KBR has expanded its presence in the UK following the opening of a new office in West Cumbria.
It has opened a base at Westlakes Science Park, near Whitehaven.
KBR’s history with West Cumbria began in 2019 when the company was appointed the lead integration partner as part of the groundbreaking Programme and Project Partners (PPP) contract at Sellafield.
PPP is a 20-year programme to transform major infrastructure delivery at Sellafield in the north of England – tackling the legacy of the site’s past, building a capability for the future, and creating a clean and safe environment for future generations.
As part of its projects and programmes team, KBR employs over 400 people. Around 200 are based in Cumbria, and another 200 in the Warrington area.
Their skills include programme and project management, project controls and commercial services, assurance management, and leadership in key areas including digital delivery and environment, health, safety, security and quality.
KBR has already led the development of the PPP’s internship scheme and recently introduced an innovative Project Controls Academy to allow the partnership to address industry skills shortages and to ‘grow its own’, creating a sustainable talent development pathway.
The first graduates from the scheme are already supporting the delivery of some of the UK’s most significant major infrastructure projects and supporting Sellafield’s decommissioning.
KBR has also partnered with MissionCX, a specialist commissioning firm, also based at Westlakes, to share its apprenticeship levy funding to create more rewarding local career opportunities.
Ian Hudson, KBR’s head of nuclear, said: “KBR is very proud to be part of this strong partnership with Sellafield and our supply chain partners. The PPP contract has provided us with a long-term opportunity to support the decommissioning of Sellafield, develop a talented nuclear workforce, and work alongside a world-class supply chain.
“We are committed to providing local employment opportunities that come with transferable skills that could be used to do work elsewhere in the future.
“As an accredited Great Place to Work we work closely with supporting organisations, such as Centre for Leadership Performance, adding value though active participation such as the Bright Stars Primary, Dream Placement and Future Leaders programmes.
“In addition, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) initiatives are a core part of our DNA, focusing on creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential, supported through our signatory of Women in Nuclear UK charter and through encouraging our people to join in and actively participate.”
