Atkins plans to roll out its nuclear training academy internationally.

The consultant set up the UK academy three years ago to train graduates and upskill employees from other sectors to work in the nuclear sector.

Martin Grant, managing director of Atkins鈥� energy division, said international elements could be built into the academy鈥檚 curriculum by the end of the year.

He said: 鈥淭he plan is to wrap the training academy up as part of the energy business鈥檚 expansion. We can easily move the training academy to help us build up a nuclear workforce in areas such as the Middle East.鈥�

It is understood courses would address regional differences, legislation and safety laws. But Grant declined to comment on whether the decision is linked to potential nuclear projects overseas.