Published at 15:52, Wednesday, 23 April 2008

WEST Cumbria’s new £20m nuclear training academy has a new name – Energus.

The name change is an attempt to encompass a broader remit for the centre, away from just developing nuclear skills to all types of energy production, including renewables.

It will reflect a broader portfolio of skills and training packages whilst embracing the development of a business support centre for emerging businesses who want to take advantage of the Energy Coast initiative.

It is hoped that, as a result, Energus will form a key plank in the Energy Coast plan for West Cumbria, which the government hopes will see the area become a world leader in power production.

Energus, which will be developed at Lillyhall, Workington, is due for completion in February next year with the first intake of students due later that year.

The academy will employ between 100 and 150 staff and will offer courses to schoolchildren, school-leavers and adults.

It will be run by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) as the north west flagship of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN).

Dr Ian Hudson, chair of Energus and head of engineering and technology at the NDA, said: “We want Energus to become a beacon of excellence within the Energy Coast initiative.

“Delivering a portfolio of training for the NSAN will be at the core of what we provide but we also want to maximise the expertise we will develop into a broader energy skills package.

“Training and educating young people, reskilling the existing workforce and helping local business grow and prosper are all key objectives.

“We want to become an integral part of the West Cumbrian economy and community, a world class centre of excellence and a facility of which the area can be justifiably proud.”

Energus has made significant progress since the project was launched in March last year; the site on Lillyhall Business park is now ready for the construction of the building to begin.

A new partnership with the University of Cumbria is being developed so that Energus can play a major role in delivering engineering and construction related courses as part of the University’s West Cumbria campus.

Andrew King, chief executive of Energus, said: “Energus is a project and a brand that will enhance the area, enrich the learning experience and encourage business to maximise the advantages of the Energy Coast.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk