The developers of the £10 billion Moorside nuclear power station have teamed up with the Nuclear Institute to sponsor five local sixth form students as part of an engineering scholarship scheme. 

NuGen has sponsored the students on the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship which provides an opportunity for talented young people to be championed by industry. 

Its aim is to create a pool of top-quality engineers for the future. 

The Nuclear Institute has found industry firms to fund this year's cohort. 

Arkwright scholarships are designed to identify, inspire and nurture the brightest students entering sixth form with an aptitude for engineering, science and design. 

Its charitable trust receives 1,500 requests for scholarships across the UK every year. 

After a process including assessments and exams, only 350 of the best candidates are selected for the two-year programme. 

John McNamara, NuGen’s head of corporate communications, said the nuclear new-build company was delighted to be involved. 

“We are steadily building a company to develop and deliver a major engineering opportunity for the UK. The Moorside project will be a long-term commitment to Cumbria and the North West, and investing in the engineers of the future is very worthwhile. 

“We are delighted to be part of this great initiative, to support exceptional young people at a crucial stage in their development.”

The Arkwright Trust received significant interest from students wanting to work in the nuclear sector. 

The scheme will be managed by the Nuclear Institute with partners, including NuGen offering funding for a two-year period. 

Regional branches of the Nuclear Institute, along with members of the Young Generation Network, will help mentor the scholars. 

John Robertson, chair of the Nuclear Institute’s education and training committee, added: "The Nuclear Institute will mentor the scholars on behalf of sponsoring employers and will arrange various events throughout the two-year programme - including a Nuclear Engineering Summer School – to ensure the scholars fully appreciate the opportunities our industry has to offer. 

"We will also track the progress of the scholars through higher education and our measure of success will be when these exceptional young people go on to take up jobs in advanced engineering in the nuclear sector or, even better, within the sponsoring company."