Powering the Future: New Report Maps Skills for the SMR Workforce of 2050
This Workforce Foresighting report, provides a deep-dive into the future of skills and capabilities needed to deliver Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2050. Sponsored by Rolls-Royce SMR and delivered by NucCol and MTC in collaboration with the Workforce Foresighting Hub (WFH), this report is a critical step in preparing the UK for a nuclear-powered future.
Why Workforce Foresighting Matters
Workforce foresighting is more than just planning—it’s about anticipating the future. As the UK targets 24GWe of nuclear capacity by 2050, including a major role for SMRs, we must ensure our people are ready. This report identifies the skills, roles, and training pathways needed to support the manufacture, construction, and digital optimisation of SMRs—laying the groundwork for a resilient, future-ready workforce.
“This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about skills alignment,” says Liz Gregory, Managing Director of NucCol. “We’re proud to have led a collaborative process that will make a real difference to the SMR programme and the wider nuclear sector.”
Key Findings
- 145 Future Capabilities identified, leading to 22 Future Occupational Profiles (FOPs) across 6 supply chain partners.
- Gaps in all current Skills England IfATE Apprenticeships—highlighting the urgent need for curriculum innovation.
- Strong demand for Level 7 education in design and implementation, with universal training needs in Nuclear Health, Safety, and Environment.
- A growing emphasis on construction skills and digital integration—from site prep to modular delivery.
- SMR development offers a blueprint for other modular industries to follow.
What’s Next?
The report outlines a clear roadmap for action:
- Validate and prioritise key occupational profiles with the Nuclear Skills Development Group (NSDG).
- Focus on high-impact roles like Cyber Operational Defence Specialist, Robotics Engineer, and Project Engineer.
- Develop and adapt training courses—short, medium, and long-term.
- Align with the Nuclear Workforce Assessment 2024 to forecast demand.
- Engage stakeholders across industry, education, and government to drive curriculum development and pilot programmes.
A Call to Action
This report is a call to arms for educators, employers, and policymakers. With up to 40,000 new workers needed in the next five years, the time to act is now. By aligning qualifications with future roles, we can ensure the UK’s nuclear workforce is ready to lead the global SMR revolution.
Download the full report and join us in shaping the future of nuclear skills.
Related programme
Workforce Foresighting
How do we build a skilled workforce for tomorrow’s industries? The Workforce Foresighting Hub has developed a structured process, aligned with national policy, to help deliver a workforce to exploit innovative technologies in the UK. We’re supporting industry, policymakers and educators to adapt to continuing change.