Sellafield celebrates a university first with new project course

Simon Wittridge, head of project transition for Sellafield Ltd said after the ceremony at the University of Cumbria: “What I find encouraging is the diversity of people choosing to study with the academy – we have a real mix of young professionals, senior managers, employees from the supply chain and members of the public self-funding their studies.

“We are privileged to have developed this completely fresh concept for higher education and training and, together with the University of Cumbria, we are creating the next generation of project professionals on our doorstep, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of project skills.”

Launched two years year ago to help increase project capability across the country, Sellafield Project Academy now has more than 1,300 students, with training delivered by the University of Cumbria, which secured the contract in 2016 along with six partner organisations.

Together with the University of Cumbria, we are creating the next generation of project professionals on our doorstep, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of project skills

Simon Wittridge, head of project transition, Sellafield Ltd

One of the first in the UK to receive a university certificate in project scope baseline management, Lynda Toogood, from the finance team at Sellafield Ltd said: “I chose this specific scheme as it offered me an opportunity to develop new skills that will help deliver the projects I am responsible for.

“To be able to get this kind of qualification without having to travel out of the county makes the balance of working, studying and personal commitments so much more achievable, and enjoyable.”

In addition to those who completed their qualifications n project scope baseline management, other Sellafield students completed university certificates in project controls and foundation degrees in project management.