For years, too many graduates have entered the workplace without the key skills needed to succeed quickly. Training providers and employers have struggled to find a formula that could resolve this.
In the nuclear sector, the rate of workforce growth required to meet the UK’s future energy demand, means this challenge is time critical.
Using experience and the latest brain research, a close working partnership has delivered a solution.
A Cambridge-based leadership development organisation has been named a national finalist for its work helping to train the next generation of professionals entering the UK’s nuclear sector.
The Oakridge Centre, part of the First Ascent Group, has been shortlisted alongside delivery partner Energus in the Best Employer and Training Provider Partnership category at the 18th annual UK Nuclear Skills Awards. The awards recognise excellence in workforce development across one of the country’s most critical industries.
The nomination highlights the impact of the Knowledge and Skills Programme for Nuclear Graduates, which supports 150 graduates per year across the UK whose sponsors include Rolls Royce, Sellafield, the Office of Nuclear Regulation and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The programme equips graduates with the self-awareness, commercial insight and leadership capability required to operate effectively in complex nuclear environments, while giving sponsoring employers confidence that their early-career talent is future-ready.
Simone Robinson, Director of First Ascent, said the recognition reflected the importance of long-term investment in people as the UK seeks to address a growing nuclear skills gap.
“Being named a finalist alongside Energus is a real testament to what’s possible when employers and training providers work in true partnership,” she said.
“The nuclear sector faces a significant workforce challenge, and programmes like this show how structured, evidence-led development can help graduates build the confidence and capability to make a meaningful contribution from the outset.”
As training partner to Energus, Oakridge delivers behavioural development and knowledge and skills modules within the wider Nuclear Graduate Programme. The approach combines experiential learning with psychometric insight to strengthen communication, collaboration and leadership effectiveness among graduates working across diverse technical teams.
Lawrence Swain, a graduate of the programme who is sponsored by Rolls Royce, says: “It’s helped me communicate more effectively and work better toward successful outcomes.”
The UK Nuclear Skills Awards are regarded as a key date in the sector’s calendar, celebrating organisations and individuals shaping the future workforce behind the country’s clean-energy and national infrastructure ambitions. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 12 March 2026.
For Oakridge and the First Ascent Group, the shortlisting is seen as recognition not only of a successful collaboration but also of the wider role that education and development providers can play in preparing the skilled workforce needed for the UK’s long-term energy future.
Get in touch with the team at First Ascent to find out more about how their people development programmes can help your organisation - [email protected] or visit firstascentgroup.com
