A new academy has been launched to "transform" the way people are trained to deliver projects at Sellafield.

The new Project Academy for Sellafield will provide specialist education, training and professional qualifications required on site. 

The academy has been created by Sellafield Ltd and will be delivered by the University of Cumbria, which has won the multi­-million pound contract to develop and provide a range of higher education programmes, ranging from diplomas and degrees to masters and doctorates. The first employees will start with the academy in September.

Steve Livingstone, the newly appointed projects director for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Over the next few decades we need to build new facilities to bring the old ones down and this requires a range of specialist skills. 

“Sellafield Ltd has always provided pathways to education and training, but this academy is going to transform the way people train in many of the professions related to projects, while also allowing them to do this on their doorstep. 

Professor Peter Strike, vice-chancellor of the University of Cumbria, added: “This chance to develop our partnership with Sellafield and support their investment in their workforce is fantastic. 

“The Project Academy provides an outstanding opportunity to share our expertise and to develop effective and successful collaborations with other institutions and business. It will be supported by the University of Manchester, one of the most prestigious ‘project’ education providers in the world and the first academic establishment to introduce higher education associated with project management."