The need:

The leadership team at EDF Energy’s Heysham site pro-actively approached Ascent to deliver training to support staff members’ understanding of Human Factors (HF) and, in particular Crew Resource Management (CRM), and improve performance.

The solution:

Ascent’s HF and CRM training may have already saved EDF a “substantial amount” of money in energy generation. Following a trial course – which enabled senior training teams to evaluate Ascent’s course content – EDF calculated that millions of pounds worth of lost power generation had been saved as a direct result of the training received.

CRM training has subsequently been rolled out to all personnel employed within EDF’s Heysham 2 site Reactor Control Room. Ascent’s training is based upon Civil Aviation Authority’s requirements for airline crews and has been tailored to suit the nuclear industry and its nuanced requirements.

It is hoped that annual refresher training will be delivered to control room staff. Meanwhile, Ascent is also working with EDF to expand delivery to key staff at more of its UK nuclear power stations.