Hinkley Point C to create 3,000 jobs as it hits peak construction
Somerset’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is planning to create 3,000 jobs over the next 18 months.
The announcement comes as the plant says it is approaching “peak construction” when it will have around 15,000 people working on the site.
Many of the new jobs at Hinkley Point C will support the fit-out of the power station with miles of pipes and cables and equipment. Other roles will be created supporting the workforce.
Hinkley Point C has established three training “centres of excellence” in Bridgwater and Cannington to help local people join the project. More than 8,000 people have already been trained in welding, electrical, and mechanical skills. The National College for Nuclear in Cannington is training a new workforce for Britain’s nuclear industry.
Hinkley Point C has been working closely with local authorities to assess the effects of the expanding workforce, with increased funding of mitigation measures to be put in place as the workforce grows.
The new support will build on successful initiatives like the £9m accommodation fund to help deliver new affordable housing, with 4,000 additional bed spaces in local towns. Hinkley Point C’s Community Fund has now provided more than £16m to local projects and community groups. Funding and support for other initiatives like community safety, local policing, and tourism will increase.
Stuart Crooks, managing director of Hinkley Point C, said: “As a former apprentice, I know the impact that training can have in transforming lives for the better. I am determined that we will provide as many opportunities as possible to help people from Somerset and the South West benefit from our project.”
Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Lord Hunt said: “Apprenticeships are incredibly important in equipping thousands of people with the skills needed to take up a career for life in the nuclear sector. Hinkley Point C is a stand-out example where 1,500 apprentices are gaining world-class experience, preparing them to be the future leaders in the nuclear industry – helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower and power our businesses and homes for generations to come.”
Cllr Mike Rigby at Somerset Council said: “The HPC Project has bought many social and economic benefits to Somerset with employment and training opportunities foremost among them. While we welcome this investment in jobs and skills and the other positive benefits the project continues to offer Somerset, we are mindful of the impact that a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project with an expanding workforce has on our communities and are committed to working with EDF to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are put in place to cope with this significant increase.”
