Many youngsters do not feel they are studying subjects relevant to the nuclear industry and have never heard of careers in the sector, according to a new study.
Research among 1,300 young people studying science, engineering and maths, showed almost half did not believe they were relevant to the nuclear industry and 14% had never heard about career options in the industry.
The Nuclear Industry Association said the findings were “worrying”, as up to 140,000 workers could be needed to build new nuclear power plants over the next 15 years as well as decommission current power stations as they are switched off.
As with most engineering sectors, the nuclear industry is facing a skills shortage as employees retire and too few new recruits join the industry, said the NIA.
Chief executive Keith Parker said: “The UK led the way in developing nuclear power and new investment will mean valuable new jobs and skills across the country. “
“But because no new nuclear power plants have been built in a generation, we run the risk of losing the skills needed as the current workforce nears retirement.”
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