The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) have announced a 20-year partnership to advance fusion energy training and skill development.
This long-term initiative aims to deliver a pipeline of highly skilled workers who will be instrumental in building and operating the UK’s prototype fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire.
By creating new pathways for apprenticeships, vocational programmes, and advanced qualifications, the partnership will support the ambitious Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project – a bold step toward making fusion energy a commercial reality.
Commenting on the landmark fusion energy training initiative, UKAEA’s Head of Fusion Skills and FOSTER Programme Director, Nick Walkden, said: “I am delighted to announce EMCCA as our partner in this exciting new training collaboration, which will be delivered out of our planned West Burton Training Facility.
“People are the most important element of any programme or project. We have listened and learned from other major research, engineering, and infrastructure projects and believe that an early and focused attention to local skills and workforce growth will be a critical enabler to success.”
Why advancing UK fusion energy capabilities is essential
Fusion energy has long been regarded as the holy grail of clean energy, promising near-limitless, low-carbon power with minimal environmental impact.
The UK, backed by a £2.5bn government investment, is positioning itself as a global leader in this emerging field.
Expanding domestic fusion energy training is critical to securing that leadership. Not only will it ensure the UK has the talent needed to deliver on ambitious projects like STEP, but it will also support a growing export market for British fusion technologies.
As the global fusion economy is projected to be worth trillions, investing in skills now is a strategic economic and energy security move.
Empowering the East Midlands with clean energy careers
As the STEP programme advances, it is expected to catalyse a regional transformation. A recent economic impact study predicts the West Burton site will host around 6,500 full-time jobs once fully operational, accounting for a staggering 12.5% of all current workplace jobs in Bassetlaw.
The scale and complexity of STEP require a skilled workforce. Estimates suggest nearly half of the construction roles on-site will require Level 3+ qualifications, while around 75% of operational roles will demand Level 4+ qualifications.
This demand presents a significant opportunity for the region’s education providers to become leaders in fusion energy training.
Paul Methven, CEO, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner of STEP, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Delivering STEP, and commercial fusion beyond that, will require a strong skills pipeline, not only in STEM subjects, but in every aspect of running a complex business.
“It is fantastic to see that UKAEA is leading on putting this essential enabler in place now to ensure local people benefit directly from the programme, in addition to ensuring we have the skills needed to deliver STEP.”
Flexible training aligned with project milestones
Training courses developed through this new collaboration will be delivered across the EMCCA region, South Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire, leveraging a strong base of colleges, universities, and skills providers. The programme will adapt over time, reflecting the evolving needs of the STEP project.
Initial focus areas include engineering and project management skills to support plant design. In later phases, training will expand to encompass construction and operational disciplines vital for maintaining and scaling the plant.
By preparing the workforce now, the region can hit the ground running as construction and operations at the West Burton site ramp up.
Walkden added: “STEP is a programme with global impact and, as with the successive governments who have recognised fusion’s potential to have a significant and positive impact on the nation’s economy, we are equally committed to leaving a lasting local legacy.
“The training provided will equip people across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire with the skills needed for the prototype fusion powerplant at West Burton as well as long-term career opportunities in fusion and beyond.”
A catalyst for regional growth and global impact
The collaboration between UKAEA and EMCCA represents a catalyst for inclusive growth, green innovation, and long-term job creation in the East Midlands and beyond.
By fostering homegrown talent and building robust training pathways, the UK is laying the foundation for a cleaner, more secure energy future powered by fusion.
With the right investment in skills and infrastructure, the UK could become the global benchmark for fusion development, and it all begins with fusion energy training today.
