Secretary Greg Clark meets apprentices at Sheffield’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre (AMRC)

Yesterday (25 Oct), Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark was in Sheffield meeting apprentices and staff and seeing cutting-edge innovative technology at Sheffield’s Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre (AMRC).

The Nuclear AMRC is part of a network of world-leading research and innovation centres working with advanced manufacturing companies around the globe, transforming industrial and economic performance by making step changes in productivity, increasing competitiveness, developing new products and processes and training new talent and skills.

To date, the Nuclear AMRC’s supply chain development programmes have helped UK manufacturers secure over £1.4 billion of new contracts, and created or sustained over 7,500 jobs across the UK. As noted in the nuclear sector deal, an expanded national programme could create or sustain up to 12,500 jobs and up to £2 billion domestic and international contract wins by 2030.

Mr Clark met some of the 1,300 local young people, all employed by local manufacturers, who have now started advanced apprenticeships at the AMRC Training Centre- a new generation of talented engineers and innovators.

The University of Sheffield-owned facility was part-funded by government when it was set up, and is now self- financing, helping to make the UK a world leader in seizing the opportunities of moving to a greener, cleaner economy – a key part of our modern Industrial Strategy.

During a tour of the Nuclear AMRC workshop, Mr Clark saw a range of advanced machining, joining and robotic technologies which can significantly increase productivity in the manufacture of a new generation of small and advanced modular reactors.

He met some of the Centre’s young engineers and industrial partners and learned more about the centre’s work to improve the competitiveness of the UK supply chain, including proposals to expand and develop the established Fit For Nuclear (F4N) programme as part of the sector deal.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said:

“This cutting-edge facility in Sheffield is pioneering innovative nuclear technology of the future, as the UK continues to seize the opportunities of moving to a greener, cleaner economy through our modern Industrial Strategy.

“The development of small modular reactors as part of our landmark £200 million Nuclear Sector Deal could unlock more jobs and more local growth.”

Andrew Storer, chief executive officer of the Nuclear AMRC, said:

“I was delighted to show the Secretary of State some of our world-leading capabilities for industry-led research and development, which are part of the key to achieving the ambitious targets of winning work in the UK and overseas in the nuclear sector deal. 

“Diversity is a really important and provides confidence that we are developing scientists and manufacturers for the future. I was really pleased to introduce our apprentices and allow them to explain what they aspire to become.”