The qualifications will be delivered by specialist providers. Scottish Vocational Qualifications are expected to be available shortly.

These new NVQs are referenced in the National Database of Accredited Qualifications www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk

Cogent and the nuclear industry are addressing the skills mix needed to ensure that the power generation, fuel cycle and decommissioning programmes of work are carried out safely and securely: these qualifications are essential to development of a qualified workforce for the decommissioning and radiation protection roles across the industry.

The development of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) which underpin these NVQs was undertaken by Cogent with nuclear employers in Industry Working Groups. NVQs are assessed in the workplace and are designed around key job roles and the NOS describe in detail performance requirements, knowledge and evidence for the individual.

The Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications have a mix of mandatory and optional units designed to provide for people undertaking operations and in supervisory roles. At both levels health and safety are key.

The NVQs provide a progressive development route for people in these fields.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Level 3 offers alternative Supervisory and Technical routes.

The decommissioning programme is recognised as a vital and mammoth task which will make the environment safe for generations to come. The older plants are firstly defuelled, then dismantled and the sites will then be cleaned up ready for reuse.

The programme is being managed by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).Each decommissioning site now has a Lifetime Plan (LTP), specifying the scope, schedule and cost of all the work to be carried out at the site to clearance. These are extremely long ranging plans detailing activity well into the next century in some cases.

Many of the skills required will not be strictly “nuclear” specific, such as those related to demolition of cleared buildings. However availability of nuclear skills is essential in meeting the overall LTP. A well qualified workforce is needed and will need continuing replenishment by skilled new recruits for a long time to come.

Cogent Nuclear Skills Director, John Haddon said: “Nuclear specific skills will be needed for the foreseeable future on all licensed nuclear sites to ensure safe working conditions both during and after operation and ultimately to make these sites clean and safe for reuse.”