Hinkley Point C announces 30,000 more training places
It's part of their £24 million investment scheme into education, skills and employment across the south west
Tens of thousands of new training places have been announced by Hinkley Point C.
30,000 new places will be available between now and the completion of the power station - a move they say will help local people to join the project as it hits peak levels of construction.
Trainees will be fitting miles of pipes, cables and equipment - as well as vital control systems.
It's all part of their £24 million investment into education, skills, and employment, including at three new Centres for Excellence in welding, electrical and mechanical skills.
It's claimed these 'Centres for Excellence' are set to become part of the power station's legacy well into the future.
- The Mechanical Centre for Excellence opened in 2023 and is where recruits are trained and tested in pipefitting and steelwork
- The Welding Centre of Excellence opened in 2022, with people recruited via contractors, apprenticeships, or the Government's Bootcamp Training Scheme
- The Electrical Centre of Excellence opened in 2022 - more than 400 people have been trained there to-date
According to EDF Energy's Socio-Economic Impact Report for the Hinkley Point C site, it's claimed that billions of pounds have been spent across the south west as a result of construction - and thousands of apprentices have already benefited from training.
It's claimed:
- Spending in South-West has topped £5.3 billion with 1,300 companies
- Investment in local infrastructure and community support has reached £139 million
- Grants to fund local projects has hit £14.5 million
- 1,130 apprentices have been trained so far
- Contracts for Hinkley Point C are supporting £1.2 billion of investment in the North West of England with 130 companies
- Contracts for Hinkley Point C have created 200 new skilled jobs thanks to a new factory being built to make specialised pipework at Broughton
As well as apprenticeships, the project has also expanded its T-level scheme for those at the very beginning of their careers and is offering a Supported Traineeship programme for those with learning difficulties.
"Nuclear power is not just essential for the country - it delivers significant benefits for our communities and region"
Hinkley Point C’s Managing Director, Stuart Crooks said: “Nuclear power is not just essential for the country, it also delivers significant benefits for the communities and region that host it. We have worked hard with local colleges and businesses to make sure that Hinkley Point C increases prosperity and productivity in Somerset and the South West – giving as many people as possible the chance to increase their skills and earning potential.”
Energy Security Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “Cheap, abundant and reliable energy is essential for a thriving economy. The work at Hinkley Point C reminds us that nuclear not only boosts our energy security and independence, but also helps deliver greater economic growth here in Somerset, and to the UK as a whole.
"Hinkley is at the heart of our focus on supporting greater nuclear, alongside the funding we’ve committed to Sizewell C – the first public funding for a nuclear project in nearly four decades – and our plans for Great British Nuclear to push forward the latest technologies – all of which will enable us to power more of Britain from Britain and deliver jobs for generations to come.”
Andy Berry, Principal and Chief Executive of Bridgwater &Taunton College, said: “Bridgwater & Taunton College is proud of the ongoing partnership with Hinkley Point C, and we continue to collaborate with them to help provide the skills required for the project and the local area.
"Working together, we have played a key role in establishing three centres of excellence in Welding, Electrical, and Mechanical, which are critical assets for ensuring the future of new nuclear in the UK.”
Benefiting from the legacy
Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Hinkley Point C is continuing to drive the agenda for investment in both Somerset and the wider South West region. Somerset Chamber of commerce is proud to be playing its part, working in partnership with Hinkley Point C to give local people and regional businesses the best opportunity to win contracts and benefit from the legacy of the project.
"Once Hinkley Point C is completed, businesses in the South West will be more than ready to meet the demands of the future net zero economy.
Paula Hewitt, Deputy Chief Executive at Somerset County Council, said: “Hinkley Point C is supporting our vision for Somerset to be the centre of the globally significant clean growth region in the South West of England.
"Clean growth means recognising our climate emergency and addressing this through clean energy generation, clean transport, decarbonisation of industry, and attracting business opportunities which help to reduce carbon emissions, which benefit from our established expertise, innovation, and infrastructure.”
Read more: Hinkley Point C share progress of development with new virtual tour