- The College is one of five National Colleges that will create the workforce of tomorrow by delivering high-level technical training to thousands of learners across England
- Set across two hubs – one in Somerset and one in Cumbria – the College aims to train over 7,000 learners by 2020
Young people in Somerset and Cumbria set on a career in the nuclear industry were given a boost last week (9 May) as the Government announced £15 million in funding to support the creation of the National College for Nuclear that will be based at two sites, one in Somerset and one in Cumbria.
The College, which is set to open its doors in late 2017, will meet the demand for highly skilled workers in the nuclear sector and will offer courses designed by employers for a range of highly specialised careers.
James Heappey, MP for Wells and Member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee said:
“Somerset finds itself at the centre of the UK’s new nuclear industry. The announcement that the National College for Nuclear will be based here is hugely welcome and will provide thousands of Somerset residents with the opportunity to launch careers in this exciting industry”
Skills Minister Nick Boles said:
“This is the investment in high-tech skills that businesses are crying out for. We have made it a priority to work with employers to deliver high-quality, technical education and clear routes to employment that deliver economic growth and create opportunities for our young people, and enable our existing workforce to upskill and retrain for the jobs of the future.
“The National Colleges have been designed with employers, for employers. They will produce the skills needed now and into the future to ensure the UK remains innovative and at the forefront of pioneering industry.”
Based at Lakes College in Cumbria and Bridgwater College, Somerset, the National College for Nuclear is being funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), with additional support from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership for the Southern Hub.
Sellafield Ltd and EDF Energy will lead industry input into the nuclear college, working alongside Lakes and Bridgwater Colleges, plus higher education providers, University of Cumbria and University of Bristol.
Colin Reed, Sellafield Ltd Human Resources Director and Board Chair for the National College for Nuclear said:
“The announcement means that work will now begin on developing the curriculum which will help to train the next generation of nuclear workers.
“It is expected that new qualifications will be available in 2017 that reflect the needs of the nuclear sector and address the skills challenge facing the industry and its supply chain.”
Janet Hogben, EDF Energy's chief people officer, said:
“We welcome the Government’s approval of the business plan as it means this exciting project can now move to the next stage.
“The new college will offer a fantastic opportunity to plug the skills gap that exists in the nuclear industry and will further support the UK’s growing nuclear power infrastructure.”
The other four National Colleges are as follows:
- National College for High Speed Rail (hubs located in Birmingham and Doncaster)
- National College for Onshore Oil and Gas (hub located in Blackpool)
- National College for Digital Skills (hub located in London; Tottenham Hale and Whitechapel)
- National College for the Creative and Cultural Industries (hub located in Purfleet, Essex)
The Colleges have had to pass a detailed examination of their business plans and capital proposals to receive government funding which will help with the construction of new buildings and the purchase of equipment. Local authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, industry bodies and businesses are also contributing towards the Colleges.
