Marvin OnumonuUK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and MTC Training have launched two apprenticeship programmes to train nuclear health physics monitors and nuclear operatives at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills Training Centre on the Culham Campus.
The move comes as the UK’s fusion and nuclear sectors face a shortage of skilled workers, with the 2025 intake already full and strong demand from employers for 2026.
The courses have been set up in response to a recognised national shortage in health physics technicians and decommissioning operatives.
Both programmes have been developed with input from industry experts and focus on practical skills, including monitoring instruments, safety systems and compliance with regulations for health physics, and safe waste minimisation, equipment handling and working in specialist protective gear for nuclear operatives.
Learners will get hands-on training using the facilities at Culham Campus.
Nick Walkden, head of fusion skills and FOSTER programme director at UKAEA, said: “UKAEA is committed to expanding the qualified workforce in the fusion sector.
“We also recognise there are several areas where there is a need across multiple adjacent sectors, which makes establishing and delivering these courses more cost effective and efficient.
“Having these courses at Culham has many advantages.”
Walkden added: “UKAEA has a wide range of experienced experts who have worked with MTC Training to develop the courses.
“And of course, we have facilities for students to get first-hand experience in an industrial environment, along with the intangible benefits of learning alongside their peers from other companies and organisations.
“Finally, we are creating opportunities for new learning pathways in an area of the country where these haven’t traditionally been available.”
He said: “We’ve been thrilled by the reception that these new courses have had from industry and are looking forward to growing our skills offerings in the future.”
Chris Rooum, business development director at MTC Training, said: “As the country undergoes a nuclear renaissance and starts to introduce a new generation of nuclear power technologies, demand for skilled professionals in this sector is expected to rise even further.
“By collaborating with UKAEA to design and offer these apprenticeships, we can provide the industry with a future workforce to support the clean energy transition in the UK.”
