Eight students have joined cohort three of the Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme, beginning their university studies in September 2026 with sponsorship from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Rolls-Royce Submarines.
Since the scheme launched in 2024, 57 students have joined the programme. Cogent Skills Employment Services, a delivery partner of the Nuclear Skills Plan, manages the scheme end to end, covering targeted marketing and student attraction campaigns to reach individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds, recruitment, placement coordination and ongoing student support.
The latest cohort brings together students from a range of backgrounds and locations, studying subjects including Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Chemistry at universities such as Warwick, Birmingham, Liverpool and Nottingham.
Already taking part in the scheme, Hayat Nur is completing a degree in Biochemistry. She said:
“The scheme has given me a fresh start and opened doors for me that I never knew existed. Being able to focus on my studies without worrying about the financial side of higher education has made a huge difference. I'm completing a fully funded degree in Biochemistry, remaining debt-free, and the additional bursary provides further support.”
James Willcocks, Project Lead, Nuclear Skills Plan said:
"It’s fantastic to see another cohort begin their journey through the Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme. The Nuclear Skills Plan is proud to work with industry and delivery partners to help make the scheme possible, creating opportunities for talented students to develop their skills and take their first steps towards rewarding careers in the nuclear sector. We wish the new cohort every success as they begin their studies."
And reflecting on the programme's continued growth, Chloe Barrow, Nuclear Careers Programme Manager said:
“It’s really exciting to see the programme continue to grow and to welcome the latest cohort of students on board. There is a huge amount of talent and enthusiasm coming into the nuclear sector, and it’s great to play a part in this by using insights from previous cohorts to support this next group throughout their journey.”
The latest cohort marks the next step in helping develop a diverse pipeline of future talent for the nuclear sector.
