UK SMR workforce report charts skills for a net zero future
Civil Nuclear
A new collaborative report from the Workforce Foresighting Hub, NucCol, and MTC sets out a bold vision for the future of the UK’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) workforce. Titled Powering the Future: Mapping Skills for the SMR Workforce of 2050, the report outlines the critical roles, training pathways, and strategic foresight needed to build a resilient and future-ready nuclear workforce.
This publication arrives at a crucial time for the UK’s energy strategy. In February 2025, the government announced major reforms to national planning policy, formally including SMRs for the first time. These changes aim to cut red tape, accelerate deployment, and unlock investment—creating thousands of skilled jobs and positioning the UK as a global leader in clean, affordable nuclear energy. The topic was strongly echoed by industry leaders during the recent National Nuclear Manufacturing Conference at MTC Coventry.
As the sector prepares for rapid growth, this report provides a timely and essential roadmap for developing the talent pipeline needed to deliver on the UK’s net zero ambitions. It draws on expert insights and cross-sector collaboration to identify the skills gaps and opportunities that will shape the next generation of SMR professionals.
This report is a vital step in preparing the UK’s workforce for the future of clean energy. By mapping the skills needed for the SMR sector, we’re not only supporting innovation but also ensuring we have the talent in place to deliver on our net zero ambitions. Foresighting of this kind will also help industry anticipate and plan for the workforce needed to deliver SMR programmes well beyond 2050.
Andrew Bowfield - Senior Business Development Manager – MTC
Whether you're a policymaker, educator, or industry leader, this report is essential reading for anyone invested in the future of clean energy and workforce transformation. You can download the full report here: Powering the Future: New Report Maps Skills for the SMR Workforce of 2050 - Innovate UK Business Connect