Skills Needs for NDT Adoption in Nuclear Submarine Maintenance
A new report from the Workforce Foresighting Hub, sponsored by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and delivered by the MTC through the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, outlines the future skills and capabilities required to implement Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) analysis systems in the maintenance of in-service nuclear submarines.
The study focuses on reducing the Deep Maintenance Period (DMP) at Devonport Dockyard. By adopting advanced NDT technologies, the Royal Navy and its industrial partners aim to enhance predictive maintenance and condition monitoring, but this shift demands significant workforce transformation.
Key findings
The foresighting cycle identified 120 capabilities, with some good alignment with existing Skills England Occupational Standards. However, these came from a wide range of standards therefore when developing course material for these capabilities employers and educators should also reference other industry related technology roadmaps such as the NDE 4.0 Roadmap developed by the British Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) to identify common areas of priority and opportunities to work in collaboration.
The most important five engineering related standards, matching 36% of cycle capabilities, and should be considered as important sources of current provision are:
- Non-destructive testing engineer (degree) Level 6
- Non-destructive testing engineering technician Level 3
- Electro-mechanical engineer Level 6
- Robotics engineer Level 6
- Advanced robotics engineer Level 7
However, gaps remain, particularly in emerging roles such as NDT Data Analyst and Condition Monitoring Engineer.
What’s next
The DNE is positioned to lead this initiative, ensuring validation, recognition, and driving early-stage delivery of new educational content.
Importantly, the report highlights a cross-sectoral trend: the growing integration of data science, machine learning, and AI in engineering roles. These technologies are expected to become essential in future skillsets, requiring deeper scientific understanding and live data application capabilities.
This foresighting cycle marks a critical step in preparing the UK’s defence workforce for technological transformation, ensuring long-term resilience and operational excellence in the nuclear deterrent sector.
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.