World first as Nuclear Skills Academy opens in Derby

Rolls-Royce Submarines has officially opened its much-anticipated Nuclear Skills Academy at the former iHub building in Derby.

The facility – the first of its kind in the world – will welcome 200 apprentices a year for “at least” the next 10 years.

Supported by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, the University of Derby and Derby City Council, the Academy aims to sustain nuclear capability within the UK’s submarines programme by creating a dedicated pipeline of talent.

More than 1,200 people are believed to have applied for a place this year.

Steve Carlier, president at Rolls-Royce Submarines, said: “We are thrilled by the levels of interest in these apprenticeships, and it highlights how attractive a career in the nuclear sector really is. With the growing demand for clean, carbon-free energy and with our submarines contracts with the MoD likely to sustain us into the next century, this could be a job for life for our new apprentices.

“Having started with Rolls-Royce as an apprentice myself and being born and bred in Derby, the launch of the Nuclear Skills Academy is especially exciting for me. I’m delighted that we are leading the way in developing nuclear talent for the submarines enterprise and proud that it will all be done in Derby.”

Andrew Storer from the Nuclear AMRC added: “We need to work together to tackle skills shortages which affect the whole nuclear sector. The organisations backing the Nuclear Skills Academy will ensure that apprentices have the best training and support and develop the skills to deliver the UK’s commitments for low-carbon power and national security. As a former Derby apprentice, I am very proud that we are helping set a new standard for training which could be rolled out across the sector.”