WORK to build a multi-million-pound centre to train the next generation of nuclear workers is due to start within weeks.

The first sod is set to be cut for the new National College for Nuclear at Lillyhall, near Workington, which is expected to open in September 2017.

The hi-tech facility, to be built at the Lakes College site, is one of two recently announced by the Government in a £15 million scheme.

The second will be at Bridgwater in Somerset.

Chris Nattress, principal at Lakes College, said: "Firstly, it gives us a seal of approval as to the level of activity we can engage in.

"This is a national college, one of five, and we are one of two founder members and one of six organisations that’s created it so that’s a ringing endorsement of what we can achieve at Lakes College.

"Secondly, it provides us with a very reassuring, long-term future. 

"There’s pressure from Government to make FE colleges sustainable so this a very helpful development.

"And thirdly, it puts us on a national and international footing to generate opportunities for people in West Cumbria.

"This puts Lakes College into a different space altogether - it elevates up to a national and international market place. Which is just fantastic for Cumbria, fantastic for West Cumbria."

The target is to train more than 7,000 learners at the two centres by 2020.

Mr Nattress is keen to use virtual reality to its full potential at the centre.

He added: "Getting people onto the Sellafield site is extremely time consuming and expensive so if we’ve got a really high-end virtual environment, the teams of technicians can work on complicated decommissioning activity."