Government Boost for National Skills Academy Nuclear Expansion Bid
The National Skills Academy’s bid for expansion into Nuclear Manufacturing moved one step closer to reality on the 18th July after the Business Secretary, Vince Cable announced the Government’s backing of the Skills Academy’s Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Growth and Innovation Fund.
A single point of contact for employers about skills for nuclear manufacturing.
- The development of high priority training and skills products that are closely matched to the immediate and future needs of manufacturing companies who wish to move into or increase their market share of the nuclear opportunity.
- A successful & mature High Quality Provider Network– expanded into the nuclear manufacturing sector to ensure quality delivery of sector specific training.
- Access for employers to a range of innovative support tools, developed by each of the key partners including the Nuclear Skills Passport (NSP) led by NSA Nuclear, Fit 4 Nuclear & Nuclear. Connections by Nuclear AMRC and the Semta Business Diagnostic.
- Further development of key training courses and qualifications to support the up-skilling of manufacturers.
Jean Llewellyn OBE, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear
“I am delighted to announce the success of our expansion bid, and to thank all the people who were involved in the EOI development. The opportunities for the manufacturing supply chain in this area are considerable from the UK alone, running into billions. Combine this with the global market share manufacturers in the UK could access and the importance of this sector in delivering high value exports becomes apparent. In addition, internationally there are major developments globally for new nuclear build that run into several 100 billion pounds. The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing for Nuclear will support the UK supply chain to ensure it is well placed and has the skilled workforce required to gain maximum value from this global renaissance.”
Allan E. Cook CBE Chairman, Atkins, & Chairman, Semta
“It is vital that this supply chain development work is undertaken immediately, especially from the skills perspective so UK companies can continue to further strengthen their reputation in both the UK and overseas as the global nuclear renaissance takes place. The nuclear industry does have its own very unique set of safety needs and requirements and so it is right that NSA Nuclear should lead on this expansion bid as the nuclear specialists. This proposal is really strengthened and enhanced by the fact that whilst NSA Nuclear lead it is actually an effective partnership approach that will bring all the key players together including: NSA Nuclear, Nuclear AMRC, Semta/NSAM, NIA and MAS to ensure we build on best practice and deliver a totally joined up and streamlined approach to employers across the sector”
Dr. Stephen Court, Operations Director Nuclear AMRC;
"We are delighted to be part of this unique opportunity to focus on the skills challenges facing the nuclear manufacturing supply chain. By combining the knowledge, capabilities and strengths of the three main delivery partners, we can tackle the challenges around workforce skills, experience and behaviours, and help companies respond to the growing nuclear opportunity."
Adrian Bull, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager Europe, Middle East and Africa, Westinghouse UK;
“The importance of skills accreditation in the nuclear supply chain has never been higher. With work already identified on cleanup and decommissioning, an operating fleet of stations and the prospect of a substantial new build programme, there is sure to be a lot of work over the coming years, and every single piece of work needs to be done to the highest standards. The reputation of our industry demands nothing less.
Yet many of our nuclear manufacturing companies will be new to the sector, and others will be returning after a substantial time. So an industry-recognised scheme to assure customers that their supply chain company employees are skilled to the right level will be essential. We all therefore rely on the training providers being up to the mark, and having NSA Nuclear, Nuclear AMRC and Semta working in collaboration via an expansion to the NSA Nuclear to incorporate manufacturing for nuclear skills would be a most effective way to achieve this”
