The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

 

Bradwell is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award in recognition of its work to train local people in radiological protection.  

More than 40 people have now qualified as Radiological Protection Technicians, a skill that is in particular demand during Bradwell's accelerated decommissioning programme. The training is being delivered via a partnership between Magnox Ltd, which operates the site on behalf of the NDA, and specialist contractor Radwise.  

Magnox Ltd was named as the National Training Award 'Winner of the Year' in the Macro Category at a ceremony in London. The Bradwell team beat off competition from across the UK including Virgin Trains, BT Group and Rolls Royce. The company was recognised for the exceptional way in which it identified a real business need and the very successful and practical approach to training, and alleviating the national shortage of Radiation Protection Technicians.  

Mark Lesinski, the NDA's Executive Director for Delivery, said:

"This is a tremendous achievement and contributes towards building much-needed nuclear skills across Magnox as well as the nuclear sector as a whole. This model demonstrates a commitment at the highest level to socio-economic support, radiological protection for the workforce, and environmental stewardship."  

He added that the scheme had been developed and trialed at Hinkley A, and as well as having a huge success at Bradwell is now moving to other parts of the estate. "Quite frankly it is a critical need I've seen for over 30 years and this is the first highly successful solution I've seen."  

Dick Sexton, Bradwell's Site Director, said:

''This is a significant accomplishment that was achieved by a small group of dedicated individuals who recognised a real skill shortage, Health Physics technicians and then teamed with our supply chain, our work force and the local community to offer meaningful training and employment to young members of the local community."  

The award was made by Dragon's Den favourite Theo Paphitis, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills Baroness Wilcox and Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency Geoff Russell.

Through successful completion of the course and the subsequent on-the-job training programme, trainees become SQEP (Suitably Qualified Experienced Person) to operate as a Level 5 Radiological Protection Monitor. Radiation protection technicians measure and record radiation levels, and service radiation protection instruments and equipment. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety of employees working in radiation areas, as well as the facility's compliance with radiation requirements.  

Now in their 25th year, the National Training Awards (NTAs) recognise and celebrate Investors in People accredited organisations that have delivered outstanding organisational benefits by directly linking the training needs of their people to the business needs of their organisation.  

Adam Jones, one of the recruits, said:

"I am very proud to be part of this entire award. I have worked hard to get where I am and the training has sometimes been quite challenging. My real reward is that I am now much more confident and knowledgeable, I can offer so much more and will continue to progress with my career in Radiological Protection and am so pleased that I have been given this opportunity."