The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board’s (ECITB) Thomas Docherty has been appointed as the new chair of the National Nuclear Provider Coordinating Body (NNPCB).
Docherty, ECITB’s head of strategic engagement for nuclear, takes over from Chris Nattress, who was the body’s representative for the further education sector.
The NNPCB brings together organisations that represent training providers, colleges and universities to provide advice and guidance to support the Nuclear Skills Plan. This work also aims to ensure the UK has the capacity and capability to meet the demands of the nuclear sector.
Formed in May 2024, the group acts as a collaborative forum, meeting every two months to share expertise, align initiatives and support the delivery of the plan.
The Nuclear Skills Plan is the nuclear industry’s skills roadmap, which aims to attract and retain the sector’s future workforce. It is based on sector collaboration, investment in training, leadership development and improving diversity.
Forecasts for the civil and defence nuclear workforce suggest the sector will need up to 120,000 roles by the early 2030s.
“As the statutory skills body for the civil nuclear sector, the ECITB is committed to helping deliver the aims of the Nuclear Skills Plan,” Docherty said.
“As an organisation, we are already actively involved in supporting the plan to help deliver, grow and maintain a skilled nuclear workforce fit for the future.
“In its first year, the NNPCB focused on building strong partnerships and delivering practical solutions to address skills gaps. From supporting students through bursaries and sponsorships to helping mid-career professionals switch into nuclear roles, the body has made real progress in creating opportunities for people across the UK.”
Collaboration in action
The body comprises representatives from the ECITB, Construction Industry Training Board, National College for Nuclear, National Skills Academy Nuclear, Cogent Skills, Nuclear Vocational Education Group, as well as from higher and further education.
As part of his role as chair, Docherty will represent the group in meetings of the Nuclear Skills Delivery Board (NSDB), which supports the Nuclear Skills Plan and oversees the progress of various projects.
The NSDB forms part of the governance structure put in place when the plan was launched in 2024, bringing together government and industry as part of a recognition that workforce and skills challenges can only be addressed through cross-sector collaboration.
The NSDB sits under the Nuclear Skills Executive Council – which brings together CEOs and senior leaders from organisations that have signed a Nuclear Skills Charter – and above the Nuclear Sector Skills Team, which is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the plan.
