Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has announced a substantial investment in the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC), solidifying an almost decade-long partnership and enriching the educational landscape in Cumbria. The funding will support the development of civil and electrical engineering facilities and create opportunities for 30 apprentices annually in support of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s commitment to enhance the wider nuclear skills landscape in the region.
In addition, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure will continue with its current pledge to fund school uniforms, enabling all pupils to go to school with the same school uniform for a further five years.
The Energy Coast UTC provides technically focused education for 14-19 year old students
As well as the financial investment, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has pledged to continue the vital work to enrich the careers education of students at the UTC, running work experience programmes, employer engagement projects, assisting with apprenticeship applications and supporting the development of the T-Level Curriculum. The team will also work closely with the UTC staff to mentor and upskill them with the latest industry developments.
The announcement was made by Eldon Garnett, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s Nuclear business unit, at a joint celebratory event with the Energy Coast UTC that took place on 21 November. This event brought together key stakeholders, partners, current and past students, many who are now apprentices, highlighting the partnership's shared mission of building a brighter future for young people in Cumbria.
"Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has a rich history of contributing to Cumbria's infrastructure development and we believe in enhancing the communities in which we work."
Eldon said: "We are proud to strengthen our commitment to the Energy Coast UTC through this significant investment. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has a rich history of contributing to Cumbria's infrastructure development and we believe in enhancing the communities in which we work. Our work at Sellafield, for over a decade, has been instrumental in transforming project delivery at one of the world's most complex nuclear sites and our social impact in the Cumbrian community is evident through various programmes, such as Open Opportunities with the Pupil Referral Unit, Creating Careers in Cumbria, Future Pathways, All Together Cumbria, and an active Corporate Volunteering initiative, just to name a few.”
Eldon Garnett presenting at an event in the West Cumbria region
The Energy Coast UTC Head of School, Kerryann Wilson, expressed their gratitude, saying: "We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Morgan Sindall Infrastructure. Their ongoing support and this generous investment will enable us to continue to provide a world-class education which will enhance the opportunities available to students following on from their studies at the Energy Coast UTC Sixth Form such as apprenticeship opportunities, further enriching the prospects of our students.
“Our continued partnership will ensure there is a ‘Golden Thread’ from education into employment and is something that will be hugely beneficial to our students and future employers. We have already been able to guide a number of apprentices toward fulfilling careers within Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and the broader nuclear sector as a result our partnership to date, significantly altering their career trajectories. We look forward to our partnership evolving in response to the local skills gap on the West Coast of Cumbria and the needs of the local community."