New approvals process for nuclear apprenticeships
11/04/2014
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSA Nuclear) and the Nuclear Institute (NI) have developed a framework for recognising apprenticeship programmes that promote nuclear professionalism.
This new initiative ensures that technicians entering the sector are trained to the nationally agreed standard of nuclear professionalism, and maintain the skills and behavioural standards expected in a nuclear professional, as defined by the Nuclear Delta.Sellafield’s Design Apprenticeship is the first programme to gain approval through the new process. Marking this first approval, Rory O’Neill from Sellafield was presented with the certificate of approval by Tim Chittenden, President of the Nuclear Institute, at the Nuclear Institute/Nuclear Industry Association Annual Dinner in December.
This is the first in a series of apprenticeship schemes that will be assessed against the Nuclear Institute’s requirements for Technician Grade Membership and the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC professional standard for Engineering Technician registration.
John Patterson, Head of Project Engineering Management, Sellafield Ltd, said: “At Sellafield we are focused on cleaning up and decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy. A key component in delivering this mission is to ensure that we have the right people, with the right skills, available at the right time. One of our most important investments is the skills and development of the next generation, and we are thrilled that our Design Apprenticeship has been approved by the Nuclear Institute as it highlights the nuclear professionalism expected of our apprentices. The apprenticeship embraces the extra nuclear design aspects required at Sellafield.
“We were delighted to work with NSA Nuclear and NI to establish an engineering technician approval route for the institute and to become the first apprenticeship approved by the NI. This opens up another avenue for our apprentices to recognise their nuclear professionalism and be part of a vibrant community, sharing their learning.”
Jean Llewellyn OBE, Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, commented: “This is a great example of the progress that is being made on the skills for nuclear agenda through the collaboration of leading industry organisations that represent employers and professionals in the sector. The apprenticeship approval framework is an initiative that will aid in instilling nuclear professionalism from the outset of people’s careers in the industry.
“The industry has a well-reported high age profile and added to this are the opportunities and challenges associated with delivering a new-build programme, which could include the creation of 30,000 jobs. Apprenticeships will be a key avenue for the industry to replenish skills and grow new skills for the future. The recognition of apprenticeship schemes in this way will aid in ensuring that training is completed to the highest standards, meets the needs of employers and provides professional recognition for technicians.”
Elaine Boyes, Executive Secretary of the Nuclear Institute, added: “We are delighted to approve the Sellafield Design Apprenticeship against Technician Membership and Engineering Technician registration. The technician workforce is a vital component of the UK nuclear sector; it is critical for the future development of the industry that we recognise and support their professionalism. As the professional body and learned society for the nuclear sector, we are delighted to be working with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear to deliver this important initiative and look forward to approving further apprenticeship schemes.”
The apprenticeship programme approval process is currently open to all member organisations of the NSA Nuclear. Apprentices, upon completion, are eligible for technician membership of the Nuclear Institute and for professional registration at EngTech level. This provides industry recognition and a pathway for continual professional development.
Organisations committing to the professional development of technicians attract and retain talent and increase in-house skills to compete for new business opportunities in the nuclear sector.
This initiative has been completed through the collaboration between the Skills Academy and the NI through the National Nuclear Gateway programme, which has been funded by employers and UKCES.
www.nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk
