CITB chairman James Wates confirmed the cash injection at a meeting with ministers and members of the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance yesterday.

Eight new nuclear reactors are planned across the UK starting with Hinkley Point C

CITB-ConstructionSkills is now calling on other partners involved in the New Nuclear Build Programme to also invest funding into skills.

Nearly 25,000 workers will be needed to complete each project – 60% of whom will come from the construction industry.

Wates said: “In the 25 years since the UK last built a nuclear reactor, nuclear technology has leapt forward.

“This requires a commensurate shift from our industry and the £2m we are committing towards achieving this shift is a statement of our support in getting the industry prepared.

“The challenge demands a step change in leadership and supervision skills and an even more demanding health and safety culture.

“This is a superb opportunity for the UK construction sector and we’re pleased to help ensure that our workforce can grab that opportunity.”

Skills Minister John Hayes said: “The Nuclear Build programme will lead to substantial growth in the UK construction industry creating thousands of new jobs.

“We welcome this investment by CITB – ConstructionSkills to ensure that we develop a highly skilled workforce to meet this challenge.”