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Nuclear Skills

Meeting the energy challenge: a white paper on nuclear power concluded that the nuclear and other energy sectors faced a challenge in meeting the need for skilled workers to support the construction of new nuclear power stations, but that we did not think that building new nuclear power stations was a greater challenge than the alternatives, and that the nuclear renaissance presented opportunities for companies to grow and for individuals to have rewarding careers.

The Office of Nuclear Development (OND) will work with skills bodies, employers, universities and colleges to help identify skills shortages and gaps so we can deliver learning, research and training at every level of our education system.

Nuclear and radiological technology plays a key role in power generation, national defence and health care, as well as research, development and manufacturing. There is also a substantial legacy from past nuclear activities that is the subject of the decommissioning programme, led by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Skilled people are needed in all these activities. However, due to past peaks in recruitment, the workforce age profile is skewed and retirement will take an increasing toll through the 2010s. This is not unique to nuclear, an ageing workforce is present across the energy sector, in the UK and throughout the developed world.

Concerned that skills shortages would develop in the nuclear and radiological arenas, a survey of the skills base was conducted earlier this decade under the direction of the Nuclear Skills Group, Chaired by professor John Chesshire. As well as employers, the study brought together key Government Departments (the then DTI and DfES, HSE, MoD and DoH) plus academia and professional institutions. The report outlined measures already taken, analysed the situation 15 years into the future and set out key recommendations to avert skills shortages.

In 2004, the Sector Skills Council, Cogent, took on responsibility for the nuclear industries. The skills study became a key input in the development of the Sector Skills Agreement that, in turn, sets out the strategic plan for workforce development. Cogent, with employers, Government Departments and the NDA, recognised that a Skills Academy would be a key instrument in delivering the skilled workforce for the future. A Shadow Board from Cogent, employers, the NDA, MoD and DTI/BERR supported by a team seconded from the North West Development Agency, developed the business plan, which was approved in September 2007.

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear was launched in January 2008, with headquarters in West Cumbria. It will work with existing training providers across the UK to develop training and qualification standards and has plans to deliver, in its first three years, 1,200 apprenticeships and 150 Foundation Degrees, while providing work-based training to help 4000 employees re-deploy from operations to decommissioning.

Secretary of State John Hutton officially announced the creation of the National Nuclear Laboratory in Cumbria on 23 July 2008. The Laboratory will have an important role in ensuring that nuclear skills will continue to be available as we move towards building new nuclear power stations.

It is based around research facilities owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, including the Sellafield Technology Centre, and Nexia Solutions, which was formed by bringing together BNFL’s research and technology functions. In the initial years we expect most of the Laboratory’s work will be for the NDA, but it will also work for the site licence companies and in the longer term we do not see the Laboratory as confined to decommissioning.

The 2007 Energy white paper: meeting the energy challenge set out a commitment for the relevant sector skills bodies to report on skills across the energy sector. The sector skills councils will publish their report on energy skills shortly]and the Government will respond to the policy recommendations made.

Nuclear and radiological technology plays a key role in power generation, national defence and health care, as well as research, development and manufacturing. There is also a substantial legacy from past nuclear activities that is the subject of the decommissioning programme, led by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Skilled people are needed in all these activities. However, due to past peaks in recruitment, the workforce age profile is skewed and retirement will take an increasing toll through the 2010s. This is not unique to nuclear, an ageing workforce is present across the energy sector, in the UK and throughout the developed world.

Concerned that skills shortages would develop in the nuclear and radiological arenas, a survey of the skills base was conducted earlier this decade under the direction of the Nuclear Skills Group, Chaired by professor John Chesshire. As well as employers, the study brought together key Government Departments (the then DTI and DfES, HSE, MoD and DoH) plus academia and professional institutions. The report outlined measures already taken, analysed the situation 15 years into the future and set out key recommendations to avert skills shortages.

In 2004, the Sector Skills Council, Cogent, took on responsibility for the nuclear industries. The skills study became a key input in the development of the Sector Skills Agreement that, in turn, sets out the strategic plan for workforce development. Cogent, with employers, Government Departments and the NDA, recognised that a Skills Academy would be a key instrument in delivering the skilled workforce for the future. A Shadow Board from Cogent, employers, the NDA, MoD and DTI/BERR) supported by a team seconded from the North West Development Agency, developed the business plan, which was approved in September 2007. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear will be formally launched early in 2008, with headquarters in West Cumbria. It will work with existing training providers across the UK to develop training and qualification standards and has plans to deliver, in its first three years, 800 apprenticeships and 150 Foundation Degrees, while providing work-based training to help 4000 employees re-deploy from operations to decommissioning.

The 2007 Energy White Paper reported on skills across the energy sector, while the Nuclear Consultation Document set out Government’s views on the ability of the skills base and supply chain to support new build. The White Paper set out a commitment for the relevant sector skills bodies to report on skills across the energy sector. This work is on-going and is expected to be completed by April 2008.