Students "not considering" nuclear

According to figures released by the Nuclear Industry Association (NIA), more than a third of students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in the UK do not believe they can work within the nuclear industry.

Of the 1,376 students surveyed, 32% said they would consider a career in the nuclear sector, but 43% of respondents voiced concerns that they were not studying the relevant subjects for such a career.

It’s worrying that young people already studying STEM subjects aren’t considering the industry

NIA chief executive Keith Parker

NIA chief executive Keith Parker said: “The UK led the way in developing nuclear power and new investment will mean valuable new jobs and skills across our country. But, because no new nuclear power plants have been built in a generation we run the risk of losing the skills needed as the current workforce nears retirement.

“It’s worrying that young people already studying STEM subjects aren’t considering the industry in order to fill this gap.”

To combat this, the NIA has launched its “re-generation” campaign to highlight the breadth of quality careers in the nuclear sector as a means of encouraging a new generation of skilled young people.

The re-generation campaign is designed to inform young learners that not all roles within the nuclear sector require a degree. Students are being advised that a career in nuclear can be gleaned on the job through an apprenticeship scheme, for example.

When adequately informed of the variety of job roles with the nuclear sector, 30% of those surveyed said they were more likely to consider nuclear as a career path.

“There are thousands of opportunities available in the nuclear sector,” Parker told students at Sizewell B power station.

“All roles play a vital part in making sure the UK has a safe and secure, low carbon supply of electricity. To do this we need a range of engineers and technical people to work in power stations and across the supply chain.”