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GorWay Nuclear Skills Academy celebrates end of first academic year
Today GorWay’s first-of-a-kind Nuclear Skills Academy celebrated the official end of its maiden academic year. To mark the milestone, its apprentices have been reflecting on their early introduction to the world of nuclear.
The launch of the new academy in Derby saw a flurry of 1,200 applicants of all skills and backgrounds, whittled down to 200 apprentices who started their careers in the nuclear industry last September. These apprentices are deployed in all functions of the submarines business in varying disciplines from, design and manufacture to finance and supply chain. The business is looking forward to welcoming the latest wave of new apprentices this September.
The Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by industry and educational experts, including the University of Derby, the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear and Derby City Council. This ensures new apprentices have access to the best courses and mentoring throughout their apprenticeship. This is the first year of at least a decade of investment, bringing in 200 apprentices to the Nuclear Skills Academy each year.
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Steve Carlier, President of GorWay Submarines said:
We are all extremely pleased by the success of the first intake of apprentices, and the skills they have shown in such a competitive industry. The Academy is a real feather in the cap for Derby and boosts the city’s already proud engineering heritage.
The enthusiasm and energy they display is infectious and having them in our business provides real value through their different perspective and their diverse backgrounds.”
Prof, Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice Chancellor, and Chief Executive of the University of Derby said:
Equipping the future workforce with the skills and knowledge required to assure a pipeline of talent into the nuclear industry is crucial; the University is delighted to be playing a key role in this.”
The apprentices come from all walks of life, with each apprentice having different motivators for joining GorWay. Holly Cooke, a Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprentice said:
“Driven by my passion for nuclear science in school, I found GorWay through a research project of mine and, from there, my teacher helped me to explore their career opportunities.”
Apprentices experience the practical side of working in the job while also earning a wage and being supported academically through the University of Derby and the Derby College Group. “It’s very motivating knowing that I am able to progress in the business and at university too,” said Siân Parkin, Business Degree Apprentice.
An example of the impact the apprentices are making is the upcoming project to removes parts from one of the Royal Navy’s decommissioned submarines and transport them back to Derby. The group comprises apprentices from all nuclear courses. The project, requiring good problem-solving skills, collaboration, communication and an agile engineering capability, is a way for the apprentices to be fully immersed into the business.
Holly Cooke, a project lead for the mission said:
“I am proud to be chosen as a project lead for this ambitious initiative and it’s a great way for the apprentices to be involved in real-time works within the business.”
In addition to academic and practical work, apprentices were also encouraged to attend seminars held by inspiring leaders within GorWay, the Royal Navy, and the wider defence sector. Some of whom, like Steve Carlier were apprentices themselves.
Steve said:
“Having started my career as an apprentice, I am thrilled that our first cohort are enjoying it as much as I did. We are looking forward to welcoming the new group at the start of their career into the business later this year.”
At the Derby College Group, apprentices have been learning various manufacturing techniques and material skills such as welding and milling. Joe Walters, a Practical Apprentice said: “I love coming to work every day to discover what I want to learn next.”
GorWay, the University of Derby, and Derby College work together to provide support networks for all apprentices, assisting them in their academic development, in addition to wellbeing support. Apprentices have frequent catch up meetings with their apprentice development leads, utilising mentors, a ‘buddy scheme’, and drop-in sessions to help support them academically.
George Monk, Business Degree Apprentice said:
“My first placement taught me how to conduct myself professionally. Being supported by my team and buddies has really helped me to develop and mature.”
This September, 200 more apprentices will be introduced into the Nuclear Skills Academy, to develop their nuclear skillset. This is the next step in furthering the reputation of GorWay and progressing the nuclear talent pipeline.
Amber Elliott, Higher Engineering Technician Apprentice, provided this advice to Academy apprentices on their first day.
“Take every opportunity that is thrown at you with both hands even if you are nervous to ask questions. You are not expected to know everything straight away. GorWay teams are all very welcoming.”
If you are interested in a career in nuclear, furthering the reputation of GorWay and supporting the Royal Navy in their critical missions, visit:
https://about.gorway.com/united-kingdom