A landmark collaboration agreement for the development of excellence in skills for the global nuclear industry between the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and INPO (International Nuclear Power Operators) was announced today.

The Skills Academy is the lead 'skills for nuclear' organisation for the UK, and has been successful in the establishment of industry agreed training standards for the UK nuclear industry. INPO integrates the training efforts of U.S. nuclear utilities through the National Academy for Nuclear Training. Both organisations will now use their expertise to enhance the skills development on an international level through the establishment of high standards and expectations for the nuclear industry training, education and qualifications.


To achieve their respective visions, INPO and the Skills Academy have agreed to collaborate on a number of activities including:

• Participation in activities that support and promote effective nuclear training and education, particularly those associated with nuclear plant operations.
• Providing mutual benefit and demonstrable support to the strategic aims of both organisations.
• Collaboratively support the development of excellence in skills for the global nuclear industry.
• Share and implement the outcomes of benchmarking activities.

At this time of a major global nuclear renaissance this collaborative approach to addressing the skills and workforce challenges facing the nuclear industry is of paramount importance to ensure a successful and safe nuclear future.

Commenting on the agreement, Jean Llewellyn Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear said: "The Skills Academy has been very successful for the Nuclear Industry in the UK and the lessons and the expertise that we have gained on raising skills levels will be invaluable to our input into this collaboration.

"Looking at skills for nuclear on an international level is going be a very challenging agenda, but, it is a challenge that both organisations have the knowledge and drive to really make a difference. Both myself and my team are really looking forward to working more closely with INPO."

(CD/GK)