iHub set to house Rolls-Royce Submarines' Nuclear Skills Academy

Rolls-Royce Submarines recently announced plans to open a new academy dedicated to nuclear training within the city. The academy forms part of their plans to boost nuclear capability in the UK and create a pipeline for nurturing talent.  

In partnership with the University of Derby, the site will create 200 new apprenticeships every year for at least the next 10 years. The academy is set to open in September 2022.

Subject to agreement with occupiers and funders, Derby City Council’s iHub – managed by Connect Derby – would become the home of the new academy, taking centre-stage at the manufacturing-focused innovation and technology site, Infinity Park. 

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“At Derby, we understand the importance of ensuring we have the next generation of graduates ready to meet the region’s skills needs, so to be playing a key role in the creation of a Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby is incredibly exciting.

“Through this collaboration with Rolls-Royce, Derby City Council, the National College for Nuclear and the NAMRC, we can further enhance Derby’s international reputation as a centre for industrial innovation and keep the city at the cutting edge of engineering and manufacturing, providing some of the most exciting and globally significant developments as we drive the recovery and future prosperity of our city and region.”

Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

“The creation of this Skills Academy is a really exciting opportunity for Derby. We have already firmly cemented our name as world leaders in innovation and technology, and with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) and University of Sheffield, the National College for Nuclear, and the University of Derby all supporting this project, we’re poised for success once more.

"It’s so important that we grow and nurture talent in Derby, and with 2,000 apprenticeships set to be created over the next 10 years, we’re delighted to be facilitating such a significant project through the use of our iHub.”

Steve Carlier, President – Submarines, Rolls-Royce, said:

“We are fortunate enough to have some of the smartest minds on the planet working for us and the iHub is the perfect place to nurture and develop the nuclear experts of tomorrow.

“Being born and bred in Derby, I am immensely proud that we are playing our part in further boosting the area’s reputation for engineering excellence. The UK is embarking on a nuclear renaissance and we are determined to make the East Midlands the home of nuclear expertise for decades to come.”

Led by the University of Derby, the new apprenticeships will be spread across four courses: Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, Business Degree Apprenticeship, Nuclear Engineering Technician Apprenticeship and Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.

For 60 years, Rolls-Royce has provided the power for all of the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines from its base in Raynesway, Derby. Their work ensures submariners have the power to protect the UK’s interests at home and further afield and the new Nuclear Skills Academy will maintain that capability long into the future.