The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

09 March 2007

The Nuclear Academy, along with partners the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), West lakes Renaissance and British Nuclear group officially commenced construction of The Nuclear Aacdemy facility in Cumbria on 9th March 2007.

UK Young Apprentice of the Year, Matthew McCarry, broke the turf at the site of the new facility at Lilyhall Industrial Estate near Workington. The launch was attended by over 80 community, education and industry representatives.

The £19m development in Cumbria will be a world class centre of excellence for nuclear skills development aimed at addressing the challenges facing employers in terms of nuclear decommissioning, energy production, potential new build and defence, and is a major development for Cumbria and the region. This iconic new development will be utilised by the nuclear industry for both vocational training and business support, and form part of the National Skills Aacdemy for Nuclear (NSAN), a Government initiative.

The Academy will provide work related skills training in a unique simulated work environment specifically focused to meet the needs of employers. The provision will be for both large companies and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and, where needed, The Academy will also be used for business support initiatives, complementing other support in the region.

Dr Ian Hudson, Chair of The Nuclear Academy Board and Head of Technology and Skills at the NDA said:

"Today signals the start of work to build a brand new facility that will provide education, training and business support services for the nuclear industry for many years to come. A tremendous amount of hard work has already been undertaken in gaining the funding and approvals to get us to this stage. The Academy is a key pillar of the broader nuclear decommissioning skills strategy; it will provide world class facilities and be a flgship of excellnece in skills and innovation."

Jean Llewellyn, Project Director of the NSAN said:

"We are hoping that The Nuclear Academy will become the northwest flagship of the NSAN, which is in the business planning phase to gain Government approval. The National Skills Academies are an initiative by the Government to enable hands on involvement by employers in the design and delivery of skills. The NSAN is being established to create, develop and promote world class skills and career pathways to support a sustainable futute for the UK Nuclear Industry."

Mark Hughes, Executive Director of Enterprise, Innovation & Skills for the NWDA said:

"The NWDA recognises the importance of ensuring the ongoing competiveness and success of the UK's civil nuclear workforce and the vast majority of its research excellence. The region has a vital role to play in ensuring that the UK maintains its competitiveness in this area and The Nuclear Aacdemy will help identify and improve standards and training throughout nuclear indutries across the UK."

Bob Pointing, Chief Executive of West Lakes Renaissance said:

"West Cumbria already has a cluster of nuclear related skills and expertise which are potentially wiorld class. West Lakes Renaissance which is leading the physical regeneration of the area is delighted that we have been able to support The Nuclear Academy which is an industry led initiative to ensure we can develop our skills to make West Cumbria truly world beating."

Jim Gibson, Head of Human Resources, British Nuclear Group Sellafield said;

"Today's ceremony signals the start of a major opportunity for West Cumbria to develop a world class set of facilities and products that reflect the needs of the nuclear industry well into the future. Excellence and innovation should be the key cornerstones of the strategy. Sellafield is delighted to be part of supporting and shaping the agenda for the Academy."