ONR’s Callum Ross secured a runner-up spot after being shortlisted in the 'Learner of the Year’ category at this year's Security Institute awards.
The 25-year-old was nominated from thousands of entries and impressively made it down to the last five contenders for the prize handed out by the UK’s largest professional membership body for security professionals.
It culminated in a prestigious awards ceremony in London at the end of November.
Callum was put forward for the honour by his career development manager Lee Garner for his dedication completing a security management course which he began in April, this year.
It took six months to finish and involved remote learning on a variety of modules including risk management, incident management, cyber threats, and terrorism.
Callum has been with ONR for the last four years and previously worked in the Civil Nuclear Safety and Safeguards (CNSS) Division before being promoted to the role of Business Continuity Officer.
Having completed his course, he now has secured his Certificate for Security Management.
Callum said: "Being shortlisted was great, I really didn't expect it.
"I'm over the moon to be nominated.
“My line manager said I’ve done well to make it to the top five nominees, so I’m pleased with that.
“Some of my studying was during the COVID-19 lockdown, so because of that, it was good to have something new to focus on.”
Callum added: “Security is a very varied subject and it’s something I’m keen to return to when I’m considering new career steps in the future.
“I’ve been told about a security degree I could do and one of my goals is to become an inspector with the Civil Nuclear Security and Safeguards (CNSS) division.
"I really enjoy working at ONR, every day is different."
Callum was given some time during the working week to work through the course modules but finished a lot in his own spare time.
Callum's 'Learner of the Year’ award category recognises a Security Institute member who has recently finished their Security Institute Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification in Security Management, and demonstrated putting their learnings into effective practice.
ONR’s CNSS division is responsible for enforcing compliance to prevent the theft or sabotage of nuclear or other radioactive materials, the sabotage of nuclear facilities, and also deals with all matters of physical protection, personnel security, cyber security and information assurance. This is monitored at nuclear sites, for domestic and international transport of nuclear materials and the division regulates security wherever sensitive nuclear information is held.