NRS Dounreay offers some of the most exciting graduate jobs in Scotland, combining a rewarding career with that all-important work-life balance. David James explains why he has no regrets about moving to Caithness.
From Placement to Permanent: How 12 weeks at Dounreay turned into a rewarding new life building a career in Caithness
I first came to Caithness for what I thought would be a twelve-week summer placement at Dounreay. I was studying physics at Durham at the time, and my mum, happened to spot a tweet about Dounreay’s student programme. She takes full credit for it, and rightly so, because that one click completely changed my path.
I came up to work as a summer student in one of the scientific teams and I loved it. The site was fascinating – full of complex, technical work – but what really struck me was the quality of life. The countryside is right on your doorstep, the town is friendly, and the scale of Thurso felt just right. It’s big enough that there’s always something happening, but small enough that you can really get to know people. Everyone’s chasing that elusive work-life balance and it’s just effortless In Caithness.
Graduate Life at Dounreay: Mentorship, Career Growth, and Some of the Most Exciting Graduate Jobs in Scotland
When Dounreay opened its graduate job scheme later that year, I jumped at the chance to return. I’m now on a two-year development programme, working across different teams. It’s an incredible opportunity to do serious scientific work in a setting that also values balance and quality of life. The projects are challenging and meaningful, and the mentorship and support have been excellent. For someone at my stage of career, I honestly can’t imagine how it could be better anywhere else.
The Scale of Opportunity at Dounreay: Projects with Global Impact
That’s one of the big surprises about living in Caithness – the scale of opportunity. People don’t always realise what a significant site Dounreay is, or how much expertise exists here. The range of technical work is huge, and you’re part of something with both national and global importance. It’s not often you can say that about a place surrounded by beaches, mountains, and big skies.
A warm welcome in Caithness: Work-Life Balance in the North Highlands
Outside of work, life is just as good. I’m a big people person, and I’ve found the community in Thurso welcoming and easy to settle into. Many of my peers live locally, and there’s a real social buzz among the graduates. We’ve got a film club that meets every week, regular pub nights, and I’ve joined the North Highland Harriers running club. They organise trail runs all over the county – at places like Duncansby Head, Dunnet Forest and Broubster Forest. Those routes are stunning, and even when I’m not running with the group, I go back and explore them on my own.
I love hillwalking too, and the mix of coastal and moorland scenery never gets old. There’s so much space to explore, and it’s all so close to home. I’ve also been to local events like the Halkirk Games and Taste North – great ways to get involved and meet people.
Thinking of Making the Move to Caithness?
For anyone thinking about moving here, I’d say give it a go. The work is rewarding, the cost of living is refreshingly low, and the lifestyle is second to none. I came for a short placement and ended up building a life. The North Highlands offers the best of both worlds – world-class careers and a place you’ll be proud to call home.
Let Live North help you find a career in the North Highlands!
Got big career ambitions but want a better work-life balance? Life in the North Highlands means much more than just work. If you’re looking to move to Caithness or Thurso and build a rewarding career, Live North can help connect you with employers seeking graduate talent and skilled professionals.
Our team offers free, impartial relocation guidance and local know-how to help you settle in. If you are looking for graduate jobs in Scotland, or looking for your next move, get in touch with our team to see how we can help you build a new life in the North Highlands.
NRS Dounreay is Scotland’s largest decommissioning project.
Dounreay offers an opportunity to be involved in some of the UK’s most advanced technical projects, developing unique skills and experiences that are highly sought after across the industry.
The organisation recruits qualified and experienced individuals to help deliver its mission as the decommissioning programme progresses, including some of the most exciting graduate jobs in Scotland. To stay up to date with the latest vacancies and learn more about careers in decommissioning in the North Highlands, visit the NRS Dounreay careers website.