Bristol named as National College for Nuclear partner to combat future industry skills shortage

From left to right: Chris Nattress, Lakes College; Andy Berry, Bridgwater College; Dave Drury, EDF Energy; Andy Gates, BIS; Colin Reed, Sellafield Ltd; Peter Flewitt, University of Bristol; Peter Strike, University of Cumbria.

From left to right: Chris Nattress, Lakes College; Andy Berry, Bridgwater College; Dave Drury, EDF Energy; Andy Gates, BIS; Colin Reed, Sellafield Ltd; Professor Peter Flewitt, University of Bristol and Professor Peter Strike, University of Cumbria

Press release issued: 20 March 2015

Business Minister, Matt Hancock has today (20 Mar) announced the four education providers named as partners in the National College for Nuclear — a virtual college specialising in training and development which forms a key part of the government’s strategy to address a skills shortage in the industry. The partnership will include a northern hub comprising Lakes College, Sellafield Ltd and the University of Cumbria, and a southern hub comprising Bridgwater College, EDF Energy and the University of Bristol.

The National College for Nuclear will develop its own employer-led curriculum and accreditation, driving the standards of training for the nuclear sector and developing clear, specialised nuclear engineering pathways between school and university.

Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “It’s expected the nuclear industry will need 30,000 new employees over the next decade – and the Nuclear College will equip young people with the skills they need. Creating jobs and opportunities for local people is front and centre of our long-term economic plan to secure a brighter future for Britain.”

The Universities of Bristol and Cumbria will provide a complementary connection to the higher education sector, ensuring a pipeline through to the top level of science and engineering education.

Professor Judith Squires, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education, added: "The University of Bristol is pleased to be involved with the creation of a National College for Nuclear. The South West Nuclear Hub at the University will provide an excellent opportunity to link the National College with established industry-relevant advanced teaching programmes, delivering world class scientists and engineers to fill the UK nuclear skills gap."