A Fen firm has become a member of a national skills academy.

Stainless Metalcraft, part of Avingtrans energy and medical division, has become a member of the National Skills Academy Nuclear Manufacturing.

The Chatteris-based business, which is home to the Fenland Engineering Skills Centre – designs, manufactures and installs components for a variety of high performance industries including the oil & gas, nuclear, medical and big science sectors.

Dawn Vinall, business development manager at National Skills Academy Nuclear Manufacturing, said: “It’s estimated that the building of new nuclear plants will require an average of 10,000 more workers each year until 2025, of which an estimated 1,000 additional workers per year will be required in the manufacturing supply chain.

“As home to the Fenland Engineering Skills Centre, Stainless Metalcraft already enjoys an excellent reputation for investing in the training and skills of its people and I’m confident we can help the business develop the specific skills it needs to maximise growth opportunities in the nuclear manufacturing sector.”

Austen Adams, managing director of Avingtrans’ energy and medical division, said: “Investing in the skills of our workforce is a key part of our business strategy.

“The nuclear power sector is undergoing something of a renaissance in the UK and joining the National Skills Academy.

“Nuclear Manufacturing will help ensure our people have the skills and expertise we require to make the most of opportunities throughout the nuclear supply chain.”

Currently taking part in the Government’s civil nuclear sharing in growth programme, Stainless Metalcraft fabricates pressure vessels, tanks and heat exchangers for nuclear reprocessing and new reactor builds as well as developing intermediate level waste boxes, containers and drums for the nuclear decommissioning sector.

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear Manufacturing provides support for businesses looking to develop workforce skills as well as providing a non competitive forum for companies to work together.