Clive Smith has extensive management experience within nuclear operational and training environments and across Government departments.  This experience was gained across a number of key positions including Chief Engineer of operational nuclear plants, Nuclear Safety Regulator and appointments in the Royal Navy, Ministry of Defence, Department of Trade and Industry and in commercial training companies. 

His experience also includes extensive working with the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA) and a range of skills advisory groups where he represents the industry. He is also a member of Cogent’s National Occupational Standards (NOS) Steering Group for the development of engineering standards across a range of NVQs.

Cogent CEO Joanna Woolf said: “Clive will support Cogent’s work with the industry to help employers address key skills and recruitment challenges.

“We are delighted to welcome Clive who brings with him a vast experience in the nuclear industry, including a deep understanding of the people development issues central to the success of this strategically important industry.”

Commenting on his appointment, Clive Smith said: “I am delighted to have been offered this position at such an exciting time for the nuclear industry.  Many of the teams at current plants have the need to re-skill and the prospect of new build adds additional impetus to ensure that our sector is capable of meeting these demands.” 

Driven by the Cogent industries themselves in response to tangible skills gaps and shortages, Cogent has grown steadily in both stature and influence. It now presents a clear and powerful voice, enabling sector employers to influence Government policy development and shape the outputs of training and education providers.

Cogent has undertaken in-depth research and analysis to find out what contribution skills can make to business performance in its sector. This has shown that it is clear that innovation, productivity and sustainability are ultimately dependent on skills.

Common skill sets are the glue that binds the future success of the six Cogent industries together. Its goal is to help produce the skills needed to transform employers within these sectors into world-class organisations.