By David Siddall

Last updated 16:08, Wednesday, 03 September 2008

ON the eve of a further commitment from Gordon Brown that the UK was to press ahead with nuclear new build, a Parliamentary committee came to see how the area is implementing extra training to meet a potential nuclear future.

FACT-FINDING VISIT: (from left) Phil Willis MP, pro-vice chancellor Graeme Baldwin, Roberta Blackman-Woods MP and vice chancellor Malcolm McVicar

The Parliamentary Select Committee for Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills visited UCLan’s Westlakes Research Institute on Tuesday to learn more about UCLan’s work in the nuclear industry and discuss methods of supporting the development of future skills.

The important visit was by the chairman, Phil Willis MP, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods MP, the Committee Specialist Chris Tyler and the new appointed Clerk to the Committee Sarah Davies.

The Select Committee met with vice chancellor Malcolm McVicar and pro-vice chancellor Graham Baldwin.

Mr Willis said the committee was on a fact-finding visit, also taking in Sellafield. He said they wanted to see details of the foundation degree courses run by UCLan in partnership with Gen2 and Lakes College.

Mr Baldwin said: “The Select Committee has developed a keen interest in UCLan’s work and its continued investment in Westlakes Research Institute.

“We’re aiming to build on yesterday’s visit as we develop a close working relationship with the Committee and continue to push UCLan and its partners to the fore of the Nuclear industry.”

This year has seen the number of apprenticeships initiated by Sellafield Ltd rise to 70. These are trained in their first year by GenII before completing the remaining 2.5 years at Sellafield.