In September I visited the Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire to learn more about the work being undertaken to advance nuclear fusion. Many people don’t know that the UK is the global leader in this sector and the Government is looking to expand this further at the West Burton Power Plant site in neighbouring Bassetlaw. While the technology being developed at this site is incredibly interesting, I was fascinated by the impact the Culham Science Centre has had on the local economy and skills opportunities.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority, based on this site, provides places for over 300 industrial apprenticeship placements, giving young people the skills they need to work in developing sectors such as robotics, nuclear fusion and materials research. There are thousands of high-skilled workers at this site who are doing cutting-edge research that is renowned around the world.
I was very fortunate to meet George, a third-year apprentice at the RACE Robotics Centre, who talked about the opportunities the Culham Science Centre provides to young people, particularly those looking to do an industrial apprenticeship outside of the classroom.
Apprentices at this site can get hands-on experience with cutting edge technologies and are trained with the skills needed to thrive in this field and gain a competitive advantage against students from across the world.
This is exactly the sort of opportunities young people in Bolsover need to have access to – which is why the UKAEA’s latest site in West Burton is such an exciting opportunity for our region. This site can act as a catalyst for growth and investment across the East Midlands.
More high-skilled jobs, more housing, improved transport infrastructure, greater skills integration with our schools and universities and training opportunities for young people are all possible if we capitalise on this opportunity.
We have an opportunity to further solidify the East Midlands as the home of Nuclear Energy and I will continue to work with my regional colleagues on this important project. I am also very excited to see how The Bolsover School and the University of Derby collaborate at the new Bolsover Sixth Form to ensure our children have the skills needed to take advantage of this project.
