Nuclear skills academy launched

Semta's new centre in Rotherham will train and develop graduates and apprentices

A national skills academy for the nuclear sector has been established by Semta and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham. The academy will help manufacturers looking to win contracts in the industry by supporting the development of staff. 

Nuclear power supplies 16% of the UK’s electricity mix. Over the next 11 years, all but one of the country’s nuclear power stations are due to close unless their working lives are extended. Meanwhile, the nuclear new-build industry is potentially worth billions and is expected to create 25,000 jobs, according to the Nuclear Industry Association.

The academy will support the recruitment and training of graduates and apprentices as well as assess supply chain capabilities. Based at the Rotherham research centre, it will provide a single point of contact for employers and provide tools that businesses can use to identify and address future skills needs.  

Jean Llewellyn, chief executive of the National Skills Academy Nuclear and Nuclear Manufacturing, said: “From large multinationals to small businesses, manufacturers have identified a shortage of skilled labour with the competencies required to support the nuclear programme. This is a significant barrier to them being able to maintain their existing operations in the nuclear market, and a real hindrance to growth.”

She added: “The National Skills Academy Nuclear Manufacturing will support the maximisation of opportunities for UK manufacturing industry in both the UK and globally, delivering the skills requirements they need to grow their market share. Complementing this will be the delivery of manufacturing/engineering training to provide high-quality long-term careers for people in this market.”

Lynn Tomkins, Semta’s operations director, said: “The academy will ensure the UK’s nuclear industry is well placed in the global marketplace and, in particular, ensure the supply chain has a constant pipeline of talented, well-trained engineers for years to come.”

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