Government nuclear energy advisor presents to students at Lancashire Energy HQ

A leading advisor on nuclear energy has visited Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Lancashire Energy HQ to speak to degree apprentices about the industry’s position in the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Adrian Bull MBE, director of external relations at the National Nuclear Laboratory, is currently seconded to a role working with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The national laboratory advises government on key nuclear issues and its place in the wider energy sector. It also co-ordinates UK nuclear research with universities around the country.

Mr Bull spoke about the ageing workforce in the nuclear industry and the requirements of the sector as new power stations come online.

He told the students: “There has never been a better time to be joining the nuclear industry. An awful lot of people will be working in this industry in years to come.”

He went on to outline the role of the laboratory, about the current position of the nuclear sector and future innovations in the industry.

The degree apprentices at Lancashire Energy HQ work in engineering roles with some of the UK’s biggest companies, including Westinghouse Nuclear Fuels and BAE Systems.

Mr Bull was speaking to the students on the first day of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, a dedicated national campaign aimed at changing perceptions of engineering among young people, their parents and teachers.

Following the event, Sikander Yasin, programme leader in Nuclear Engineering at B&FC, said: "It was fantastic to have someone like Adrian who has a wealth of experience in the nuclear industry come and speak to the students about the sector.

“The nuclear industry is back on the government’s agenda with new reactors being built at the moment and potentially more in the pipeline.

“And with the industry facing issues with an ageing workforce, as Adrian said in his presentation it is an excellent time to learn skills to secure employment in the industry.

“At B&FC we co-create our programmes with employers to ensure we are providing what they need for their workforce, so our students know they are leaving us with the required skills to hit the ground running once they begin their careers.” Contact B&FC today on (01253) 504343 or email info@blackpool.ac.uk to discuss the College’s forthcoming nuclear engineering programmes.