How can I Access this Support?
If you’re a member looking to collaborate with NSAN, please contact your Relationship Manager for more information.
If you are not a member, please click here to contact us.
Nurturing Nuclear Innovation, Skills &
Social Value in North West Wales
NSAN is collaborating with Cwmni Egino, an exciting member aspiring to progress new nuclear proposals to create social value and employment opportunities in North West Wales.
Cwmni Egino (Egino means ‘germinate’ in Welsh) was established by the Welsh Government in 2021 as a standalone company. It is developing a business proposition for the Trawsfynydd site in Snowdonia, home to a previous nuclear power plant that is in its decommissioning phase.
Cwmni Egino’s goal is for the Trawsfynydd site to be selected as one of the two small modular reactor (SMR) sites approved in the next UK Parliament. If it goes ahead, this will be potentially the largest inward investment in Wales for decades.
Elliw Williams, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications says:
“We’re a new company, which has allowed us to take a fresh and innovative take on this, and we are keen to learn from what others have done before us.”
“The skills landscape can be confusing. When we first met Alli Hunt (NSAN’s Client Relationship Manager) she was able to talk us through it clearly and to understand the various players and components.”
Skills and skills development will be integral to the project, and Elliw will shortly be completing the GAIN training programme to develop her understanding of the nuclear sector.
In what ways does NSAN add value to your business?
The collaboration is at an early stage, but Elliw’s experience with NSAN has been positive.
“It’s working really well… so far it has been primarily about relationship building. Alli Hunt is always available and proactive at sharing information. She has already sent information through the network and promoted job opportunities on our behalf. It’s been really good. As well as connections, we are also keen to explore how we could have strategic influence through NSAN’s links with the NSSG.”
Skills and social value
The connection with NSAN was seen as a natural one, given their expertise in skills for the current and future nuclear workforce.
“There needs to be a linkage between what we’re doing and skills. I imagine that in future as well as highly skilled workers, engineers and so on, we’ll also need softer skills and people who can work across a range of disciplines.”
Cwmni Egino is working closely with the local community to ensure that their needs and aspirations are understood, then fostered through the intended build and operation of the new reactor.
Elliw says:
“We have an important role to play in promoting and celebrating the area. Social value is really important – this begins by understanding local needs, and making sure our approach is designed in from the very start to maximise potential benefits.”
That work has already begun in schools located in this area of rich industrial heritage. Cwmni Egino
are working with regional partners to engage the local community, and outreach programmes for
young people who may become the workforce of the future, about not only nuclear, but low carbon
and STEM opportunities more generally (albeit with a nuclear emphasis).
“Low carbon projects, such as ours, offer a fantastic local and regional opportunity here in North Wales. As we develop plans for Trawsfynydd specifically, we also want to enthuse and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to consider future career paths locally within the energy sector. That way we can help address outward migration, retaining and attracting back talent with well-paid, year round jobs. That will help create more resilient and sustainable communities where the Welsh language and culture can thrive.”
What would you say to a potential NSAN member?
“I would encourage them to talk to NSAN in the first instance, they are about so much more than just discounted courses – although these are helpful too!”
Elliw believes that it would be useful for NSAN to extend their collaborations and strengthen alignment with other low carbon projects and networks, such as the Offshore Wind Alliance. Since the delivery of projects such as Trawsfynydd will rely heavily on the supply chain, Elliw also suggests that NSAN could play an important role in increasing engagement with supply chain companies around future skills and capabilities.
“NSAN could align themselves with other networks, like the Wales Nuclear Forum, North West Nuclear Arc and the Northern Nuclear Alliance, as well as other sector forums, to promote a more holistic approach to skills development.”
Tools available to members
Capability Model for the UK Nuclear Industry
This document has been developed to clearly articulate to Senior Representatives within the nuclear sector (Operators and Supply Chain) the various skills development tools and techniques (Capability Model) available for implementation by member organisations of NSAN and Cogent Skills.
Maturity Assessment Guide
To assist NSAN members with the implementation of the products within the Capability Model, a self –assessment ‘Maturity Assessment Tool’ has been developed for members to use to assess their progress against the Capability Model.
Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) Guide
To help organisations and individuals identify the appropriate products and services that meet their business needs, NSAN developed the ‘Capability Model for the UK Nuclear Industry – Good practice approach to training, accreditation and nuclear professionalism’.
Our members
Benefits of Membership
Relationship
Dedicated support from a Relationship Manager – you will benefit from face-to-face meetings and have a direct contact for any queries in between meetings. If you need support on anything skills-related, your Relationship Manager will be ready to help.
Networking
Join leading industry groups and attend our events for opportunities to network with other key figures in the industry.
Have your Say
Get involved in developing solutions to specific skills issues. NSAN also provides an operational voice into government on how the changes to the skills landscape are affecting companies.
Save Money
NSAN products and services are offered at a reduced price to members.