Alan Coley
Pro-Chancellor, distinguished friends, colleagues, graduands and guests. With a career in the nuclear industry spanning over 35 years, Alan Coley is one of the country’s leading experts in the field, having worked on major projects within the industry including new build station design, decommissioning and waste processing. He is also celebrating his birthday here with us today, but it is for his role within the nuclear industry and his commitment to the sector that we are here to recognise with an honorary doctorate in technology. Since receiving his first class honours degree in mechanical engineering from Lanchester Polytechnic, Alan has worked within the nuclear industry, in engineering and managerial roles. Inspired by Walter Marshall, whom he describes as ‘Mr Nuclear’ his career has spanned more than three decades. Launching his engineering career designing gearboxes and drive chains, Alan soon moved into the nuclear sector as a design engineer, working on projects including Sizewell B power station. Since then, he has moved across the sector, working on large design and engineering programmes and business change projects. He has secured a series of secondments to a range of energy providers and organisations including EDF and Magnox/RSRL working on a range of major contracts, including Hinkley Point C and decommissioning sites. As programme director for the Hinkley Point C Project, he has cemented his position as one of the top nuclear managers in the country, working for one of Britain’s largest nuclear organisations, Cavendish Nuclear. Turning his attention to the next generation of nuclear workers and experts, Alan spent four years as a main board member of the National Skills Academy for Nuclear. Continuing to show his commitment to the future of the sector, he now leads the skills work stream for the Nuclear Industry Council – helping the sector to grow and providing support to new engineers and experts. Playing a key role in the development of the nuclear skills programme, Alan has been instrumental in development nuclear awareness and nuclear professionalism courses and supported the redevelopment of skills training across the industry. With his expertise and contacts within the field, he is now involved with leading decision-makers, including representatives from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. These connections have led him to lead the development of a nuclear skills strategy for the UK. Which he believes is a great privilege and honour to develop national strategy which will attract and develop new talent into the industry. A proud husband and father of two; who are both primary school teachers. Outside of work Alan is a keen follower of motorsport and enjoys nurturing his creative side through photography. He is also at Master level at Backgammon and a lifetime supporter and season ticket holder of West Bromwich Albion. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Britain’s nuclear industry, Coventry University, by decision of the Academic Board, has the privilege of conferring the Degree of Doctor of Technology, honoris causa, on Alan Coley.