Question 1

What does the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship involve?

Accepted Answer

The ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship is a Level 4 Associate Project Manager programme based at the STEP Fusion Programme site in West Burton, England. Apprentices support the planning, monitoring, and reporting of engineering and construction projects, working alongside engineers, designers, contractors, and clients. The programme typically runs 24 months and is structured around the Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship standard. No prior project management experience is required to apply.

Question 2

What is the STEP Fusion Programme?

Accepted Answer

STEP — Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production — is the UK's national fusion energy programme, led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, with the aim of demonstrating commercially viable fusion power. It is one of the UK's most ambitious clean energy and major infrastructure programmes, with construction planned at West Burton in Nottinghamshire. ILIOS, the joint venture between Kier and NUVIA, is the programme's construction partner and is responsible for delivering the civil and engineering works at the site.

Question 3

What is ILIOS and what is its role in fusion energy?

Accepted Answer

ILIOS is a joint venture between Kier, one of the UK's leading infrastructure groups, and NUVIA, the nuclear engineering entity of the VINCI Group. ILIOS was formed specifically to serve as construction partner to the STEP Fusion Programme at West Burton. The apprenticeship programme represents ILIOS's commitment to building long-term project management capability to support STEP and similar programmes over time.

Question 4

What qualifications do I need to apply for the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship?

Accepted Answer

Applicants need a minimum of three A-Levels at grades A*–C, or an equivalent qualification, along with GCSEs at Grade 5–9 (A*–C) in Maths, English, and Science. ILIOS is looking for motivated candidates with an interest in construction, engineering, or major infrastructure projects — prior project management experience is not required. Candidates must also be eligible for security and medical clearance given the nature of the site.

Question 5

Is a salary published for the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship?

Accepted Answer

No salary figure has been published for the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship at this time. This is a permanent contract role structured as a Level 4 apprenticeship, which typically carries a salary above the National Apprenticeship Wage for roles of this nature in the nuclear and major infrastructure sector. Candidates should enquire directly with ILIOS during the application process for current remuneration details.

Question 6

Where is the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship based and is remote work available?

Accepted Answer

The ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship is based onsite at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, England, where the STEP Fusion Programme is being built. The role is listed as fully onsite — no hybrid or remote working option is indicated. Candidates should be prepared to relocate to or commute to the West Burton area for the duration of the 24-month programme.

Question 7

What level is the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship and is there a progression route?

Accepted Answer

The apprenticeship is a Level 4 Associate Project Manager qualification, which corresponds to a higher apprenticeship and sits above A-Level in the UK qualifications framework. Subject to performance and business need, ILIOS offers a pathway to the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Project Management, providing a route to degree-level qualification without a traditional university route. This progression is part of ILIOS's longer-term commitment to developing future project leaders for STEP and similar programmes.

Question 8

Why is project management on a fusion construction site technically demanding?

Accepted Answer

The STEP Fusion Programme involves construction of first-of-kind nuclear and plasma physics infrastructure at a scale that has never been attempted commercially in the UK. Project managers on the STEP site must coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines simultaneously — civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and specialist nuclear systems — while maintaining strict compliance with quality, health, safety, and environmental requirements on a licensed nuclear site. Managing risk, information, and stakeholder communication at this level of technical complexity requires structured capability that the ILIOS apprenticeship programme is specifically designed to build.

Question 9

What disciplines and teams will the ILIOS Project Manager Apprentice work with?

Accepted Answer

The ILIOS Project Manager Apprentice will work across a wide range of engineering and project functions, including planning and scheduling teams, engineering designers, specialist contractors, and the STEP client organisation. The role involves developing communication and leadership capability as well as technical grounding in risk management, project information systems, and quality and safety frameworks. Apprentices work as part of a team from day one and gain exposure to the full construction project lifecycle.

Question 10

How do I apply for the ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship?

Accepted Answer

The ILIOS Project Manager Apprenticeship is listed at fusion-future.com/jobs/jobs-ilios-project-manager-apprenticeship, where you can find full details and follow the link to apply directly via the NUVIA VINCI careers portal. ILIOS is recruiting its first cohort for this role, so early applications are encouraged. Candidates must be eligible for both security and medical clearance as a condition of employment on the STEP site at West Burton.