22nd May
Group of nuclear engineering apprentices and students standing in front of a screen displaying a naval vessel, with Sir Martin Connell.

Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprentices and students at University Centre Somerset were given a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the most senior former figures in the Royal Navy during a professional conference held at the Cannington Conference Centre.


Vice Admiral (Retired) Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE, former Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the Royal Navy, spoke about leadership, resilience and the future of the UK Strategic Deterrent. He also took time to engage with apprentices about their ambitions and future careers within the engineering and defence sectors.

I’ve had the opportunity to speak to apprentices who will go on to work in the civil nuclear field as well as the defence nuclear field. There are thousands of highly skilled jobs that we need to generate and sustain. Places like this are setting the foundations for those skilled people that we need as a nation.

Sir Martin Connell KCB CBE

Former Second Sea Lord and Deputy Chief of the Royal Navy

Apprentices also heard from senior professionals from organisations including EDF and BAE Systems. They gained insight into topics such as engineering design, nuclear power, chartered engineer status and the future of the industry.

Sir Martin Connell and Mike Wenke in suits standing on a grassy hill in front of a modern building which is the National College for Nuclear in Cannington. They are smiling at the camera.
Sir Martin Connell in a blue blazer standing at a podium in front of an audience presenting at the Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship conference 2026.
Group of nuclear engineering apprentices and students standing in front of a screen displaying a naval vessel, with Sir Martin Connell.
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Sir Martin Connell and Mike Wenke in suits standing on a grassy hill in front of a modern building which is the National College for Nuclear in Cannington. They are smiling at the camera.
Sir Martin Connell in a blue blazer standing at a podium in front of an audience presenting at the Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship conference 2026.
Group of nuclear engineering apprentices and students standing in front of a screen displaying a naval vessel, with Sir Martin Connell.

Former apprentices who are now working in industry shared their experiences since graduation. They provided current students with valuable first-hand insight into career progression and life within the sector.

The conference highlighted the exceptional industry links available through nuclear apprenticeship and full-time degree courses at the on-campus National College for Nuclear.

While he was here, Sir Martin Connell recorded a quick video. He spoke a little about himself and the future of the nuclear and defence industry in the UK. Watch the video here:

Please to watch this video.