New nuclear build in the UK has the potential to require 1,000s of workers, with apprentices in the industry and supply chain being an essential part of this workforce.
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear, launched in January 2008, has the responsibility for co-ordinating existing training provision on a regional and national basis, and aims to deliver 1,200 apprenticeships to the industry by the end of 2011 through a number of initiatives.
In addition Cogent, the sector skills council for the nuclear industry, has commissioned in-depth research on the nuclear labour market. This is scoping the demand for skilled workers, including apprentices, in the supply chain for new build, which includes in manufacturing and construction. This will further assist in identifying the training and skills interventions required to be put in place.
There is close working between the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills on these issues.