The new National Skills Academy for Nuclear Manufacturing has officially launched, with NES signing up as the first industrial member.
The new centre is a collaboration between the Nuclear AMRC, National Skills Academy for Nuclear and manufacturing skills group Semta. It provides a single point of contact for supporting the skills requirements of manufacturers in the nuclear supply chain.
Jean Llewellyn OBE, chief executive of the NSA Nuclear and NSA Nuclear Manufacturing (pictured left), says: “Currently, from large multinationals to SMEs, manufacturers have identified a shortage of skilled labour with the competencies required to support the nuclear programme. This is a significant hindrance to them being able to grow their existing operations in the nuclear market, and a real barrier to new supply chain companies wishing to work in the sector.
“The National Skills Academy Nuclear Manufacturing will support the maximisation of nuclear opportunities for the UK manufacturing industry in both the UK and globally, delivering the skills requirements companies need to grow their current market share. Complementing this will be the delivery of manufacturing and engineering training to provide high quality long-term careers for people in this market.”
NSA Nuclear Manufacturing operates on a membership model, with industrial members gaining full access to its specialist skills services. Nuclear Engineering Services (NES), a Tier One member of the Nuclear AMRC, is the first company to sign up. NES specialises in the integrated design, manufacture, assembly, test and commissioning of bespoke solutions for the nuclear decommissioning, new build and defence markets.
Chris Bill, NES finance director (above centre, with head of nuclear new build Anthony Cundall, right), says: “NES is delighted to be involved with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear Manufacturing. Creating a workforce to meet the demands of the current and future UK nuclear programme is something NES is extremely keen to support. Becoming a member of the National Skills Academy will expand on the in-house work carried out by NES in developing a manufacturing apprentice scheme and IMechE accredited graduate engineering scheme.”
The NSA Nuclear Manufacturing is based at the Nuclear AMRC in South Yorkshire, at the heart of the UK nuclear manufacturing industry.
Steve Court, Nuclear AMRC operations director, says: “This collaboration with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Semta is a unique opportunity to really make a tangible difference for employers. By applying our knowledge and understanding of nuclear manufacturing, we will develop products and solutions which will build workforce skills and knowledge and help companies demonstrate their capability to customers when they bid for work.”
The NSA Nuclear Manufacturing was formally launched at the Developing the skills for growth conference at AMRC, with a keynote presentation from deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. The event also saw the launch of the new AMRC Training Centre, which will provide apprentice and higher training to companies in advanced manufacturing sectors including nuclear.
- More on the NSA Nuclear Manufacturing.
