Published at 15:41, Wednesday, 24 February 2010

THE nuclear stars of the future were announced at the second annual UK Nuclear Skills Awards Evening on February 11.

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The event, in Manchester, was organised by the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council.

More than 300 nuclear employers, training providers and stakeholders attended the event to celebrate the success and high achievement of the learners nominated for awards.

Cumbrian students topped the list of winners including Victoria Martin, of Workington, who was named National Nuclear Foundation Degree Student of the Year.

Victoria, who studied at Lakes College, currently works for Sellafield Ltd as a safety advisor. Originally joining the firm as an administrative officer, Victoria’s proactive approach to her own personal development has ensured her career development through health physics monitor and technical support officer to her present role.

She was one of the first cohort to enrol onto the new foundation degree in nuclear decommissioning.

Not having an engineering or scientific background did not hold Victoria back in her studies, with her achieving the highest mark in her class. Victoria completed her course part-time, which enabled her to continue working full-time to support her young family.

A new award added to this year’s list saw Whitehaven student Suzette Middleton win nuclear bursary student of the year.

Suzette, who studied a foundation degree in ICT at Lillyhall’s Lakes College, won the award due to her drive and commitment to learning and self improvement which helped her to overcome a range of difficulties she encountered as a mature student.

Suzette admits that she has gained confidence and self belief through her studies.

Anna Mawson, of Whitehaven, was named apprentice of the year for the North West and North East.

Anna, who trained with GEN II, works as an electrical and instrumentation craftsman at Sellafield. Her development within the craft team has also seen her take on a safety representative role, along with taking on the responsibility of being a mentor to the remaining apprentices within her team.

Anna’s employers said that since joining the team, she has gained the respect of her peers both within the craft and support teams and has become a highly valued member of the team in a very short period of time.

Jean Llewellyn, chief executive of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, said: “All of the award categories were heavily contested and the judging panels had a very hard task.

“Every one of the award winners and finalists this year have demonstrated that they bring that little bit extra to their work, and the organisations that employ them.

“I would like to congratulate Victoria, Anna and Suzette on their achievement - they will all have a bright future ahead of them with the nuclear sector.

“The UK Nuclear Skills Awards highlights the exceptional quality of vocational learners, who are committed to careers in the nuclear sector.

“Apprenticeships and foundation degrees/HNDs are key avenues for replenishing and building skills for the nuclear sector.

“It is extremely important to highlight the real and tangible contributions which these students make to their organisations on a daily basis.”

Cogent chief executive, Joanna Woolf congratulated all the finalists and winners. She said: “The breadth and depth of applications is testament to an industry that values and invests in talent and understands the importance of the people within it.

“Recognising individuals through awards such as this is a great way to celebrate that success.”

Skills Minister Kevin Brennan, said: “The achievements of the nuclear sector’s brightest people have been recognised through these awards, and will go far in guaranteeing we have the highly skilled workforce we need for the future.”

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