Nuclear sector launches recruitment drive

An initiative named Destination Nuclear has been launched in the UK to attract and recruit people into the civil and defence nuclear sectors.

Artist’s impression of SZC
Artist’s impression of SZC - EDF

The nuclear workforce will need to double over the next 20 years, which will support around 80,000 additional jobs across the country.

Destination Nuclear brings together government, sector organisations and their supply chains, plus education institutions, to deliver against the UK’s nuclear ambition by attracting and recruiting more people into the industry.

In a statement, Lynne Matthews, head of Destination Nuclear, said: “Many potential candidates may have not considered nuclear as a career. Destination Nuclear will help show the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer and help a broader range of people explore and venture into a career that is challenging, rewarding and sustainable.”

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The UK’s nuclear sector is in a period of growth, and the workforce will expand further following the AUKUS Nuclear submarine partnership and the government’s ambition for nuclear power to generate a quarter of the UK’s electricity by 2050.

The campaign will target those considering a career change with transferrable skills, as well as supporting a commitment to apprenticeships and graduate schemes and increasing opportunities for PhD students.

The sector is investing in recruiting and developing a highly skilled workforce as it accelerates its growth, and this includes working with other sectors and developing training programmes to re-skill people who may be transferring from other industries.

Techniques already being used by those working in other sectors including construction and manufacturing – digital, robotics and artificial intelligence – will also be harnessed to fill nuclear roles.

Simone Rossi, CEO EDF, said: “EDF’s nuclear businesses aim to hire more than 1,000 people this year, to work at power stations, new build projects and in technical and support roles. It is an exciting time to be working in the sector but finding enough of the right people is challenging. That is why we are supporting Destination Nuclear to help more people realise the wealth of opportunities in this vital sector.”

More information can be found at  Destination Nuclear.