As we prepare for our upcoming Virtual Tabletop Exercise Responding to Nuclear Security Incidents during Transport: Encouraging a More Diverse Workforce, we sat down with Lauren Gorge, Information Assurance Advisor at Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) and coordinator of this exercise. She spoke about about the opportunities in the nuclear security sector, the highlights of the upcoming event, and the importance of diversity in the security sector.
How did you become interested in transport security management?
I have always had an interest in the nuclear industry, however, I didn’t know when coming into the industry how many areas and divisions there would be to explore. I started my career journey on a cybersecurity apprenticeship scheme where I was placed within the transport divisions of the nuclear sector. Having this experience with Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) was an amazing opportunity for me to learn and grow; this experience only made me want to delve deeper and learn even more about the transportation of nuclear material and how cybersecurity fits into all of this. I was lucky enough at the end of the apprenticeship scheme to be offered a role within NTS as an Information Assurance Advisor.
What do you enjoy most about your work in this field?
Working within the nuclear industry and particularly the transportation field, I enjoy interacting with different teams, raising cybersecurity and information assurance awareness around the business, having a supportive team, and working in an industry which provides so many opportunities to be involved in interesting projects. Whilst working with NTS I have had many great opportunities to get involved in some amazing personal development opportunities in terms of day-to-day work, attending conferences and different types of training. Some examples of opportunities I have had include presenting and attending conferences around the UK and internationally. I am able to meet and interact with different people from around the nuclear sector and in particular attend Women in Nuclear events to meet some very inspirational women within the industry.
“This exercise will give you an insight into what planning, preparation and the delivery of a nuclear transport looks like.”
Can you share with us some highlights of the upcoming Virtual Tabletop Exercise – Responding to Nuclear Security Incidents during Transport that you find most exciting?
To be involved in co-ordinating this exercise has been a fantastic opportunity for me. This virtual tabletop exercise is going to be an exciting interactive session based on a nuclear transport, and we will need the participants’ help to make decisions to ensure the material is transported safely and securely to its end destination. This exercise will give you an insight into what planning, preparation and the delivery of a nuclear transport looks like and potential disruptions that could hinder the transport and the mitigations for these.
This exercise is definitely not to be missed, especially for females considering or just embarking on their careers within nuclear transport.
How does a diverse team support nuclear security?
Within the team I work at NTS I have lots of support; this support was vital for me. Coming into the nuclear industry specifically into the cybersecurity field, which were both areas I had very little experience in, it was essential I had a supportive team around me. From day one I was made to feel welcome and included. I am always encouraged and given amazing opportunities to take part in to develop and grow on a professional level and gain more self-confidence. Having a team that trusts and values each other’s opinions is vital, and it is truly important that the team is diverse in order for there to be effective collaboration and new ideas.
“It is truly important that the team is diverse in order for there to be effective collaboration and new ideas.”
What advice or message would you give young women entering the field?
Nothing is impossible! I think when looking into nuclear opportunities specifically for females, people generally may think engineering, science and male-dominated, however, there is so much more now offered to young professionals and women.
I come from a small remote town in the UK and before beginning my apprenticeship I had very little knowledge about cybersecurity or nuclear, but with hard work and determination I believe anything is possible no matter your background, knowledge or experience. If you work hard, you can achieve anything.
My three key messages to any young women entering this field would be:
• Seize any opportunity when given the chance
• Take risks
• Always be yourself
Is there anything else you would like to add about the transport security field or gender diversity in nuclear security?
Even though gender diversity has been an issue in nuclear security, I feel this is something that is getting better and will only continue to improve. I have only been a part of the nuclear transport industry for around three and a half years, and the number of inspirational people I have been lucky enough to meet, learn from and gain support from is amazing and paramount to my achievements and opportunities in my career journey so far. Anyone thinking about pursuing a career in this field, should definitely do it.
Want to learn more about transport security, cybersecurity, advanced reactors and the links between them? Join us to take part in a realistic scenario in which the participants will decide how to respond to a nuclear security incident.
We’re offering two times to accommodate people in a variety of time zones:
EMEA & Pacific Edition: 21 March, 9:00-12:30 CET
EMEA & Americas Edition: 22 March, 14:00-17:30 CET
