Energy companies open training centres
02/06/2008(16:49)
Training centres are being opened by UK energy providers to help tackle skills shortages among staff.
According to Personnel Today, skills minister David Lammy is due to launch the first of two skill development centres for National Grid this week.
With a combined cost of £5.5 million, the two centres in Hertfordshire and Manchester will offer practical course to the company's gas distribution workforce.
Last week British Energy's £3.5 million Nuclear Power Academy in Gloucestershire was opened by the government's chief scientific adviser Professor John Beddington.
The company hopes that more than 80 different courses, including programmes on nuclear technology and excellence in technical leadership, with places for around 2,500 people will be offered at the training centre each year.
Sir Adrian Montague, chairman of British Energy said: "The Nuclear Power Academy is at the centre of British Energy’s investment in training.
"Building the technical capability of our workforce is essential as the UK begins to expand the role of nuclear as part of a balance energy policy."
The opening follows the news that the government has earmarked £65 million to help tackle skills shortages in the science, engineering and manufacturing industries.
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