The South West Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills, sponsored by Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, and EDF, has…
National Nuclear Skills Initiatives Delivered Locally
Building regional skills networks that power our nuclear future
Introduction
Our nuclear sector doesn't exist in one place - it thrives in communities across the UK, each with its own unique strengths, challenges and opportunities. That's why we've launched Regional Skills Hubs: collaborative networks that bring together employers, education providers, and communities to tackle skills challenges at a local level.
Think of these hubs as the engines of skills development in key nuclear regions. They're where big national plans translate into practical action that makes sense for local people and businesses. Whether you're an employer looking for local talent, a training provider wanting to align your courses with industry needs, or someone interested in nuclear careers in your area, the Regional Skills Hubs are your go-to resource.
Our Regional Network
We've established hubs in the UK's key nuclear regions, with more on the way:
Scotland
Focused on Scotland's unique nuclear landscape, this hub unites stakeholders to support the workforce in civil, defence, and decommissioning activities.
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North West
The North West is home to some of the UK's most significant nuclear assets, from Sellafield to the submarine-building facilities at Barrow-in-Furness.
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Midlands
The Midlands hub leverages the region's manufacturing expertise and engineering heritage to support nuclear supply chain development.
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South West
In the South-West, there are skill shortages in both ‘Nuclear Skills’ and ‘Skills for Nuclear’, which requires a regional approach to the expansion of enabling bodies.
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We will launch more hubs in 2025, completing a national network that facilitates collaborative workforce development.
Collaborate with established regional bodies to support delivery of skills in regions.
Gather regional skills insights to support workforce planning and demand.
Address regional workforce challenges by improving training and job accessibility.
Strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers, ensuring the right talent is available where it's needed most.
Our Regional Skills Hubs
Scotland
Hub Status: Active
Key Areas: Ayrshire, Aberdeenshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Highlands
Nuclear Focus: Civil, clean energy, decommissioning, defence, research
NSEC Sponsor Organisations: Babcock Ltd
Focused on Scotland's unique nuclear landscape, this hub unites stakeholders to support the workforce in civil, defence, and decommissioning activities. It aims to empower a diverse and inclusive workforce, reinforcing Scotland's crucial role in the UK's energy security, national security, and net-zero goals.
Current priorities:
- Developing the foundations of hub operations
- Building a collective regional demand picture
- Piloting a safety case upskilling solution
- Engaging with key industry/government stakeholders on skills in Scotland
North West
Hub Status: Active
Key Areas: Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire
Nuclear Focus: Submarines, power generation, decommissioning
NSEC Sponsor Organisations: BAE Systems and NDA
The North West is home to some of the UK's most significant nuclear assets, from Sellafield to the submarine-building facilities at Barrow-in-Furness. Our skills hub here brings together major employers, SMEs, and education providers across the region to develop the substantial workforce needed for both defence and civil programmes.
Current priorities:
- Creating joined-up apprenticeship pathways
- Developing shared training opportunities
- Building bridges between civil and defence nuclear employers
- Supporting supply chain skills development
South West
Hub Status: Active
Key Areas: Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire
Nuclear Focus: Clean energy, defence, research
NSEC Sponsor Organisations: Babcock International, EDF
In the South-West, there are skill shortages in both ‘Nuclear Skills’ and ‘Skills for Nuclear’, which requires a regional approach to the expansion of enabling bodies. Demand is predicated on a strong Nuclear defence presence in Devonport, Aldermaston and Bristol, and Civil Nuclear activity from sites such as Hinckley Point C, which is currently under construction. The South West hub connects the region's nuclear employers with colleges, universities, and training providers to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled people.
Current priorities:
- Supporting the construction workforce for new build projects, and technical competencies for national defence programmes
- Developing engineering and technical capabilities
- Creating cross-sector skills pathways with adjacent industries
- Enhancing STEM outreach with higher and further education
Midlands
Hub Status: Active
Key Areas: include areas covered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) with wider areas under consideration
Nuclear Focus: Civil, defence, research
NSEC Sponsor Organisations: Rolls-Royce Submarines
The Midlands hub leverages the region's manufacturing expertise and engineering heritage to support nuclear supply chain development, with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing and specialist engineering skills.
Current priorities:
- Enabling the Midlands to realise its broad nuclear sector growth ambitions across civil and defence nuclear
- Developing the foundations of hub operations
- Investing in the region's youth skills pipeline
- Investing in early career and mid career skills development, including increasing the number of sector experts in training
- Supporting pathways for entrants from adjacent sectors and interchange across organisations
What Regional Skills Hubs Offer
For Employers
Looking to develop your workforce in a nuclear region? The Regional Skills Hubs can help you:
- Connect with local training providers who understand nuclear requirements
- Collaborate with other employers on shared training initiatives
- Influence local skills provision to meet your specific needs
- Access funding information for skills development
- Build relationships with schools and colleges for early talent pipelines
- Develop supply chain skills in your region
For Education Providers
Want to ensure your courses are meeting the needs of the nuclear industry? Our Regional Skills Hubs provide:
- Direct connections with nuclear employers in your area
- Insights into current and future skills requirements
- Opportunities for collaborative curriculum development
- Support for nuclear-focused STEM outreach activities
- Pathways for your learners into nuclear careers
How We Work
Each Regional Skills Hub operates as a collaborative network with its own steering group of local employers and education providers. While they're all part of the Nuclear Skills Plan, they have the flexibility to address region-specific challenges and opportunities.
Our hubs focus on:
- Understanding regional skills needs - Mapping current and future workforce requirements
- Coordinating provision - Bringing together training providers and employers to align skills development
- Creating pathways - Building clear routes into the sector for local people
- Sharing resources - Maximising the impact of facilities and expertise in the sector
- Building partnerships - Fostering collaboration within and across regions with nuclear and STEM skills opportunities
Success so far...
Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills Officially Launched
A new Midlands Regional Hub for Nuclear Skills has been endorsed by the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board to help develop…
Regional Hub Application Process
Supplier approaches Hub directly or via an existing member organisation
Hub members assess the application during a regional hub meeting
Response from Hub provided within 28 days
Membership Option chosen
Review and revisit after six months
Get Involved
Whether you're an employer, education provider, or other stakeholder in a nuclear region, there are many ways to get involved with your Regional Skills Hub:
- Join your hub's steering group
- Participate in working groups on specific skills challenges
- Attend regional skills events and networking opportunities
- Contribute to regional skills mapping and planning
- Share best practices and success stories
Ready to connect with your regional hub? Contact Us to start the conversation.
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