French utility firm Areva has insisted that substantial training and development programmes will need to be implemented if the UK is to build more nuclear power stations.

The group, which is EDF's preferred supplier of nuclear technology, has noted that there will be a need for both skilled construction workers and operational staff.

So too, EDF has noted that over the next decade, the UK will also need to expand its gas-fired power stations to meet growing energy requirements while nuclear plants are in development.

According to the Times, Jean-Jacques Gautrot, head of Areva in the UK, said that staff working in the gas sector would need to undergo substantial technical training in order to serve the nuclear industry.

EDF achieved company-wide Investors in People status in November 2007 for its commitment to provide its staff with comprehensive training and development.

The accolade is a framework for the development of enterprise through the training of its workforce.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development