Published at 15:41, Wednesday, 24 February 2010

THE National Skills Academy for Nuclear in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is rolling out a fourth round of its bursary award scheme.

impressed: Nigel Couzens

The scheme is aimed at quality individuals on programmes of study relevant to the decommissioning sector of the nuclear industry and includes foundation degrees, honours degrees, masters degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

The programme aims to attract a broader mix of new entrants into the nuclear industry and into the wider science and technology agenda, leading to increased diversity and opportunity in the sector.

In the previous rounds completed in 2008 and 2009, 76 students across the UK successfully secured between £500 and £4,000 bursary funding for their courses. The value of the award is determined by the strength and relevance of the applicant in fulfilling the aims of the programme. The awards are dependant on effectively fulfilling the application criteria.

Applications will be accepted from individuals, or on behalf of individuals from employers and higher education institutions.

The application form and scoring criteria is available for download from the National Skills Academy for Nuclear’s website www.nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk.

All forms are to be received by the Skills Academy no later than 5pm on March 5. Applications are welcome from both new students and students part way through their course.

Jean Llewellyn, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, said: “I am very pleased to be able to offer a fourth round of this bursary award scheme.

“The applications received in the first two rounds were of very high quality, and highlighted the need for further roll-out of this much needed bursary scheme.

“The scheme is funded by the NDA, demonstrating employer commitment to the future needs and requirements of this industry.”

Nigel Couzens, head of people strategy at the NDA said: “The NDA has been impressed by the number and quality of awards made to date. It is very encouraging that so many students see the nuclear decommissioning sector as an exciting, challenging and rewarding opportunity.

“A well-qualified and high-quality workforce is essential to the industry and the bursary scheme has made a significant contribution to this.

“I am pleased that with the National Skills Academy for Nuclear we are able to support this round and look forward to being able to assist further applications.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk