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NUCLEAR

City College Plymouth plays a strategic role in developing the skills pipeline for the nuclear industry, supporting both national security and energy resilience. Our contribution extends beyond Plymouth’s role in nuclear submarine maintenance to the broader nuclear sector, ensuring that highly skilled professionals are available to meet the growing demands of this critical industry.

With global tensions and evolving security challenges, the Nuclear Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) remains fundamental to national defence. Since its establishment in April 1969, CASD has ensured a credible and uninterrupted nuclear presence, reinforcing the need for a highly trained workforce capable of maintaining the nuclearpowered Royal Navy submarine fleet.

Supporting the UK’s Nuclear Energy Strategy

Beyond defence, the College is also actively contributing to the nation’s civil nuclear industry, ensuring energy security through specialist training and workforce development. Collaboration with the National College for Nuclear (NCfN) network is central to this mission, enabling the College to:

  • develop industry-aligned nuclear training programmes
  • collaborate with other educational institutions to deliver specialist nuclear skills at scale
  • expand opportunities for students and apprentices to gain sector-relevant experience in both defence and energy.

Addressing the nuclear skills gap

The nuclear sector faces a significant workforce challenge, with an estimated 120,000 new positions required by 2040.

To address this, the College is working closely with industry partners and the Nuclear Skills Task Force (NSTF) to deliver the Destination Nuclear campaign, a nationwide initiative designed to:

  • promote careers in nuclear and attract new entrants into the sector
  • provide training pathways across multiple disciplines, ensuring a diverse and adaptable workforce
  • support the development of nuclear-ready professionals in fields such as engineering, science, business, and construction.

Action: Embedding Nuclear Skills Across Disciplines

By July 2026, the College will embed a ‘Skills for Nuclear’ curriculum across at least four key sectors (engineering, science, construction, and business), ensuring that a minimum of 200 students receive sector-specific nuclear safety and awareness training.

This will be achieved through the integration of specialist modules, guest lectures from industry experts, and accredited short courses aligned with Nuclear Skills Strategy Group (NSSG) standards.

These will include:

  • engineering – mechanical, electrical, and nuclear specific engineering disciplines
  • science – radiological safety, nuclear physics, and materials science
  • business and project management – ensuring the effective delivery of nuclear-related infrastructure projects
  • construction and infrastructure – supporting the safe and efficient development of nuclear facilities.

By aligning training provision with national and industry-led nuclear strategies, the College is ensuring that Plymouth remains a key hub for nuclear workforce development, supporting both national security and the transition to a low-carbon energy future.

Get in touch

Main Campus
City College Plymouth

Kings Road, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 5QG

Give us a call on: 01752 305300

E-mail us at: info@cityplym.ac.uk