1,700 new jobs announced at Hinkley Point C nuclear plant

The jobs forecast comes in the latest report into the positive social and economic impact of the new nuclear power station.

The report shows that spending with South-West based businesses has already hit £3.2 billion, more than twice the initial target of £1.5 billion set as the project began.

Key points in the report

• During construction, 71,000 jobs across Britain will be supported by the project which is now projected to deliver £18 billion into the wider UK supply chain


• Over 750 apprentices have been trained already as the project closes in on a target of 1,000


• 14,000 people have now been trained and assessed in facilities funded by Hinkley Point C


• The Construction Skills and Innovation Centre and Welding Centre of Excellence are helping local people get the skills they need to join the project

The new jobs on the project will include roles in construction, welding, electrical and equipment installation and wider support roles.

The Hinkley Point C Jobs Service is working with Somerset colleges and training providers to make the new roles as accessible as possible to local people. Facilities like the new Welding Centre of Excellence and Construction Skills and Innovation Centre operated in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College, give people a chance to learn new skills to start careers with the project, even if they don’t have previous experience.

The full 2021 Hinkley Point C Socio-Economic Impact report can be read here.

Hinkley Point C managing director Stuart Crooks said: “Hinkley Point C plays a vital role in the fight against climate change and this report shows the project is also able to create jobs and opportunity for British people and businesses. As we come out of the pandemic, we hope to safely increase the numbers working on the project and create jobs just as they are needed most. Our big investment in local education and training means we are ready to help people find work and start new careers.”

Case study: William Hare

William Hare is a specialist steel fabrication company with Hinkley Point C contracts totalling more than £135 million. With factories in the north-west of England, the company expanded into Risca, South Wales, as discussions with Hinkley Point C progressed. The result was a multimillion-pound investment into its newest facility, which currently employs around 60 people with plans to increase to 100, drawing on local expertise to fill the roles.

It has also committed to apprenticeships and training “earn and learn” positions across its locations. For example, the Risca factory has four apprentices and a new graduate position working on Hinkley Point C.

Matthew Nesbit, group board director, said: “We have apprentices at all of our locations and the Hinkley Point C work touches all of them. It has given us the opportunity to develop and upskill our workforce to the highest nuclear standards. We’ve invested around £10 million in plant, infrastructure and people at Risca. The confidence to spend that kind of money comes from the contracts we have at Hinkley Point C, and we’re proud that we’ve been able to have a positive impact on the local community.

EDF www.edfenergy.com