The New Nuclear Build programme - the largest construction project in the history of the UK - is underway and CITB-ConstructionSkills is committing more than £2m to put in place the skilled workforce needed to meet the challenge.

Announcing the funding at a ground-breaking meeting with Ministers and fellow members of the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance (NESA), James Wates, Chairman of the Construction Industry Training Board, set out how the funding would support the industry 'to meet the skills challenges of the programme head on, and ensure the supply chain was ready for the task ahead'.

CITB-ConstructionSkills is now calling on other partners involved in the New Nuclear Build Programme to also invest funding into skills.

Under the programme, the first of which is Hinkley Point C, to being in 2018, eight new nuclear reactors will be constructed, each made with enough concrete to fill the Empire State Building. Nearly 25,000 workers will be needed to complete each project, 60 per cent of whom will come from the construction industry.

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Mr Wates said: "In the 25 years since the UK last built a nuclear reactor, nuclear technology has leapt forward. This requires a commensurate shift from our industry and the £2m we are committing towards achieving this shift is a statement of our support in getting the industry prepared.

"The challenge demands a step change in leadership and supervision skills and an even more demanding health and safety culture. This is a superb opportunity for the UK construction sector and we're pleased to help ensure that our workforce can grab that opportunity."

Skills Minister John Hayes said: "The Nuclear Build programme will lead to substantial growth in the UK construction industry creating thousands of new jobs. We welcome this investment by CITB – ConstructionSkills to ensure that we develop a highly skilled workforce to meet this challenge.

"The Government is working with its skills partners in the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance (NESA) to maximise career opportunities in this market and ensure employers have the skills they need. The NESA partnership represents the best way for employers and providers to collaborate to meet the whole range of skills that are needed within this sector."

(CD/GK)