The University of Cumbria has picked up one of the top awards at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s annual supply chain event for its work to bolster skills.

The University received the ‘Capability and Capacity Award’ at the NDA’s supply chain excellence awards, which took place yesterday (Thursday) at EventCity, Manchester, for its Project Academy for Sellafield Ltd project.

The academy delivers training and professional qualifications in project management for the nuclear sector. Since its launch in 2016 it has helped train more than 600 students and created eight supply chain jobs.

The project was recognised for its role in building the capacity to deliver projects needed to decommission the site in West Cumbria and bring about significant cost savings for Sellafield Ltd. It has also helped to support other sectors including health, construction, third sector and education.

Jaq Longrigg, the University of Cumbria’s industrial partnerships and contract lead (nuclear) said: "It is a fantastic recognition of the hard work across the university in developing and delivering our broad project management portfolio including the development of new academic and training solutions and qualifications.

“We’re now planning to build on this work and expand the academy to ensure we continue to ensure we’re offering relevant, timely training in a sector that’s vital to Cumbria’s economy.”

There were a number of winners and highly commended finalists from Cumbria or linked to work at the Sellafield site.

Scores of supply companies, spanning all sizes, entered four categories covering skills and capacity development, technology innovation implementation, collaboration and exports

Carillion, Kier, Morgan Sindall, G & AM Lawson, Wood, Balfour Beatty, Costain, M&W Group received an award for collaboration for developing standardise guidance, training and mentoring across Sellafield’s Projects Delivery Directorate. Since March the project has helped train 1,000 people from 36 companies, with an accumulative pass rate of 99%.

James Fisher Nuclear Ltd, WYG, Sellafield Ltd were highly commended for their work in reducing the cost of carrying out inspections of high risk buildings at the site.

Nuvia Ltd was recognised for technology innovation for its work to dismantle a high-risk separation area at the Sellafield site

Oxford Technologies Ltd – which is involved in the clean-up of Sellafield’s First Generation Magnox Storage Pond – won the export award for helping to remove fuel debris from the Fukushima Daiichi site in Japan. BICO Ltd won the headline Minister’s Award, which recognises value, flexibility and innovation.

Ron Gorham, the NDA’s Head of Supply Chain optimisation and SME Champion, who chaired the judging panel, said: “Our suppliers play a critical role in delivering timely, cost-effective decommissioning across our sites, and we are delighted to acknowledge their vital contribution.

“The standard of entries this year was again extremely high, and the judges and I were particularly pleased with the dedication, creativity and determination shown from companies large and small.

These awards celebrate the commitment of our supply chain and the value they bring on a daily basis, and highlight that the UK industry is uniquely positioned to continue to be successful, not just at home but also abroad.”