Oakridge Centre (part of First Ascent Group) Named National Finalist at UK Nuclear Skills Awards

Oakridge has been nominated alongside delivery partner Energus in the Best Employer and Training Provider Partnership category — recognition of a collaboration that is helping to shape the UK's future nuclear workforce.

The programme making a difference

At the heart of the nomination is the Knowledge and Skills Programme for Nuclear Graduates, which supports 150 graduates per year across the UK. Sponsors include Rolls Royce, Sellafield, the Office of Nuclear Regulation and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

As training partner to Energus, Oakridge delivers behavioural development and knowledge and skills modules within the wider Nuclear Graduate Programme. Drawing on experiential learning and psychometric insight, the programme builds communication, collaboration and leadership effectiveness among graduates working across complex technical environments — giving sponsoring employers confidence that their early-career talent is future-ready.

Why this matters

The UK faces a significant and time-critical nuclear skills gap. Meeting the country's future energy demands requires a rapid expansion of the nuclear workforce — and that means graduates need to hit the ground running.

Simone Robinson, Director of First Ascent, said: "Being named a finalist alongside Energus is a real testament to what's possible when employers and training providers work in true partnership. Programmes like this show how structured, evidence-led development can help graduates build the confidence and capability to make a meaningful contribution from the outset."

The results speak for themselves. Lawrence Swain, a Rolls Royce-sponsored graduate of the programme, said it had helped him "communicate more effectively and work better toward successful outcomes."

What's next

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 12 March 2026. Whatever the outcome, this shortlisting reflects something we believe deeply at First Ascent: that long-term investment in people — underpinned by the latest behavioural science and brain research — is one of the most powerful levers available to organisations facing complex workforce challenges.

We're proud of the work Oakridge and Energus have built together.

Find out more about our people development programmes and how they can help your organisation.