University of Derby

12/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2024 08:44

Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills Officially Launched

2 December 2024

A new Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills has been endorsed by the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board to help develop the future nuclear workforce. The Hub was launched at an event hosted by the University of Derby with Rolls-Royce as the prime sponsor.

The government, in partnership with the civil and defence nuclear industry, are making significant long-term investments in nuclear skills, jobs and education to help the sector fill 40,000 new jobs by the end of the decade.

The National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS) was launched in May 2024 to address the national nuclear skills shortage and sets out targeted action that the UK will take to ensure it has the required skills to support the UK's nuclear ambitions. Ensuring the delivery of the NNSPS is the Nuclear Skills Executive Council (NSEC) which brings together CEOs from across key sector organisations.

Key to the success of the NNSPS is the introduction of Regional Hubs that provide focal points of delivery and the opportunity to adapt to a region's particular challenges around nuclear skills. Regional Hubs are already operational in the North West (sponsored by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and BAE Systems) and South West (sponsored by Babcock).

Mark Rouse, Skills Director for the National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills (NNSPS), said:

"While the Nuclear Skills Plan is a comprehensive national strategy, it must also resonate with communities across the country who are facing different skills challenges. For our joint success, we must work together, leveraging our combined strengths and capabilities.

"The launch of the Midlands Hub provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect people in the Midlands and contribute to regional growth while supporting our national challenge of filling 40,000 new jobs by 2030 - doubling our current rate of recruitment - to deliver the UK's priorities for national security, energy resilience and clean energy."

Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board, is now launching the Midlands Hub to enable collaboration in the region around the nuclear skills challenge. The Hub will bring together stakeholders representing industry, learning providers and relevant local, regional and national groups. The Hub will collaborate with the NNSPS team and other Regional Hubs to ensure an effective plan of action is developed for the Midlands.

Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Deputy Mayor of the East Midlands, and Leader of Derby City Council, said:

"By working together, EMCCA is committed to building a future where young people in our region can develop world-class skills in nuclear energy, engineering, and green technology right here at home. We are creating pathways for young people to get the training they need, find high-quality jobs, and build fulfilling careers without having to leave the place they know and love."

An event was held at the University of Derby's Enterprise Centre on Thursday 28 November 2024 to mark the launch and identify interested stakeholders within the Midlands who would like to play their part in boosting nuclear skills in the region. The event included keynote speeches from organisations representing the NNSPS, East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), Derby City Council and Rolls-Royce.

Lee Warren, Engineering & Technology Director, Rolls-Royce Submarines, said:

"Derby is the home of Rolls-Royce and we're proud of our Midlands roots. For over 60 years we have provided all of the nuclear reactors that power the Royal Navy's submarine fleet from our home in Derby.

"Boosting nuclear capability across the UK is critical to all of the important defence and civil programmes that this country wants to deliver and accessing regional talent is key to this. That's why we launched our own Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby and we're now proud to be launching the Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills."

Professor Warren Manning, Provost - Innovation and Research at the University of Derby, commented on nuclear workforce in the region, said:

"The nuclear sector is rapidly growing and requires a skilled workforce in order to succeed. The Midlands is at the cutting edge of engineering, manufacturing and innovation, and we are delighted to be playing a role in equipping the future workforce with the skills, experience and knowledge required."

Those interested in supporting or playing an active role in the Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills can register their interest online.

Leaders are pictured after the launch of the Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills at an event hosted by the University of Derby with Rolls-Royce as prime sponsor.