Partnership develops new training to support the nuclear workforce of the future

The first cohort has begun a new module developed by the University in collaboration with Babcock International Group and the Ministry of Defence
The first cohort of the new Going Nuclear module that has developed by the University in collaboration with Babcock International Group and the Ministry of Defence
A new academic module co-created to provide the essential skills and understanding needed to excel in the nuclear industry has been launched at the University of Plymouth.
Going Nuclear: Nuclear Applications for Science and Engineering has been developed between the University, Babcock International Group (Babcock) and the Ministry of Defence.
Its aim is to rapidly deliver more highly qualified personnel to a fast-growing sector, which is key to both energy security and national security and forecast to require an additional 40,000 staff nationally by 2030.
Rather than a specific focus on certain aspects or applications of nuclear technologies, it has been designed with a particular focus on safety and the environment that will be applicable right across the nuclear enterprise.
The first cohort registered to take the module includes staff from Babcock, and contractors working for the company and the Ministry of Defence, in addition to students on masters-level programmes covering engineering, robotics and environmental geochemistry.
It is also available as part of the University’s suite of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, which also includes short courses in maritime cyber security, sustainability and marine autonomous systems.

This is an outstanding example of the University building partnerships that deliver something truly transformational for everyone involved.

It applies our expertise in aspects of nuclear science in a way that benefits some of the city’s major employers. It also opens new opportunities for our students and graduates, providing them with a springboard into a potential career for which there is increasing national and international demand.

Christopher FogwillProfessor Christopher Fogwill
Executive Dean of Science and Engineering

Babcock is pleased to be part of this pioneering programme that will produce real results for the nuclear industry and one which will provide a bedrock of essential skills for the next generation of engineers. As part of Team Plymouth we look forward to continuing to support critical initiatives such as this in the communities that we are proud to be part of.

Collette McMullen
Babcock Skills Director 

This collaboration initiative between the University, Babcock and the MoD is extremely timely and important to help the enterprise address the critical shortage of Defence Nuclear skills. The drive and enthusiasm from all parties has been immense and will hopefully provide a platform for a long-term strategic partnership that benefits us all.

Richard Hoare
Naval Base Design Authority Group Head at the Ministry of Defence

The South-West Hub is committed to drive actions from the Nuclear Skills Plan through a range of initiatives. The collaboration between the MoD, UoP and Babcock embodies this approach to the identification of demand, and translation into benefits and outcomes against the Nuclear skills challenge in the South-West region.

Nick Hennessy
South-West Regional Hub Lead for the National Nuclear Skills Plan
The new module has been launched just weeks after Plymouth was earmarked to receive a share of £250million from the Ministry of Defence through its UK Defence Growth Deals scheme.
With a specific focus on partnerships, skills and advanced marine technologies, the scheme is being taken forward by Team Plymouth – a collaboration including the University, Babcock, the Ministry of Defence and a number of other partners.
It will be used to forge long-term partnerships between government, business and research institutions in the city and to harness local expertise and resources in support of the UK Armed Forces.
 

A focus on nuclear science and the environment

The content for the Going Nuclear: Nuclear Applications for Science and Engineering module has been co-created over several months by the University of Plymouth, Babcock International Group and the Ministry of Defence. Over the space of 12 weeks, it will cover topics from the fundamentals of nuclear fission and fusion to the intricacies of reactor functionality, regulation and safety, radiation protection, and nuclear waste management.
It will be taught by University experts in engineering, geology and chemistry who have interests in the nuclear sector – including those involved in the ENLIGHT programme, which aims to boost UK energy security through sustainable graphite innovation. There will also be teaching from industry professionals working at Babcock and the MoD, who have been directly engaged in the nuclear sector for many years.
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The new module is an option on several of our postgraduate programmes

  • MSc Mechanical Engineering Design
  • MSc Environmental Geochemistry
  • MSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • MSc Robotics
  • MEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • MEng (Hons) Robotics