23 Sep (NucNet): UK business secretary Vince Cable has announced eight million pounds (GBP) (13.1 million US dollars, 10.7 million euros) of funding to train the next generation of nuclear technicians and engineers.
A government statement said the funding will create hundreds of new apprenticeships and traineeships as part of the Nuclear Industrial Partnership, an employer-led collaboration launched on 15 September 2014 and officially recognised by the government. The London-based Nuclear Industry Association said the partnership will provide “a coherent and carefully coordinated partnership” through which employers can address skills challenges in the nuclear sector.
Mr Cable made the funding announcement during a visit to the Dungeness nuclear station in Kent, southeast England. He said: “Industry has told us they need more skilled workers for the nuclear sector, so this eight million will help guarantee the next generation of workers.”
Fifty percent of the GBP 8 million will come from nuclear industry employers and the other 50 percent from government.
Projects to be funded as part of the scheme include more than 300 apprenticeships, a traineeship programme for 16 to19 year olds, 60 summer school places for engineering undergraduates, and an analysis of current and future skills needs for the UK nuclear industry.
