Great British Nuclear – I’m Worried
Its been a number of months since the announcements regarding ‘Great British Nuclear’ which were greeted in the Industry with not a small amount of euphoria and excitement, and quite rightly so. However, I’m worried – so let me explain.
I’m fortunate enough to be working with several SME’s working in the Nuclear Sector. In the last week I’ve had conversations with Directors from two of them (one is a civils contractor and the other an electrical contractor).. Both of them told me a similar story of how they recruit and train individuals only to see them depart to one of the ‘big boys’ because they cant match the packages on offer. Both chaps are struggling for resource.
Speaking to representatives from ‘the big boys’ they are in the same boat. In some cases, they are looking to recruit upwards of 250 people – and they just can’t find them. And this is for the scope that is currently ongoing – never mind additional scope created through Great British Nuclear.
I wrote to the Secretary of State for BEIS with my concerns and got a very polite response regarding the work of the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group (NSSG) and UK backed skills initiatives including the National College for Nuclear – which I know about and I’m sure are doing some good stuff. However, on the ground they don’t seem to be making a dent in what I view as a very serious workforce shortfall which will scupper Great British Nuclear before it starts.
I would love to help -but I just don’t know how.
Answers on a postcard please!!