MarchApril 2011 newsletter_edition12.pdf - National Skills Academy ...

Issue No11 March 2011
Nuclei
Picture features; back row left-right, Paul Huges – Bursary Student of the Year, Callum Johnstone – Regional Apprentice of the Year Scotland, Victoria Mitchell –
Regional Apprentice of the Year Southeast/East, Sam Park – UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year, Gary Weir – HND Student of the Year (Scotland).Front row left to
right, Pat Keiran – Outstanding Leadership in Skills, Kirk Back-Regional Apprentice of the Year Southwest, Ben Avaient Finalist for the Regional Apprentice of the
Year for the Southwest, Peter Tiesteel – Regional Apprentice of the Year Wales.
Supported by

Foreword
Clearly at this difficult time our thoughts turn
to Japan and the terrible human tragedy that
has unfolded there. The impacts and
devastation of both the earthquake and the
Tsunami are hard to comprehend and our
thoughts are with the Japanese as they seek
to deal with and come to terms with this
awful tragedy and seek to rebuild their lives
and communities.
The problems were compounded by the
nuclear issues at Fukushima, thankfully these
do now seem to be more under control,
however the impacts of what happened can
not be overlooked or forgotten. We must
learn from what occurred there and make
sure that the UK nuclear industry continues
to work to the highest standards of
international excellence.
In terms of the skills agenda the UK nuclear
industry is second to non as evidenced by the
fact that employers from across the nuclear
industry have come together to manage,
drive and fund the National Skills Academy
for Nuclear, clearly demonstrating the
industry wide commitment to excellence in
skills. We need to work together to build on
this commitment and implement the outputs
of the Skills Academy across the industry.
The Nuclear Skills Passport is a unique
product that clearly demonstrates excellence
in skills development and career progression
across the industry. We now need to fully
implement the Skills Passport and use it as a
way to start to rebuild the public confidence
in the UK Nuclear Industry, by demonstrating
the employer’s commitment to excellence in
skills and safety.
In this edition, there is a feature on the UK
Nuclear Skills Awards, highlighting just some
of the talented individuals working in our
industry today. I would like to thank all of
the organisations who supported this event
through attendance, and in particular those
who provided sponsorship.
Each year the Skills Awards is getting bigger
and better, both in terms of the event and
excellent nominations that we receive - it
makes the decisions extremely difficult! Work
is already underway on planning the 2012
event, and I am excited to see what unfolds
in March next year. We have already had a
number of requests to take sponsorship and
tables at next years event- so my advice is if
your interested get in touch early!
Jean Llewellyn
Chief Executive
National Skills Academy Nuclear
1

In this issue...
3 NSA Nuclear Announces Self Sustainability
4-6 Nuclear Stars shine at Skills Awards
7 Babcock sign up the Nuclear Skills Passport
8 Funding available for ANIA e-Learning
8 Meeting Ashutosh - our latest staff member
9 Collaboration with INPO
10 Southwest flagship delivery centre opening
11 Speed Careers event
11 Skills Academy welcomes Argyll Ruane
12 Round 5 of the bursary scheme
13 STEM - Energy Mix Challenge
14 New Members and Member listing.
Are you on the Nuclear Skills Passport?
Nearly a quarter (23%) of the Skills Academy’s members are
registered and are now on the Nuclear Skills Passport since it went
live in January 2011.
Are you on the Nuclear Skills Passport?
Reduce your organisation’s mobilisation time
Implement Industry Training Standards
Evidence the quality of your workforce
Aids in the demonstration of SQEP
Supports career development
Contact your Regional Manager for further information on
implementing the Nuclear Skills Passport for your organisation.
www.nuclearskillspassport.co.uk
enquiries@nuclearskillspassport.co.uk
2

National Skills Academy for
Nuclear Achieves Sustainability
The employer-led National Skills Academy
for Nuclear celebrated achieving self
sustainability on the 27th January with an
afternoon reception at the House of Lords,
hosted by its Honorary President, the Rt
Hon the Lord Jenkin of Roding.
Over 100 representatives from nuclear
employers, training providers and key
stakeholders attended the event, celebrating
the Skills Academy’s transition from being a
partly government funded entity to
becoming a really strong and self-sustainable
organisation. In the three years the Skills
Academy has been operational it has
become an effective and proactive driver for
the skills agenda across the nuclear industry
by;
Creating and developing EXCELLENCE in
skills for the nuclear industry via;
The implementation of nuclear industry
agreed standards via the Nuclear Skills
Passport.
The development and growth of the High
Quality Provider Network, which currently
includes 32 providers across the UK
Providing Quality Assurance for deliverers
of training via the Skills Academy QA process
and NEF Assured (Nuclear).
The development of a number of products
and services specifically for the needs of
nuclear, including; Award for Nuclear
Industry Awareness, Certificate of Nuclear
Professionalism and the Triple Bar Entry
Standard.
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear was
officially launched on the 31st January 2008
after receiving the government’s green light
on its business plan. For the first three years
the Skills Academy has received match funding
from government against the income received
from nuclear employer members
which currently stands at 88 strong. This initial
funding phase has enabled the Skills
Academy to set up as an organisation, develop
solutions and services which will address
the skills issues affecting the nuclear
sector.
The Skills Academy will continue to be led by
nuclear employers, delivering skills solutions
for the nuclear industry by the nuclear industry.
Charles Hendry MP, Minister for Energy said;
“I am delighted that the National Skills
Academy for Nuclear is now a fully self
sustaining organisation that is led by
employers from across the breadth of the
nuclear industry. Addressing the skills
challenges is a key part of the
Government’s mission to support the
continued growth and success of the UK
nuclear industry. We view the Skills
Academy as crucial in ensuring that the UK
has the skilled, safe and professional
workforce required to address both the
current and future skills challenges.”
Provides a platform that enables the
different sub sectors of nuclear to come
together to explore the skills needs and agree
dynamic and innovative solutions.
Aiding in the development of the
capacity and capability of the UK Nuclear
workforce to support the achievement of the
industry’s 2020 vision.
Pictures
Top left - The Rt Hon Lord Jenkin of Roding,Top middle -
Gordon Marsden MP, top-right a view of delegates, 2nd
imgage down Helen Graves and Tricia Austin promote the
Nuclear Skills Passport, 3rd image down David Bonser and
Alan Coley, 4th down Neil Baldwin, Magnox Ltd addresses the
attendees, 5th down Jean Llewellyn and David Bonser.
Skills Academy Team and Chair David Bonser (back row 4 from lerft) at the House of Lords
3

Charles Henry MP Addresses the attendees
Sam Park - UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year
Sam Park receiving the
NW/NE Regional Apprentice
of the Year Award from
Graham Campbell of Nuclear
Management Partners
(Award Sponsor) and Chris
Barrie
Chris Barrie - Hosted the Awards
Nuclear stars shine at skills awards
On the 10th March, over 300 industry leaders, providers, learners
were joined by the Energy Minister and a hologram to celebrate
the exceptional talent that exists within the UK Nuclear Industry.
The evening was hosted by Chris Barrie, (known to millions as Rimmer
from Red Dwarf). The main event began with a very positive address
from, Charles Hendry MP Energy Minister who addressed the
attendees with a very positive and upbeat message around the
importance of nuclear, and the need to highlight the excellence of
the skills base that is present in the UK nuclear industry.
Sam Park receiving the National Award from Neil Baldwin
from Energy Solutions (Award Sponsor) and Chris Barrie
The top award of the evening was the heavily contested UK Nuclear
Apprentice of the Year which was won by Sam Park. Sam also took
the title of Northwest/Northeast Regional Nuclear Apprentice of the
Year. Sam works for EDF Energy, Heysham and studied his
apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering Maintenance. Sam
completed his apprenticeship with Springfields Apprentice Centre and
Blackpool and The Flyde College.
The UK Nuclear Apprentice of the Year is decided from the Regional
Nuclear Apprentice of the Year winners.
4

Regional Nuclear Apprentices of the year
Southeast/East- Victoria Mitchell, who works for EDF Energy at
Dungeness B. Victoria completed her apprenticeship in Control and
Instrumentation and was the first female apprentice taken on at the
Dungeness B site.
Victoria top-left is pictured receiving her award from Jaspir Sidhu from Corporate Risk
Associates
Southwest - Kirk Back, who works on the Hinkley Point B site for EDF
Energy. Kirk completed his apprenticeship in Control and
Instrumentation and has been supporting the training needs of the
station by volunteering himself as a member of the Curriculum
Review Committee.
Kirk top left is pictured receiving his award from George Borlodan from EDF Energy-New Build
Scotland – Callum Johnstone who works for EDF Energy on the
Torness Site. Callum completed his apprenticeship in Control and
Instrumentation and impressed his employer from the very start.
Throughout his apprenticeship Callum has given every task 100%
effort
Callum left middle is pictured receiving his award from Roger Hardy on behalf of sponsors
Babock Dounreay Partnership
Wales – Peter Tiesteel who works for Doosan Babcock completed his
apprenticeship in pipe fitting. His employer said that Peter is an
advocate of training with the company and a natural mentor for new
apprentices.
Peter bottom left is pictured receiving his award from Helen Higgs from award sponsor Areva
Peter Tiesteel who works for Doosan Babcock,
receiving his award from Helen Higgs of
Areva
5

The Foundation Degree Student of the Year winner, Glen Caldock,
currently works for Sellafield Ltd. Glen has recently completed a
Foundation Degree in Nuclear Related Technology with GEN II and
currently works as a Technical Specialist. One of the reasons that
Glen stood out from other applicants for the award was due to the
fact that he had worked hard to raise the profile of Foundation
Degrees, which has resulted in 200 applications for the 15 places
available on the course each year.
Glen is pictured receiving his award from Brian Murphy on behalf of sponsors the Working
Higher Project.
The Scottish HNC Student of the Year award, was presented to Gary
Weir who works for Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd as an Electrical
Craftsman. Gary has worked in a variety of locations and off site
placements where his work has always been to a very high standard.
Gary is also a STEM ambassador and has attended various STEM
projects throughout the area.
Gary is pictured top right receiving his award from Clive White from AMEC.
Outstanding Leadership in Skills
The Bursary Student of the Year was decided from applications from
successful candidates of the Bursary run by the National Skills
Academy for nuclear which has provided funding to 117 students for
their chosen courses. The winner was Paul Hughes who in addition to
working full time for Sellafield has been studying two Master of
Science degrees. Paul has been a great advocate for the Bursary
Award scheme and has actively promoted the scheme through word
of mouth, and via social networking sites.
Paul, middle right is pictured receiving his award from Kate Martin from the YGN.
The evening not only highlighted the achievement of the Nuclear
Stars of the future it also highlighted the hard work which is being
undertaken by existing people within the Nuclear sector to help to
raise the skills levels within their own organisations and for the sector
itself. The Cogent award for Outstanding Leadership in Skills was
awarded to Pat Kieran, a Senior Control & Instrument Engineer at
Dounreay Site Restoration Limited. An example of his commitment is
the organisation of a number of events to train STEM Ambassadors.
This has resulted in around 100 STEM Ambassadors in the Caithness
area alone. Most of these have been recruited as a result of Pat’s
work and encouragement. Without this drive from Pat, there would
be significantly fewer STEM Ambassadors in the area.
Pat bottom right is pictured receiving his award from Dave Drury from EDF Energy - Exiting
Nuclear
6

Babcock signs up to the
Nuclear Skills Passport
Babcock, the UK’s largest nuclear site
management, engineering and support
services organisation, has committed to
implementing the Nuclear Skills Passport
(NSP) across its activities in the UK,
supporting the National Skills Academy for
Nuclear in the launch of the scheme.
Babcock’s managing director Nuclear,
Roger Hardy, sealed the agreement in a
meeting today (Thursday 17 March) with
the National Skills Academy Nuclear’s
chief executive Jean Llewellyn, when he
signed the NSP Company Charter.
The eagerly awaited Nuclear Skills Passport is
now being implemented across the nuclear
industry. The system has strong industry
support, which has been demonstrated by
the specification of the NSP system by Skills
Academy member organisations as highly
desirable in tenders. Babcock was among the
seven original participants in the NSP pilot
scheme in 2010, and is one of the first to sign
the NSP Company Charter.
The Nuclear Skills Passport is essentially a
system offering nuclear organisations instant
secure web access to information on the
nuclear skills base, providing a detailed
overview of the training completed by their
workforce and, with permission, also by
contracting organisations. For contractors, it
provides a simple, highly secure means of
supporting the demonstration of SQEP and
skills excellence, within a company’s
workforce. It also aids transferability of its
staff from one nuclear site to another, or
from contract to contract, through the
implementation of industry-agreed and
cross-site recognised training standards.
Specifically designed to meet the
requirements of the nuclear sector, the NSP is
set to become an increasingly important key
differentiator in contractor selection.
On signing the NSP Company Charter today,
Roger Hardy said:
“Babcock sees the Nuclear Skills Passport
system as a business imperative for all our
operations throughout the UK, and we wish
to be proactive in supporting its
implementation across the nuclear
industry. We place a very high value on the
skill and quality of our workforce, and this
system
enables us to demonstrate this simply and
effectively with ready access to records of
our people’s specific training and
qualifications. A further key benefit will be
to aid cost-effective mobility of our people
around different sites, without having to
complete repeat training for each site. For
the industry as a whole, we believe it will
focus attention on up-skilling current
workforce, encourage investment in staff
training and development, and will
contribute to developing and retaining the
UK nuclear skills base.”
Jean Llewellyn said:
“Babcock’s commitment, as one of the
largest specialist nuclear support services
organisations in the UK, is really important
for the Skills Academy and clearly
underlines the impact and value of the
Nuclear Skills Passport in driving up
standards across the whole UK nuclear
industry.
“The Nuclear Skills Passport has been in
planning for over three years. The system
has been designed in consultation with
nuclear employers at every stage, ensuring
it meets the unique requirements of the
nuclear industry, and is inclusive of all the
different subsectors. The system will
revolutionise the evidencing of nuclear
skills and is key to the implementation of
nuclear industry standards. I would urge
any organisation that is operating in, or
wishes to operate in, the nuclear sector to
get involved today by signing up to the
Nuclear Skills Passport.”
Pictured above (l-r) Jean
Llewellyn Chief Executive of
NSA Nuclear with Roger
Hardy from Babcock, with the
signed Company Charter
delivering
solutions
7

Funding Available for ANIA e-
Learning Places
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear in
partnership with the National Nuclear
Laboratory (NNL) is offering a second
round of e-Learning sponsorship for
individuals seeking to find employment in
the nuclear industry.
The sponsorship funding, supplied by NNL,
will enable up to 10 individuals to complete
the Skills Academy’s Award for Nuclear
Industry Awareness qualification using e-
learning.
Applications are welcome from both
students (at School, College & University)
and from individuals interested in moving
into a career in the nuclear industry from
another sector. The application pack is
available for download from the Skills
Academy’s website - the closing date is the
29 April 2011.
The Award is designed to provide essential
knowledge for all entrants to the nuclear
sector including, Apprentices, Graduates,
people transferring to the Nuclear sector
from other sectors and non nuclear
personnel. The qualification aims to attract a
broader mix of new entrants into the nuclear
industry and into the wider Science and
Technology agenda, leading to increased
diversity and opportunity in the sector.
The Award for Nuclear Industry Awareness
includes:
History, Site Licence, Security, Behavioural
Expectations and Stakeholders of the Nuclear
Industry, Fundamentals of Nuclear Physics,
Radiation Hazards, Detection, Control of
Contamination, Safety Culture in the Nuclear
Industry, Electricity Generation, Defence, Fuel
Cycle, Waste Management, Environment,
Decommissioning, Emergency Procedures for
the Nuclear Industry
For further details on the course click here, or
contact the Skills Academy...
01900 898120
enquiries@nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk
New Member of staff - meet Ashutosh Sharma
Ashutosh started with the Skills Academy in 2011 as International
Project Manager on our Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)
with Liverpool Hope University.
Ashutosh’s role involves analysing international markets, networking
and globalising the operations of the Skills Academy. He has a
Masters Degree in Distributed Systems (Computer Science) from
University of Liverpool and he is a member of professional bodies
such as IEEE, CSI and BCS.
Ashutosh has a number of hobbies and interests including playing
badminton, composing music on the piano and writing poems, he is a
keen traveller and most recently visited China and India.
Ashutosh Sharma
8

Collaboration Agreement
signed between the National
Skills Academy for Nuclear and
INPO
Collaboration Agreement signed between
the National Skills Academy for Nuclear
and the Institute of Nuclear Power
Operations (INPO).
A landmark collaboration agreement for the
development of excellence in skills for the
global nuclear industry between the National
Skills Academy for Nuclear and INPO was
announced today (Monday 21st February
2011).
The Skills Academy is the lead ‘skills for
nuclear’ organisation for the UK, and has
been successful in the establishment of
industry agreed training standards for the UK
nuclear industry. INPO integrates the
training efforts of U.S. nuclear utilities
through the National Academy for Nuclear
Training. Both organisations will now use
their expertise to enhance the skills
development on an international level
through the establishment of high standards
and expectations for the nuclear industry
training, education and qualifications.
To achieve their respective visions, INPO and
the Skills Academy have agreed to
collaborate on a number of activities
including;
Participation in activities that support and
promote effective nuclear training and
education, particularly those associated with
nuclear plant operations.
Providing mutual benefit and
demonstrable support to the strategic aims
of both organisations.
Collaboratively support the development of
excellence in skills for the global nuclear
industry.
Share and implement the outcomes of
benchmarking activities.
At this time of a major global nuclear
renaissance this collaborative approach to
addressing the skills and workforce
challenges facing the nuclear industry is of
paramount importance to ensure a successful
and safe nuclear future. Commenting on the
agreement, Jean Llewellyn Chief Executive of
the National Skills Academy for Nuclear said;
“The Skills Academy has been very
successful for the Nuclear Industry in the
UK and the lessons and the expertise that
we have gained on raising skills levels will
be invaluable to our input into this
collaboration.
Looking at skills for nuclear on an
international level is going be a very
challenging agenda, but, it is a challenge
that both organisations have the
knowledge and drive to really make a
difference. Both myself and my team are
really looking forward to working more
closely with INPO.”
Jim Ellis, INPO president and chief executive
officer, says the agreement will be of shared
benefit to the international nuclear power
community.
“The U.S. commercial nuclear power
industry has long valued the role of
training in improving nuclear plant safety
and performance,” Ellis said. “Our
colleagues at the Skills Academy are highly
regarded for their expertise in this area.
The ability to share the best international
practices will be of mutual benefit to our
organizations and to the nuclear power
industry worldwide.”
The agreement was officially signed at the
CONTE Conference: ‘An International Forum
on Nuclear Training, Education and
Workforce Issues,’ in Jacksonville Florida, on
the 7th February 2011.
The picture above shows l-r
Lisa Brattin Director, Industry
Learning & Development
(INPO), Dave Igyarto Vice
President of INPO and Jean
Llewellyn Chief Executive of
the National Skills Academy
for Nuclear.
World-Class
9

Southwest flagship delivery
centre opened
The Skills Academy’s Southwest flagship
centre the Energy Skills Centre at
Bridgwater College has been officially
opened by the Secretary of State for
Energy and Climate Change, the Rt Hon
Chris Huhne.
The £8 million facility in Somerset will
provide a first-class learning environment to
meet the growing demand for training in
science and engineering from local
employers.
One section of the building will provide
training in science and engineering including
robotics, welding, electronics, process control
and material science. A second section, the
Realistic Working Environment, will train
students in decommissioning and operating
nuclear power stations.
The college roof, meanwhile, will have a wind
turbine, solar heating and photovoltaic cells,
forming a teaching area where students will
be able to study and research green energy
technologies.
The Energy Skills Centre is a key part of plans
to deliver the region’s economic and skills
development objectives. Approximately 60%
of the training programme will be dedicated
to raising skills in high-technology,
knowledge-based industries, while the
remaining 40% will support reactor
decommissioning and prepare for nuclear
new build.
Bridgwater College provides education and
training for 3,100 students aged 16-18 and
approximately 11,000 adults per year. In
addition to providing learning programmes in
a wide range of subject areas, the College
also has a large apprenticeship training
programme with around 550 apprentices
undertaking work-based training in local
companies.
David Bonser, Chair of the National Skills
Academy for Nuclear said;
The launch of the Energy Skills Centre is
excellent news for the National Skills
Academy Nuclear, the nuclear industry,
and for its future workforce. Reflecting the
ethos of the Skills Academy, the Energy
Skills Centre will be a world class centre for
the provision of excellence in vocational
skills, training and development, providing
Skills Academy Quality Assured training for
apprentices and others training to work in
and with the nuclear industry all, of which
will be recorded on the Nuclear Skills
Passport.
Excellence
10

Skills Academy welcomes
Argyll Ruane to the Provider
Network
Speed careers event
Girls from Waldegrave School
As part of National Science and
Engineering week a group of 70 Year 11
triple science students from Waldegrave
School for Girls took part in a speed
careers event with 20 STEM ambassadors
from a range of science related careers.
The Skills Academy is pleased to welcome
Argyll Ruane as an Employer Nominated
provider. Argyll Ruane are a leading provider
of Non-Destructive testing and Inspection
training, certification and consultants.
Argyll Ruane carry a number of approvals i.e.
Nuclear Skills Academy trainer, British
accreditation Council, British institute of Non-
Destructive Testing, PCN Authorised test Centre
(AQB), Institute of Corrosion and multiple
company specific approvals. Argyll Ruane’s
programmes range from Appreciation of NDT
through to Level 1/2/3 preapproval and
advanced methods.
For further details on the courses available from
Argyll Ruane visit their website,
www.argyllruane.com
Students were given the opportunity to
meet each ambassador and ask them
questions relating to their job/research and
their routes through education to get to
where they were now. There were
researchers studying nanomaterials and
microbiology and physicists from NPL
amongst a range of other ambassadors who
all shared their experiences with the
students.
Blackpool announces course
dates for Award for Nuclear
Industry Awareness
Next Available dates for the ANIA classroom
course at Blackpool and the Flyde College -
one day per week for 5 consecutive weeks as
follows:-
7th September 2011
14th September 2011
21st September 2011
28th September 2011
4th October 2011
inspiring
futures
Further information is available by clicking
here
11

Over 150 Bursaries awarded and counting...
The National Skills Academy for Nuclear in
partnership with the Nuclear
Decommissioning Authority (NDA),
URENCO and the National Nuclear
Laboratory have awarded 43 bursaries to
students looking to develop a career with
the nuclear sector.
This is the fifth round which has been offered
via the Skills Academy, bringing the total
number of students receiving a bursary to
158.
The scheme is aimed at quality individuals on
programmes of study relevant to the nuclear
industry, with a particular focus on the
decommissioning and nuclear fuel processing
sub sectors of the nuclear industry. The
Bursary is open to variety of course levels and
includes Foundation Degrees, Honours
Degrees, Masters Degrees and Post graduate
CPD qualifications.
The bursary provides financial assistance up
to £2k on people on courses looking to have
a career with the nuclear sector. The
programme aims to attract a broader mix of
new entrants into the nuclear industry and
into the wider Science and Technology
agenda, leading to increased diversity and
opportunity in the sector.
Adam Nottage
Andrew Carson
“The bursary provided by the National
Skills Academy Nuclear has helped
immensely in allowing me to participate
upon this course of study. I was passionate
about equipping myself with skills and
knowledge to embark upon a career in this
exciting industry. The costs involved in
postgraduate study were however a
deterrent factor and it was necessary for
me to combine my studies with part time
work to meet living costs. In doing so the
amount of time I could give to my studies
was compromised. The award of the
bursary has been an enormous help and
enabled me to give up my part time work
and become focused on my studies thus
allowing me to realise my full potential. ”
“I am delighted with the bursary award
made available to me by The National Skill
Academy Nuclear. Given the current
difficult and challenging economic
conditions, I find it somewhat inspirational
that the NSA Nuclear and its sponsors have
provided me with a financial award to
continue my study. I am a mature student,
with a young family so I could not have
undertaken my chosen course without the
financial support provided by the NSA
Nuclear. Funding is not readily available to
many postgraduate students in my
situation, and can be a constant worry.
Course fees, expenses, and costs are
constantly rising preventing some students
following their chosen career path. .”
ADT add new courses to their provision
Skills Academy Quality Assured provider
ADT have increased their offering to the
nuclear industry to include...
* Level 2 Certificate in Transportation of
_ Radioactive Material
* Level 3 Certificate in Transportation of
_ Radioactive Material
* Level 2 Certificate in Transportation of
_ Radioactive Material (by Road)
For further information contact Edgar Evans ,
ADT on 01286 677275 or edgar@adt-ltd.com
12

STEM - Energy mix challenge
The Skills Academy has developed an interactive game aimed at
secondary school and college students to provide an interactive
look at the Energy Mix needed to power the UK.
The game is set is 2025, as a new chain of nuclear powerstations
have been launched. The player takes the role of Senior Energy
Controller with the newly established National Energy Directorate.
The main aim of the game is to choose between the different sources
of Energy (wind, solar, nuclear and coal/gas) to meet the electricity
needs of the UK. It is not only the Senior Energy controllers first day -
it is also the World Cup Final!
Students will make informed choices on when and which energy
resources are used to meet the electricity needs. Depending upon
their choices there are different outcomes in the game. Players are
penalised if they do not provide enough energy, or if they waste
valuable energy resources.
The DVDs also contains an interactive look at the ‘People Behind the
Power’ which provides an overview of the nuclear fuel cycle. Each
element of the nuclear fuel cycle is explained along with video case
studies of people working in different roles.
Reminiscent of the ‘space invaders’ of the 1980’s the game is
offered free of charge to Skills Academy members who would like to
use the game to enhance their STEM activity. If you would like to
request a copy, contact your Regional Manager.
Nuclear Careers
To further enhance knowledge of nuclear careers with the
students the Skills Academy also has some nuclear career booklets
which have been developed to help to provide further information
on the different careers available with the Nuclear Industry.
The booklet provides an overview of the nuclear sector and explains
what to expect if you work in nuclear,, i.e. roles and duties and
provides an overview of the qualifications and experience employers
look for. The booklet also contains short snappy case studies of a
number of roles, alongside advice on what to do next.
Again copies can be obtained for use with your STEM activities free
of charge from the Skills Academy, stock is limited.
13

Skills Academy Members
New Members
VVB Engineering Services Ltd
William Hare Ltd
New Providers
Bangor University
Argyll Ruane
Construction Learning World
NTEC
University of Cumbria
Members
Aker Solutions
AMEC
Amber Programmable Design (APD Ltd)
Areva
Astec Services Ltd
Atkins Ltd
AWE
Babcock Marine Clyde
Babcock Nuclear Ltd
Balfour Beatty Vinci
BAM Nuttall Ltd
Bendalls Engineering
Boulting Group
C. A. Blackwell (Contracts) Ltd
Cape Industrial Services Ltd
Cara Group
Carillion
CH2M Hill
Corecut Ltd
Corporate Risk Associates
Costain Nuclear
CSC Computer Sciences Ltd
Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
Darchem Engineering
Doosan Babcock
DSRL
EDF Energy
Energy Solutions
Euro Dismantling Services Ltd
First Hydro Company
FK Roofing Services
GLEEDS Energy Ltd
Gows Lybster Ltd
GSE Systems Ltd
Holbro Engineering Ltd
Horizon Nuclear Power
HSE Nuclear Directorate (NII)
James Walker & Co Ltd
JF Faber Ltd
JGC Engineering & Technical Services Ltd
Johnson Controls Ltd
Kitsons Environmental Europe Ltd
Lab Impex Systems Ltd
Laing O’Rourke
LLWR Repository Ltd
Magnox Ltd
MHA-Stopford
MoD
MWH UK Ltd
National Nuclear Laboratory
NIS Ltd
NSG Environmental Ltd
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Ltd
Rolls Royce (Vulcan)
Rolls Royce Civil Nuclear
RSRL
Sellafield Ltd
Serco
Siemens Energy
SPIE Matthew Hall
Springfields/Westinghouse
SR3C Ltd
Studsvik
TIS Cumbria Ltd
Topspeed Couriers Ltd
TWI Ltd
URENCO Ltd
URS
Venn Engineering Services
VVB Engineering Services
Wallace Sheetmetal & Fabrication Ltd
William Hare Ltd
Worley Parsons
Affiliate Members
Association of Project Management (APM)
CBI
CECA
HAMMER
NOF Energy Ltd
Nuclear Institute
Nuclear Industry Association
Skyblue Research Ltd
Society for Radiological Protection
Providers
A ful list of providers can be found by clicking
here
National Skills Academy
Nuclear
T 01900 898120
E enquiries@nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk
W nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk