An unusual job interview
1956
Created by Angela 8 years ago
An extract from Barrie's book about life in the nuclear industry:
'In 1956, as my research at Birmingham University neared completion, I applied for jobs with the Atomic Energy Authority and was interviewed for two positions, one at Harwell (Oxfordshire), the other at a new site on the north coast of Scotland, where Fast Reactor technology was to be developed. When the interview panel asked which I would prefer, I replied without hesitation ‘Dounreay.’ It was not what they had expected, for Dounreay was so remote that the Authority was having difficulty in recruiting staff to that site. When they asked why, I explained that I had been born in Birmingham,and lived there all my life. Despite this, I had developed a passion for boats and the sea. There was no sea at Harwell so I chose Dounreay.'