A Nuclear Skills Plan-funded program to recruit new teachers and trainers for the UK’s growing nuclear industry is now open for applications.
The Nuclear Teacher Training Bursary – worth a total of £75,000 in year one as part of the Nuclear Skills Plan – will fund up to 10 teacher trainees per year, providing up to £7,500 per person.
Applicants eligible for the bursary include existing nuclear sector employees considering their future career options as they approach retirement, entry-level candidates with nuclear or STEM qualifications and qualified teachers/trainers upskilling to teach nuclear-related subjects.
The scheme is being delivered by Cogent Skills, on behalf of the Nuclear Skills Plan, and is focused on reducing the financial barrier to entering or developing nuclear teaching and training whilst enabling industry expertise help develop the future nuclear workforce.
Tricia Austin, Head of Nuclear at Cogent Skills said: “By investing in teachers and trainers, the Teacher Training Bursary will help to equip education providers with the specialist expertise needed to develop the skilled workforce the nuclear sector requires.”
The focus of nuclear industry teaching and training – to be delivered via further and higher education, apprenticeships and vocational routes – will include mechanical engineering, electrical power, project controls and other specialist areas of knowledge and skills.
Tricia added: “Having teachers and trainers equipped with nuclear-related subject expertise will help to strengthen the pipeline of future talent, support the transfer of critical knowledge and help the sector build the capability needed to deliver its ambitions and energy security commitments.”
The closing date for Nuclear Teacher Training Bursary applications is 31st December 2026. Applicants should check the full eligibility criteria and complete the application form.