Cash for nuclear training centre

More than £4m has been awarded to Bridgwater College, Somerset, to launch a nuclear skills training centre.

The new centre will provide specialist training in science, engineering and the building of nuclear power stations.

The first project to use the centre is likely to be the proposed new twin unit power station at Hinkley Point, Hinkley Point C, located 14 miles away.

About 4,000 workers of various skill levels are expected to be needed for the plant at Hinkley Point.

Simulator equipment

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the South West RDA have confirmed that they will be investing £2.25m and £2m respectively.

Malcolm Gillespie, regional director for the LSC South West, said: "This is significant news for the region and will bring a wide range of opportunities to help the economy prepare for the upturn by ensuring we have the right skills and training in place to support the nuclear industry."

Fiona McMillan, principal of Bridgwater College said: "This is a huge accolade for Bridgwater.

"There is only one other National Skills Academy for Nuclear flagship delivery centre in the country, in Cumbria, and it is a testament to the college's track record that the Skills Academy has designated the Energy Skills Centre as their South West delivery centre."

Magnox South Ltd has donated £200,000 of simulator equipment and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and EDF Energy are also supporting the project.