The South West Nuclear Hub: Supporting Nuclear Through Education and STEM Activities

The uptake of study and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is of paramount importance in fostering innovation to drive the economy sustainably. This paper aims to provide an exploration of the multifaceted initiatives coordinated by the South West Nuclear Hub—an alliance comprising prominent industry partners, academic institutions, and dynamic small-medium enterprises. Together, our collaborative efforts are geared towards bolstering the enduring vitality of the UK's civil nuclear industry.

Our strategic focus lies in advancing research, promoting innovation, and nurturing skill sets that significantly contribute to the evolution of the nuclear sector. Recognizing the imperative to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers, we are aligned with the overarching Net Zero goal of the UK government. A pivotal aspect of our mission is to address the substantial workforce shortage hindering the realization of these objectives.

We recognize the need to develop the next generation of scientists and engineers in support of our industry: it is estimated that the sector needs to grow by up to 150,000 people to achieve the UK government’s target for nuclear power generation (as well as decommissioning) [1]. This paper will discuss the skills gap faced by the UK and how this directly affects the ability for the UK to realize its ambition to achieve net zero, and how the South West Nuclear Hub is contributing to closing the gap.