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Information for Educators
The Nuclear Island aims to become an integral part of a number of UK further and higher education engineering courses, attracting and exposing students from civil and nuclear engineering to the new build sector. The students would manage and construct scaled down sections of a nuclear power plant. They would be assessed in relation to real-life skills such as radiation protection, site licensing, budgetary control and project management.
The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Report, Engineering Graduates for Industry, re-iterates that “industry wants engineering graduates who have practical experience of real industrial environments. Specifically, industry … regards the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real industrial problems as the single most desirable attribute in new recruits.”
It states that students need direct experience of industry integrated within their degree course and those with industrial experience are more likely to seek and find employment in engineering related jobs on graduation; are more motivated for the remainder of their course; are clearer about their future career options; and have improved management, teamworking and communication skills. Alison Ahearn from Imperial College London agrees, “we find that hands-on learning can transform 'students of engineering' into 'engineers’. " A number of events have taken place with industry and education providers to date, and we are now seeking industry engagement to support the programme: details from these events can be found here. Each region in England and Wales will have a lead institution, with the possibility of universities and Further Education linking up programmes. To date, the following partners have been identified, but we are able to bring in further partners in the near future.
To get engaged, please contact Dr Caroline Sudworth directly at: [email protected]
“As you know, we at Manchester have been working closely with the
industry to develop nuclear skills and educational programmes for
undergraduates, graduates, researchers and young professionals. We are
therefore delighted to hear about this initiative and we would
certainly seek to be involved with the project.”
Professor J Billowes MA DPhil FInstP, Director of Education & Training, Dalton Nuclear Institute 
 
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