Work on the new £15million National College for Nuclear, at Lillyhall, started this week.

Set to open next September, the college will become one of two centres, the second will be built at Bridgewater in Somerset.

The Northern Hub, built at the Lakes College site, will feature virtual reality suites allowing learners to experience nuclear installations in a virtual environment, science and radiation laboratories and specialised design and modelling suites.

To mark the occasion, the first sod for the nuclear college was cut at a ground breaking ceremony at the site on Monday.

The region's industry chiefs turned up to witness the event along with students who will use the college once it is built.

The National College for Nuclear will train the next generation of nuclear workers in a range of specialised careers, and aims to train over 7,000 learners across both facilities by 2020.

Some of those will be taking longer courses and some will be taking part in specialist one-day training opportunities.

Chris Nattress, principal of Lakes College, said: "National College for Nuclear is bringing together partnering on a national scale that has never been done before - all working collaboratively. For us at Lakes College, it is fantastic to be part of.

"For the region's students, it means training for local jobs at a facility on their doorstep. But it also means being part of opportunities at a national level."

Led by Sellafield Ltd and EDF Energy, in partnership with Lakes College and the University of Cumbria, the training facilities will include a realtor simulator and engineering workshops.

Mr Reed added: "This initiative is bridging the gap from apprenticeships to further education and the first students will be using the facility by September next year."

Ken McEwan, head of training at Sellafield, said: "There are skills gaps in the industry that need to be filled for future ventures at the likes of Moorside and BAE.

"We want young people in Cumbria to fill those gaps for the prospects of the future local and national economy."

One of the key features will be the latest virtual reality technology, allowing technicians to learn about the complexities of nuclear decommissioning away from the Sellafield site.