The Nuclear Institute has unveiled a suite of free teaching resources designed to engage and inspire young minds about the vast opportunities within the nuclear sector.
Centred around a video and a comprehensive 30-minute lesson plan, this initiative aims to ignite interest in nuclear science and technology among the approx. 1.7 million* Key Stage 4 (GCSE) science and geography students in the UK.
Launched during National Apprenticeship Week (10-16 February 2025), the resources aim to support the drive to double the number of apprentices in the nuclear sector by academic year 2025/26.
Available from the Nuclear Institute’s educational resources webpage, the free-to-access content will be shared directly with key STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) educational organisations and groups across the UK, including the Engineering Council, Science Council, Inclusion and Diversity in Nuclear, and Institute of Physics.
The resources form part of the Institute’s drive to develop a talent pipeline for the industry, which needs 40,000 additional highly skilled, well-paid roles to support its growth ambitions in the coming years.
Robert Gofton, CEO at the Nuclear Institute, said: “Nuclear technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future, spanning applications in energy, medicine, agriculture, defence, and even space exploration.
“Our resources showcase the sector’s potential to tackle global challenges in a way that engages young people, who form an important part of the sector’s future.”
“The nuclear sector is vital for achieving the UK’s energy goals and advancing cutting-edge applications that benefit society globally.
“This is the first in a series of videos and lesson plans that will provide engaging and accessible resources, we hope to inspire the next generation of nuclear innovators and demonstrate the diverse and meaningful career options available in this exciting industry.”
Engaging lessons for curious minds
The lesson plan, designed for use in science and geography classes, aims to reinforce students' knowledge of the UK’s energy mix and delves into nuclear energy's unique capabilities. Through interactive activities, students will:
- Explore the processes of nuclear fission and fusion, gaining insight into how nuclear reactors work.
- Investigate the many applications of nuclear technology, from diagnosing and treating diseases in medicine to powering NASA’s deep-space missions.
- Evaluate the societal, ethical, and environmental impacts of nuclear technology through research, discussions, and debates.
- Showcasing nuclear innovation
The accompanying video, Introduction to Nuclear, illustrates the sector’s innovations and global impact, designed to capture the imagination of young audiences and showcasing how nuclear technology addresses some of humanity’s biggest challenges. It highlights nuclear’s potential to provide reliable, low-carbon energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create sustainable solutions across multiple sectors.
Shaping a sustainable future
In addition to promoting STEM skills, the resources aim to encourage critical thinking and ethical discussions, empowering students to envision themselves as part of a future workforce driving sustainability and innovation. The initiative aligns closely with the UK’s commitment to net-zero goals and its reputation as a leader in nuclear technology.
Teachers and educators can access these free resources via the Institute’s educational resources webpage.
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Arianne Smart on 07435 763384 or arianne.smart@distinctivecomms.co.uk.
* Source: Official Government statistics show 1,747,255 students entered GCSE subjects of combined science, geography, biology, chemistry and physics in 2024.