U.K. Office of Nuclear Regulation aims to attract youths into industry

The U.K.'s Office of Nuclear Regulation (ONR), based in Bootle, England, said late last week that its ambassadors have been visiting local schools to promote science, technology, engineering and math, the so-called STEM subjects.

The ONR has launched a nuclear program that trains individuals to act as STEM ambassadors, part of a larger effort to attract scientists, engineers, finance experts and managers to the U.K.’s nuclear industry and to draw more interest overall into different scientific fields.

“An important part of (ambassadors') role is to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation through a corporate social responsibility program that sits at the heart of the (program), ONR CEO Adriènne Kelbie said. "This work reinforces a national drive to encourage participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while helping build the skills and competencies needed in the U.K.’s nuclear sector.”

ONR said activities have been held for those in their early teens at Maricourt Catholic High School in Maghull, England. There is also a six-week-long after-school program for year seven and eight students at Hillside High School in Bootle.

“It’s a great way to engage the next generation of scientists and engineers, and to allow them to find out more about a range of career paths that they might not have previously thought of," ONR STEM ambassador Rachel Curtis said.