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Work on the new National College for Nuclear started this week.

To mark the occasion, the first sod for the nuclear college site was cut at a ground-breaking ceremony at the site on Monday.

Set to open in September, the high-tech facility is part of a national programme to train the next generation of nuclear workers in a range of specialised careers.
The college will become one of two centres; the second will be built at Bridgewater in Somerset and the aim is to train over 7,000 learners across both facilities by 2020.

The Northern Hub, built at the Lakes College site, will feature virtual reality suites allowing learners to experience nuclear installations in a virtual environment, with science and radiation laboratories and specialised design and modelling suites.

Chris Nattress, Principal of Lakes College, said: “National College for Nuclear is bringing together partnering on a national scale that has never been done before – all working collaboratively. For us at Lakes College, it is fantastic to be part of. For the region’s students, it means training for local jobs at a facility on their doorstep. But it also means being part of opportunities at a national level.”

Led by Sellafield Ltd and EDF Energy, in partnership with Lakes College and the University of Cumbria, the training facilities will include a realtor simulator and engineering workshops.

Ken McEwan, Head of Training at Sellafield, said: “There are skills gaps in the industry that need to be filled for future ventures at the likes of Moorside and BAE. We want young people in Cumbria to fill those gaps for the future prospects of the local and national economy.”