Last Tuesday, 21st October, Mark Rouse, Director for the Nuclear Skills Plan, visited Rolls-Royce’s Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby, where he met with Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England. The visit comes at a pivotal moment following the publication of the UK Government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan on 19^th October, which reinforced the Nuclear Skills Plan’s collaborative efforts to secure the UK’s nuclear workforce to drive growth and ensure energy and national security.

During the visit, Mark, Phil, and the Rolls-Royce team explored exciting opportunities for collaboration between the Nuclear Skills Plan and Skills England. Their discussions centred on innovative ways to address the unique skills challenges facing the nuclear sector and how we can support the country’s national ambitions to boost economic growth and support the UK’s energy security, net zero transition and national security whilst supporting local communities.

Mark reflected on the day by highlighting the importance of collective action and the vital role that apprentices and industry partners play in shaping the future of nuclear skills:

 “It was a real joy to interact with high-calibre apprentices and dedicated partners at the Academy, highlighting the nuclear sector’s collaborative approach to developing the talent our sector needs. I look forward to working with the Skills England team to make the most of our combined strength, which will be vital in securing the UK’s nuclear workforce.”