Greg Hands opens new Hinkley Point C training centres

Together with existing facilities and investment into education and skills, the centres will be ready to help local people join the additional 4,000 workers needed for the next phase of the power station's construction.

The Minister unveiled the new Welding Centre of Excellence at Bridgwater and Taunton College’s campus in Bridgwater this morning.


The energy minister, Greg Hands, opened new training centres at Hinckley Point C

The project has invested £8 million into the three new training centres, in partnership with the college. The Welding Centre will train and qualify 500 welders a year, helping local people into work and meeting skills shortages in the South West and across Britain.

Many trainees live in the local area and will take advantage of the jobs being created for Hinkley Point C’s next phase, which will see miles of pipes and electrical cables being fitted across the power station.

The welding facility is the latest Centre of Excellence to be opened in support of the Hinkley Point C project, which has now invested a total of £24 million into education, skills, and employment support.

It joins the Electrical Centre of Excellence in Bridgwater and the Construction Skills and Innovation Centre, in Cannington.

A Mechanical Centre of Excellence will open in Cannington this summer, to train students in pipefitting, steel erection and plating.

Together they will support the next phase of the project, as electrical systems and major components begin to be installed.

The centres will provide new routes to people who are looking to start a career in construction, regardless of their background or skill set.

New training courses have been launched, including the government’s Bootcamp scheme, T-level work experience placements and supported traineeships.

Hinkley Point C’s managing director, Stuart Crooks said: “The energy crisis has shown the need for Hinkley Point C’s reliable, low-carbon electricity is more urgent than ever. This report shows the project is also delivering big social and economic benefits in the communities that host us and beyond.

“It’s good news to see that productivity and prosperity is rising locally and we've worked hard to ensure that people in the region can benefit from the many job opportunities on offer in the next phase of construction.”

Andy Berry, principal and chief executive of Bridgwater & Taunton College, said: “The partnership between Bridgwater & Taunton College and Hinkley Point C continues to open up new training and employment opportunities for everyone – no matter their age, background or previous skill set.

“The new training Centres of Excellence are not only making a difference to local career prospects today but will ensure Somerset has the skills needed for the next generation of net-zero projects.”

Meg Moore, 29, Bridgwater trainee reactor operator Meg grew up in North Wales and secured a job as an operations engineer at Hinkley Point B as part of an EDF graduate scheme.

Meg Moore

She is now training to become a future Reactor Operator at Hinkley Point C and is living in Bridgwater.

“The course is rigorous because it’ll be our job to ensure the reactor units run safely. We’ve got simulator replicas of the Main Control Room, where we are tested and put through realistic scenarios. It feels like the real deal.

“My classmates come from different backgrounds – many enrolled on the course with no prior nuclear experience, and it creates a great environment for learning. It’s amazing to think we’ll play such a key role in the commissioning role of the power station.”

Liam Dale, 23, Taunton Graduate of Hinkley Point C’s Supported Traineeship Liam went to Elmwood School in Bridgwater and studied English, maths, and cookery. His teacher told him about Hinkley Point C’s Supported Traineeship, a programme to help young adults with additional needs take their first steps on the career ladder.

After completing the course, Liam secured a job as a cleaner with the site’s accommodation provider, Host.

Three years on, Liam is now working with Hinkley Point C’s catering provider, Somerset Larder, where he hopes to develop his interest in cooking.

“I’ve really enjoyed meeting people and potential employers. Everyone has been nice. I don’t drive but they pick me up by bus which is brilliant. I love my job, there’s nothing I don’t like about it. I’ve made lots of friends here. My goal is to one day become a chef.”