Scottish College Consortium - New Higher National Diplomas for Scotland's Nuclear Employers

15th October 2007

The newly formed National Skills Academy Nuclear has selected a consortium consisting of four Scottish colleges to develop and implement a range of Higher National Diplomas for Scotland's nuclear employers.

These important new qualifications will support progression and development opportunities in the nuclear sector for school leavers, new entrants and those re-training. They will also address the skills and recruitment challenges that this strategically important industry is facing. The group is being lead by North Highland College (Thurso) supported by Kilmarnock College; Dumfries & Galloway College and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear is an employer led skills and training initiative which has been developed to meet the needs of employers across the UK nuclear industry. A subsidiary of Cogent Sector Skills Council, the Skills Academy will assist Nuclear employers in tackling the current and future skills barriers and challenges facing the Nuclear industry not just in relation to the Government's £65bn clean-up programme but also for waste management, defence, fuel processing and enrichment, power production and to ensure the sector has the skills and additional resources available for the future of the sector.

Jean Llewellyn Project Director of the National Skills Academy Nuclear said: "I am delighted to see the development of such strong and effective partnerships developing in Scotland to deliver the key skills challenges facing the Nuclear Sector. Progression opportunities via the Higher National Diploma and Foundation Degree route are essential for the future success of the industry. We are really looking forwards to working with these Scottish Colleges as we take this development forwards which is fundamental to achieving the Skills Academy Vision."


Jerry Abbott Chairman of the Scottish Regional Steering Group said: "As Chairman of the Scottish Regional Steering Group I am delighted to confirm the award to North Highland College, supported Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Kilmarnock College and Dumfries & Galloway College, to be the lead HEI for the development and implementation of HNDs in Scotland on behalf of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear. Their submission to the invitation to tender was of an extremely high quality and was a clear winner for Scotland. I am sure we have put the future development of these programmes, on behalf of the industry, in very capable hands."

Rosemary Thompson Principal of North Highland College said: "It is very gratifying that the Consortium led by the North Highland College has been asked by the Skills Academy to develop and implement Higher National vocational qualifications, in Scotland, for such an important sector. All four Colleges bring significant strength and experience, having worked for many years supporting the training needs of their local nuclear sites, to assist in the challenging and exciting task ahead.

All partners will work together to ensure that vocational pathways are available for school leavers, new entrants and those re-training. The North Highland College as a full academic partner within the UHI Millennium Institute, which is working towards University Title, will be able to ensure that the vocational qualifications sought by employers provide clear progression routes to degree level study and beyond, where appropriate. This in turn will be demonstrable evidence that a career within the nuclear sector presents an attractive future."


Tony Jakimciw Principal of Dumfries & Galloway College of said: I'm delighted that we have been able to build upon our existing successful partnership with North Highland College and the Nuclear industry through our participation in the National Skills Academy Nuclear. It is an endorsement of our successful partnership work to date and we look forward to supporting the development and continued success of this key sector.

Douglas McHugh Assistant Principal (Engineering) of Glasgow College of Nautical Studies said: "Glasgow College of Nautical Studies is delighted that the Scottish tender for a National Skills Academy for Nuclear has been successful. This will further develop our existing links with the Nuclear Industry and provide new opportunities for our students to progress, in partnership with North Highland College."

Joe Spencer Head of Faculty (Engineering & Science) of Kilmarnock College said: "Kilmarnock College is proud to be part of the partnership to support the development of the National Skills Academy Nuclear in Scotland, and all our staff involved are totally committed to the success of this initiative."