A MULTI-MILLION  pound specialist training centre is being set up by Sellafield Ltd and the University of Cumbria.

The ‘Project Academy for Sellafield’ is aimed at equipping and developing employees with the specific skills needed to decommission the nuclear site.

The academy was proposed by Sellafield Ltd and will be run by the University of Cumbria, which will develop and provide a range of higher education programmes, including diplomas, degrees, masters and doctorates.

The first employees begin studying with the academy in September.

Steve Livingstone, Projects Director for Sellafield Ltd, said:" It will not only enable employees to increase the depth of their knowledge in their chosen profession, but will also enable them to broaden their knowledge of other project related professions.

“The Sellafield site is a hive of construction activity, over the next few decades we need to build new facilities to bring the old ones down and this requires a range of specialist skills.

“Sellafield Ltd has always provided pathways to education and training, but this academy is going to transform the way people train in many of the professions related to projects, from design, operations, and construction to health and safety, project management and leadership, while also allowing them to do this on their doorstep.

"The academy has the backing of some of the region’s leading education providers relating to projects Lakes College, Furness College and the Centre for Leadership Performance, means it will enhance the local education infrastructure, making Cumbria the centre of project higher education."

Professor Peter Strike, vice chancellor of the University of Cumbria said: “This chance to develop our partnership with Sellafield and support their investment in their workforce is fantastic.

“The Project Academy provides an outstanding opportunity to share our expertise and to develop effective and successful collaborations with other institutions and business.

“It will be supported by the University of Manchester, one of the most prestigious ‘project’ education providers in the world and the first academic establishment to introduce higher education associated with project management.

“By providing people with the skills to meet current and future needs of the industry, Sellafield Ltd is investing in the development of local people, while helping to address the growing demand for project professionals, not just for the nuclear industry, but for all industries UK and worldwide.

“The University of Cumbria looks to meet the needs of the people and businesses of our region, our prime objectives being to provide our students with access to high quality education, and to support the development of their careers."