Dominic Rhodes of Nexia Solutions has become a National Science and Engineering Ambassador for bringing real life technology into classrooms across the country.

Dominic with pupils at St. Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven

Awarded by Setnet, the UK Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics Network, Dominic has been nominated for the accolade by St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven for the work he has done in inspiring pupils to study subjects leading to careers in science and engineering. Through his work Dominic has introduced hundreds of 10 to 18 year olds to the fascinating facts behind many modern day technological achievements.

Supported by the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department for Education and Skills (Dfes), Setnet is dedicated to ensuring that more young people in the UK make a choice to enter science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related careers at all levels, and future generations are properly informed about the science and technology that surrounds them.

Ian Lupton, Director of Engineering at St Benedict's Catholic High School, welcomes the contribution Dominic makes to the education process. He comments: "Our students react extremely well to Dominic's lively and interesting insights into the world of science, technology and engineering. The boys and girls can gain an understanding of how theory is applied in the real world and the difference it makes to all of our lives. Energy is vital to everything we do, and young people are becoming more and more concerned about the effect our actions are having on the planet."

Energy and conservation are issues which Dominic feels passionately about and has devoted much of his career to exploring. He comments: "I have always been interested in science and engineering, even as a young boy. It is important to let the younger generations know that a career in science can be fun and rewarding, and it gives me great satisfaction to discover so many of them are interested in the subject.

"In my position as a technical specialist for Nexia Solutions at Sellafield, energy and power generation features heavily in my everyday work," he added. "Young people are highly aware that the choices we make today can affect the planet forever, and are keen to explore all the options for the future. I involve the students in a comprehensive range of practical exercises and engineering challenges, giving them the opportunity to work together in developing solutions to real life problems."

Dominic will formally receive his title of National Science and Engineering Ambassador at a Setnet ceremony in the House of Lords on Wednesday 28th February. He has also been short listed for Support and Development Award, successful candidates for which will also be announced at the ceremony.

Nexia Solutions encourages its employees to involve themselves in a range of projects which bring benefits to the communities around their sites. One such initiative is the Smallpeice Trust, an organisation which runs free courses across the UK for all young students interested in science and engineering, to which Dominic also dedicates much of his free time.

Gareth Thomas is responsible for the Nexia Solutions' community support programme, he comments: "Dominic's activities bring benefits to both the company and the community and we fully support what he does to interest young people in scientific subjects. We rely on a whole range of skills to run an operation like ours and are keen to see a supply of up and coming scientists for the future. The work Dominic does in schools throughout the UK gives students the opportunity to think seriously about a career in science and technology."

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Notes to Editor

About Nexia Solutions
• Nexia Solutions Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL).
• Nexia Solutions will be the foundation of the UK National Nuclear Laboratory
• The business specialises in providing customers with tailored solutions by applying the right level of technical innovation and intellectual support.
• Responding to UK Government requirements concerning the nuclear skills base, Nexia Solutions has the mission to protect the national nuclear technology capability.
• Nexia Solutions provides a core offering of technology services and solutions across the full nuclear fuel cycle in the UK and overseas.
• Main UK customers for Nexia Solutions services include the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), British Nuclear Group, Westinghouse and British Energy plc


Issued on behalf of Nexia Solutions by Weber Shandwick. For further information, please contact:

Paul Bowers or Kim Williams
Weber Shandwick
2 Jordan Street
Knott Mill
Manchester
M15 4PY
pbowers@webershandwick.com
kcwilliams@webershandwick.com

Tel: 0044 (0)161 238 9411
Mob: 0044 7770 886930

Weber Shandwick
2 Jordan Street
Knott Mill
Manchester
M15 4PY