UK launches innovative nuclear apprenticeships to support fusion and nuclear sectors
The UK is making significant strides in its clean energy ambitions with the launch of two pioneering nuclear training apprenticeships aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled talent in the fusion and nuclear industries. The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) Training have jointly introduced the Nuclear Health Physics Monitor and Nuclear Operative (Decommissioning) programmes. These initiatives are designed to prepare a new generation of professionals equipped to support the country’s nuclear renaissance and the transition to low-carbon energy.
These apprenticeships come at a crucial moment as the UK commits substantial investment to expand its nuclear and fusion sectors, with approvals such as Sizewell C and a dedicated £2.5 billion funding for fusion energy outlined in the 2025 Spending Review. The government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan highlights the need to nearly double the clean energy workforce by 2030 to meet ambitious climate targets. Against this backdrop, the new training opportunities offered at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) Training Centre on UKAEA’s Culham Campus seek to bridge the skills gap by providing industry-relevant education informed by expert practitioners in the field.
The Health Physics Monitor apprenticeship focuses on radiation safety, including the use of monitoring instruments and adherence to rigorous safety legislation. The Nuclear Operative (Decommissioning) programme trains apprentices in safe waste management, equipment handling, and working within high-protection environments using specialised suits and respirators. These programmes are uniquely enriched by hands-on training at Culham Campus, home to leading fusion research facilities, offering apprentices direct exposure to the technologies shaping the future of nuclear energy.
Supported by UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education & Research (FOSTER) programme, part of the government's larger Fusion Futures investment, these apprenticeships form part of a wider strategic effort to cultivate a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals in clean energy. FOSTER’s vision spans from entry-level apprenticeships to postdoctoral development, aiming to fill the anticipated demand for thousands of new fusion industry workers by 2030.
The OAS Centre itself has recently undergone a £13 million expansion to scale up its training capacity and facilities, reflecting the UK’s commitment to building robust infrastructure to support clean energy skills. Since 2019, the centre has trained over 400 apprentices in nuclear engineering, delivering high-quality education that matches the pace of technological advancements.
Beyond the newly launched apprenticeships, UKAEA and MTC Training are planning additional specialist training courses, including Nuclear Welding Inspection and Nuclear TIG Welding, as well as a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician programme launching in 2025 and a Level 6 Nuclear Science apprenticeship currently in development. These offerings create a comprehensive pathway for learners to progress into long-term nuclear industry careers.
This expansion aligns with broader regional efforts as well, such as UKAEA’s 20-year partnership with the East Midlands Combined County Authority to support skills development for the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project in Nottinghamshire, the UK's first prototype fusion power plant. Together, these initiatives demonstrate the UK’s holistic approach to nurturing fusion and nuclear expertise nationwide.
The importance of building this skilled workforce cannot be overstated. As fusion and advanced nuclear technologies are critical to delivering the UK’s energy security and net-zero goals, developing home-grown talent reduces dependence on international expertise and fosters innovation domestically. The collaborative efforts between UKAEA, MTC Training, and government investment indicate a strategic, forward-looking commitment to future-proofing the UK's clean energy sector and energising a new generation of engineers, scientists, and technicians.