National recognition for Nuclear Skills Academy

Rolls-Royce and the University of Derby have scooped a national award for creating a new academy, which is training the nuclear engineers of the future.

They won the Employer & Training Provider Partnership Award at the UK Nuclear Skills Awards 2023, which were recently held in Manchester, for working together to create the Nuclear Skills Academy.

The academy welcomed its first cohort of 200 apprentices in September last year.

Based at Infinity Park, the academy is the first of its kind and aims to sustain nuclear capability within the UK’s submarines programme by creating a dedicated pipeline of talent at the start of their careers.

It is supported by industry and education experts, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, the University of Derby and Derby City Council.

The university was instrumental in providing the nuclear apprenticeship pathways, and has worked to develop the facility and convert the building into classroom and digital learning spaces, along with industry-standard engineering workshops.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “At Derby, we are committed to developing, training, empowering and supporting the next generation of game-changers, equipping them with the skills, experiences, resilience and curiosity to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

“The Nuclear Skills Academy is a first of its kind, bringing together leading experts in industry and academia who are delivering skills for the future.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Rolls-Royce and are delighted that our approach to partnership working has been recognised through this award.”

Lee Warren, engineering and technology director at Rolls-Royce, and a former apprentice himself, said: “The launch and delivery of our Nuclear Skills Academy has been a truly collaborative effort from the start.

“Receiving this prestigious award, around a year after we announced our intentions to launch a dedicated centre for nuclear education, is a testament to the strength of our partnerships and the pace with which we’ve brought it to life.

“The expertise and support from the University of Derby, and other partners, have been invaluable and this is another step on the way to cementing Derby as the home of nuclear excellence.”

Paul Simpson, chief executive of Derby City Council, said: “This is brilliant news for the city. We’re thrilled that the Nuclear Skills Academy has been recognised nationally by industry leaders, further building Derby’s reputation, not only as a city of innovation but a centre for nuclear excellence.

“The academy is the product of strong working partnerships between key players from across Derby and I’m thrilled that Derby City Council has been able to support its creation, bringing the next generation into the nuclear industry through hands on apprenticeships.

“The new facility will train 200 apprentices every year for the next decade, that’s 2,000 people being trained in nuclear skills, which will bring huge benefits to the city’s economy.”

Organised by NSAN and Cogent Skills, the UK Nuclear Skills Awards aim to highlight excellence in the sector and recognise the present and future nuclear stars through several awards.