Skilled Jobs Needed For Nuclear Sector
30th November, 2010
THE Institution of Civil Engineers vice president Barry Clarke has commented on the announcement that the cap for non EEA migrant workers will be set at 21,700 next year excluding intra company transfers for those with salaries over £40,000.
Mr Clarke said: "While we're pleased Government has erred on the side of caution in determining the limit, this cap could still have a detrimental impact on the UK's ability to deliver the world-class infrastructure we need to guarantee energy security and maintain global competitiveness.
"The nuclear sector in particular will need many specialist engineers to build a new fleet of power stations, fast becoming fundamental to meeting our environmental goals and keeping the lights on. Due to a growing skills gap in engineering generally and the fact that we haven't built a new nuclear station for 15 years many of these will need to be sourced from overseas projects where the most up-to-date knowledge and experience exists.
"In light of this decision there is now even more onus on Government to support industry in developing our indigenous skills base, providing certainty around regulation and planning and showing real commitment to upskilling a new generation of engineers to meet the challenges of the future."
A specialist nuclear skills training centre is due to be set up at Bridgwater College, Somerset. It will provide high-quality specialist training facilities in science, engineering and specialist construction.
The centre aims to support the nuclear power decommissioning and new build programmes planned for Hinkley Point in Somerset and Oldbury in South Gloucestershire.
ENDS
