For the sixth consecutive year, Year 2 nuclear apprentices from EDF and NRS have completed a four week technical training programme at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton. The initiative is delivered through a long standing and innovative partnership between EDF, the National College for Nuclear and Clean Energy, UCS College Group’s Cannington College, and the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
This immersive programme takes apprentices out of their usual nuclear environment and places them within a highly technical aviation setting. By working directly with high powered aircraft systems, apprentices gain valuable insight into complex engineering challenges. The experience enables them to explore what can go right, what can go wrong, and crucially how to diagnose and resolve issues in high consequence, real world scenarios.
Across the four weeks, apprentices develop advanced skills in maintenance, condition monitoring, problem solving, and engineering decision making. Their learning culminates in team presentations delivered to EDF managers and coordinators on the museum’s iconic stage beneath Concorde, an annual highlight attended by around 100 guests.
This long standing relationship was recently recognised with a Collaboration Award, celebrating the combined efforts of EDF, the National College for Nuclear and Clean Energy, and the Fleet Air Arm Museum in delivering a transformative and sector leading training experience.
This opportunity continues to demonstrate the power of real world, cross sector training. By placing apprentices in an environment where precision, safety, and engineering excellence are paramount, we give them the confidence and capability to take on the challenges our sector faces today and in the future.
Partnerships like this are vital to UCS College Group’s mission, ensuring employers are fully involved in shaping the skills, knowledge, and behaviours the industry needs. It’s a unique learning model that consistently brings out the very best in our apprentices.
Paul Goss
Assistant Principal of Clean Energy at Cannington College
It’s been great to see another year of collaboration between the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the college, and to work with another fantastic group of apprentices. When this project first began in 2020, we didn’t know that it would grow into the award winning initiative that it is today.
We look forward to growing and evolving this partnership into 2027 and beyond!
Elliott Bailey
Public Programming Manager at the Fleet Air Arum Museum
This enduring partnership continues to strengthen technical training opportunities across the sector, equipping apprentices with the confidence, competence, and real world perspective needed to thrive as the next generation of nuclear and engineering professionals.
For more information about UCS College Group and apprenticeship programmes, please visit ucscollegegroup.ac.uk or call Information and Advice on 01278 441234.