East Coast College has joined the National College for Nuclear (NCfN) as an Accredited Provider to deliver high quality qualifications in support of the nuclear sector.

This builds on the MoU in place with Sizewell C to deliver training in support of skills needed to build and operate the new power station which received planning consent earlier this month.

As the newest approved provider, East Coast College has become part of the NCfN collaborative network – a partnership between industry employers, regulators, skills bodies, and training providers to support the delivery of nuclear missions.

NCfN is one of the National Colleges created to support the delivery of major infrastructure projects in the UK. The purpose of the NCfN is to deliver through its networks, higher level technical skills training as part of governments integrated education plan to deliver a UK skilled workforce.

East Coast College’s membership will help drive regional skills as well as shape the transferability of skills across the green agenda. The College has also been successful in tendering with Cquent to refresh and develop existing courses which will showcase the high standards of safety and leadership in nuclear. This will also support other clean energy sectors to share good practice and drive human performance.

Julia Bates, Deputy Principal for Curriculum and Strategic Partnerships at East Coast College, said: “The College is proud to become a member of the NCfN as this will support skills development in the East. It will also aid collaboration with other members to ensure that training drives high expectations and standards. With exciting projects such as Sizewell C planned for the area this puts us in a great position to further support students into employment.”

Helen Higgs, Chair of the NCfN, said: “We are delighted to have East Coast College as part of the family. Clearly working closely with the Sizewell C Skills and Employment team will be a priority and we are already discussing how the network will support any developments in this area.

“East Coast College will provide a solid bedrock within which to build an East Coast Hub for the NCfN alongside West Suffolk College and others in the coming months. We are already working on some exciting initiatives in relation to zero carbon skills and using the nuclear industry as a platform to build a competent and more agile workforce.”