Staff and students at the National College for Nuclear (NCfN) Southern Hub based at Bridgwater & Taunton College’s Cannington campus, were excited to welcome Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, to tour the state-of-the-art facilities and introduce her to the innovative training environments at the College.

During her visit, the Conservative MP, met students studying on a variety of Nuclear related courses at the College, from Level 3 students, to degree students and apprentices. She was also given the opportunity to get up close to the realistic training environments onsite, including a reactor desk simulator, virtual reality suite and flow rig.

Ms Pow engaged with the students, gaining first-hand experience of the complexity of the industry, and quizzed them on the opportunities available to them, why they chose the route they have, and their plans for the future. The group unanimously agreed that studying at NCfN is giving them the best possible opportunities to succeed in their chosen field, with the very best training, industry experience and the guarantee of a secure job at the end of their course. Ms Pow discussed with them, her plans to increase enrichment within the county, contributing to people wanting to remain in the area.

Principal and Chief Executive of Bridgwater & Taunton College, Andy Berry, said,

It was a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the impact this wonderful facility has on the nuclear engineers of the future. Students here study an innovative curriculum specifically designed to ensure they are highly sought after when they graduate. We know that there will be high demand for the skills our students will gain, and they will have the potential to become an important part of the nuclear industry in the future.

On reflection of her visit, Rebecca Pow MP, added,

What this national college provides is phenomenal. Students are being attracted, not just from the local area, but from the length and breadth of the country. They are not only earning a salary whilst training but they will leave in the secure knowledge that they will get a good job and will be making an invaluable contribution to the economy. This college is an excellent role model and I am delighted that it is continuing to grow and expand in Taunton and Bridgwater.