Hinkley Point C expects to hire 1,700 people in the next year, helping the South West economy to ‘build back greener’ from the Covid-19 pandemic. The jobs forecast comes in the latest Hinkley Point C socio-economic impact report into the positive social and economic impact of the new nuclear power station. It will play a key role in helping Britain fight climate change by achieving net-zero emissions.

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 at the outset of the project.

During construction, 71,000 jobs across Britain will be supported by the project which is now expected 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 and 14,000 people have been trained and assessed in facilities funded by Hinkley Point C.

The Construction Skills and Innovation Centre and Welding Centre of Excellence in Brigwater is also busy helping local people get the skills they need to join the project.

New jobs 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 do not have previous experience.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, said: “This report underlines the tremendous benefits the first nuclear power station in a generation is bringing to local people in Somerset and beyond.

“I was delighted to meet some of the talented apprentices already being taken on when I recently visited Hinkley Point C, and it is clear to me that major infrastructure projects like this are fundamental to our future prosperity as we ‘build back greener’ from the pandemic.”

World-leading climate targets
She continued: “As we work towards our world-leading climate targets and drive forward Britain’s green industrial revolution, nuclear will continue to be an important and reliable source of clean electricity, and Hinkley Point C will play a chief role in delivering that.”

Stuart Crooks, Hinkley Point C managing director, 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.”

Natalie Beacham, project lead for Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s Hinkley supply chain team, said: “Somerset Chamber is extremely proud to be playing its part in this hugely important infrastructure project and to help secure a legacy for the area’s highly-skilled and diverse business community.

“To have Hinkley Point C on our doorstep is a huge opportunity and to be able to ensure local businesses can prepare for and win contracts for the project has been hugely rewarding for the Hinkley supply chain team.

“Since 2016, we have matched thousands of businesses to work opportunities at Hinkley Point C, making a huge contribution towards the incredible £3.2 billion the project has already generated for the regional economy. We are looking forward to helping many more businesses benefit in the years to come.”