National nuclear sponsorship scheme opens for 2025 student applications

The Government, in partnership with the civil and defence industry, is making significant long-term investments in nuclear skills, jobs and education to help the sector increase its workforce by a net 40,000 people by 2030, almost doubling its current size. The Nuclear Skills Plan, launched in May 2024, sets out how this will be achieved to support the UK’s priorities for national security, energy resilience and clean energy.

The scheme is administered by Cogent Skills – the UK’s skills leader for science and technology – and is aimed at increasing social mobility among young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds and to provide opportunities to students who may not have considered university but wish to seek a career in Nuclear.

Cogent Skills’ Manager Director of Employment Services, Nick Durrington, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who are excited about a career in nuclear to pursue a degree without incurring the cost of tuition, while also gaining important help with their living costs and crucial experience in real nuclear employers.

“The nuclear sector is one of the most technologically advanced in the UK and is at the forefront of protecting our energy and national security, not to mention its crucial role in tackling the climate crisis.

To be eligible, students must:

• be a UK, Commonwealth or EEA National with the right to live and work in the UK
• be able to begin university study in a STEM subject in September 2025
• be able to commit to completing a three-year undergraduate degree and subsequent employment

Cogent Skills will be hosting a series of webinars to answer questions on the scheme from education providers and students, further information can be found online

Applications for the coming academic year close on 31^st March – for more information, visit Cogent Skills website here