The scheme was initially conceived by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority as a Scottish counterpart to a nuclear skills academy established in Cumbria and outline planning consent is being sought for the extension to the rear of the Ormlie Road campus.

As well as providing skilled workers to complete the decommissioning of Dounreay, the NDA believes the new centre can also support new incoming industries, notable among them, marine renewable energy. The complex will contain a hi-tech computer area for students, a large, open-plan area for hands-on engineering work, and a new fabrication workshop.

Assistant principal Marcus Mennie (right) said the centre will enable the college to deliver a new type of training more closely suited to the needs of employers. He added it would also improve facilities for local high school pupils and lead to improved links with other further education establishments such as the Orkney College.

 “The primary focus will be on our established apprentice training to provide the skills needed for the decommissioning of Dounreay. But we’ll also be looking beyond that and try to ensure the skills are transferable. We’ll be offering our training facilities to any company planning to relocate to Caithness.”

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