New Cogent Apprenticeship Pathway in Radiation Protection

Cogent Sector Skills Council is pleased to announce a new addition to its portfolio of Apprenticeships Frameworks for the nuclear sector – a new Radiation Protection Pathway.

This new pathway will provide the missing link in the Apprenticeship in Specialised Process Operations (Nuclear Options).

The Apprenticeship Framework in Specialised Nuclear Operations will now give people entering the nuclear industry three apprenticeship routes:

1.Nuclear Processing

2.Nuclear Decommissioning

3.Radiation Protection

This is the first Cogent Apprenticeship Framework to include one of the new qualifications designed for the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF). Over 2010 all Cogent Apprenticeships/Advanced Apprenticeship will include new QCF qualifications replacing the existing NVQ qualifications.

Ian Lockhart, Cogent Apprenticeships Manager, said: “Developed by Cogent for the Nuclear Industry the new Radiation Protection Pathway contains a new QCF qualification – Diploma in Radiation Protection – produced by Cogent in partnership with PAAVQ-SET Awarding Organisation. It will provide the nuclear industry with a clear training framework for Radiation Protection staff.”

Roland Fletcher, National Skills Academy for Nuclear Apprenticeship Manager said: “This is excellent news. The approval of this Radiation Pathway provides our industry with a newly funded route to encourage new employees into the industry, and for the individuals to be trained and qualified to a consistent standard. I’m really looking forward to this becoming available through the Skills Academy’s Quality Assured Providers.”

About Cogent

Cogent is the sector skills council for the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. It is the voice of employers in these sectors and is working with them to design qualifications; attract young people into the Sector and understand their need through comprehensive research. Cogent currently represents the interests of more than 20,000 businesses employing around 900,000 people. Since its creation it has been building on existing partnerships at regional and national level to drive forward the skills agenda in its science-using footprint.

For more on what we offer go to: www.cogent-ssc.com

For press enquiries contact:

Judith Holcroft on: 07818 408554; 01925 515 215

judith.holcroft@cogent-ssc.com:

Or Mervin Dadd on: 07717 486102; 01925 515 233:

mervin.dadd@cogent.ssc.com

About the National Skills Academy for Nuclear

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear has been established to create, develop and promote world class skills and career pathways to support a sustainable future for the UK Nuclear Industry. The Skills Academy puts employers at the forefront of skills development, by providing a means for hands-on involvement in the design and delivery of learning, so that training is tailored to the specific needs of the nuclear sector. Launched in January 2008 the Skills Academy is working with employers and quality assured training providers to address the current and future skills challenges facing the nuclear industry.

For more information please go to www.nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk

Mary Kinsella, Communications Manager; 01925 607044

m.kinsella@nuclear.nsacademy.co.uk