Cogent: Nuclear Bursary programme offers awards up to £4,000

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is rolling out a third round of their Bursary award scheme.

The scheme is aimed at quality individuals on programmes of study relevant to the decommissioning sub sector of the nuclear industry and includes Foundation Degrees, Honours Degrees, Masters Degrees. 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, 49 students across the UK successfully secured between £500-£4,000 bursary funding for their courses.

Andrew Doyle was successful in his application and is currently studying a Foundation Degree, at Lakes College.

“Foremost the bursary is a massive help in securing my place on the 2nd year of my University programme. As a mature student living alone the financial demands upon me are great. I am solely responsible for my rent and other household bills, which are steadily increasing. The bursary is a massive help in ensuring my rent is paid and that I am able to attend college every week by putting petrol in my car.

“The bursary will also help me purchase course equipment such as printer ink, stationary and computer equipment to help me complete my course to the standards required. I can not stress enough how the National Skills Academy for Nuclear, along with the NDA and Serco are helping me by providing me with this bursary. The bursary means I can worry less about the financial implications I have previously had being a student.”

Mark Hoare was another successful applicant. Mark is currently studying for a Degree at Buckinghamshire University;

“The Bursary is helping to purchase course books when needed and various stationery supplies. There may also be opportunities to travel abroad with the university and visit places of interest related to the course. The money has been put into a separate account and is only used for helping with my degree expenses. The bursary award has had more than monetary effects, I am very proud to have been awarded the bursary, and I hope that other ‘late comers’ to education, like myself, will be encouraged to pursue a career in the Nuclear industry.”

The value of the award is determined by the strength and relevance of the applicant in fulfilling the aims of the programme. The awards given are in the region of £1000 – £4,000, and are dependant on effectively fulfilling the application criteria.

Applications will be accepted from individuals, or on behalf of individuals from employers and/or 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/bursary-award-2009-apply-now

All forms are to be received by the Skills Academy no later than 5pm on the 14 August 2009. Applications are welcome from both new students’ and students’ part way through their course.

Jean Llewellyn Chief Executive of the National Skills Academy Nuclear said:

“I am very pleased to be able to offer a third 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’s 2009 grant of £50,000 will enable a significant number of awards to be made. It is crucial to our mission that we encourage and develop the right people and skills to meet the future needs of our industry. The nuclear decommissioning sector holds exciting challenges and rewarding opportunities. Schemes like this will play an important role in supporting individuals in their learning and development as well as attracting well qualified and high quality new recruits to the industry.”