Shaping Tomorrow: Students Explore Fusion Energy at JET
Immersed in the future of engineering, Year 2 T Level students visited Oxfordshire’s JET facility, gaining a unique perspective on fusion energy.
Building on the STEP Forward project, students experienced firsthand how engineering transforms concepts into practical breakthroughs.
Constructed in the late 1970s, the Joint European Torus (JET) became Europe’s leading fusion research device after producing its first plasma in 1983. Designed to replicate the conditions needed for a commercial fusion power plant, it also tested systems that will power future reactors such as ITER. Although plasma operations ended in December 2023, ongoing work through the Decommissioning and Repurposing programme continues to open new doors for research and innovation.
Stepping inside the facility revealed the sheer power and complexity of fusion energy, sparking curiosity and excitement as students discovered the technology driving the future of clean power. Inside the vast hall, a doughnut-shaped plasma chamber towered before them, which is a structure capable of reaching temperatures hotter than the sun and controlled by powerful magnetic fields. Witnessing this precision-engineered system in action showed how accuracy, design, and teamwork fuel breakthroughs in fusion science.
Exploring JET brought engineering disciplines to life, from mechanical and electrical to materials and control systems. Students saw how each specialism plays a vital role in tackling global challenges, while also gaining valuable insight into teamwork, innovation, and career opportunities within the energy sector.
One student shared:
“Seeing the technology in action and talking to engineers showed me how our studies really connect to real-world projects. It was inspiring to see the kind of impact we could have in the future.”
Commenting on the visit, Dr Alison Buxton, Senior Innovation Fellow at the University of Sheffield, said:
“Opportunities like this help students understand the full journey of fusion energy development, from research through to practical application. Experiences at world-leading facilities enrich their learning and inspire the next generation of engineers.”
Experiences like the JET visit demonstrate how the STEP Forward project connects students with live industry environments that build practical skills, confidence, and curiosity. By linking learning to real-world engineering, students leave ready to shape the future of clean energy.
Find out more about our Engineering courses at North Notts College.