About us
Skills that drive our sector forward
We are a not-for-profit charitable organisation with a family of commercially focused companies committed to supporting the skills, needs and ambitions across the UK science and technology sector.
We offer a diverse range of market-leading skills services via the Cogent Skills name, from process safety and competency solutions in high-hazard industries to end to end apprenticeship services for some of the world’s leading science companies.
SIAS offers a market leading independent end-point assessment service for apprenticeships, whilst NSAN is the go to place for skills for organisations in the nuclear sector.Â
Our expertise in employer led facilitation enables us to support two industry leading skills groups, Nuclear Skills Strategy Group (NSSG) and The Science Industry Partnership (SIP). Whilst our support for collaborative industry action on skills extends to initiatives such as the Petroleum Driver Passport Standards.
We are owned by the key Trade Associations from the science industries who actively support us in return for expertise and skills solutions that support the growth and development of skills in our sector.
Apprenticeships
Assessment (EPA)
Employer collaboration
Skills to better our world
Our values
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We are welcoming
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We speak out
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We are enterprising
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We care
Our purpose
- Through employer collaborations that promote better standards or approaches to training (including apprenticeships)
- Using evidence backed research to identify critical skills gaps or barriers to the take up of skills
- Lobbying policymakers for better, more relevant training and education policies
- Supporting businesses to implement training more effectively
- Developing careers information, guidance and ambassadorial support
Our Impact And Involvement
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF IMPACT
A SKILLS MANIFESTO
Our skills manifesto highlights the key challenges facing UK science and technology employers. Its insights are a product of direct engagement with industry and our extensive experience and understanding of the UK skills system. Our goal is to highlight some of the complexities of the skills landscape and propose practical employer supported recommendations for the future. Read More
National Occupational Standards (NOS) for hydrogen
The new technical standards are being developed in collaboration with employers in the industry, which is a critical step towards establishing a highly skilled and competent workforce, and underpins the nation's ambition to become a global leader in green technologies.
Inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals
SIP Ambasadors are passionate advocates of STEM careers, visiting schools and colleges to present the science based industries in a
positive light; dispelling myths and stereotypes. The network of SIP Ambassadors continues to grow and works in partnership with STEM Learning, a leading provider of education and careers support.
Optimising skills for our nuclear future
The Nuclear Skills Strategy Group brings together all areas of our nuclear industry to encourage and facilitate effective collaboration. Identifying, analysing and addressing the key issues and risks affecting the supply of skills.
Working together to prevent scarcity of skills in the future, ensuring that the UK has the right capabilities, at the right place at the right time, and maximising the opportunities associated with quality, green jobs.
Employer led, the NSSG provides ‘one voice’ to Government on skills in our sector and represents industry coming together to resolve the most critical skills issues.
