NAW2026: Hinkley Point C

Hinkley Point C’s commitment to apprenticeships sits at the centre of a range of training routes that are accessible to all.  

The apprenticeship programme is exceeding expectations – surging past its initial 1,000 apprentice target to over 1,500 apprentices having been trained to date. This significant achievement reflects the projects’ strong commitment to developing skills in the local community and across the wider region. 

Engagement with 80 schools in Somerset during 2024 and a relationship with local training providers has resulted in 70% of apprentices coming from across the South West . 

The apprenticeship programme welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and ages and offers over 70 different disciplines, from welding and nuclear engineering to pipefitting and catering. Some of these apprentices will be instrumental in Hinkley Point C’s 60-year operational life, ensuring a legacy of expertise that will be vital in running the operational power station. 

Letty’s journey is an example of how apprenticeships can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career.  

At 16, she chose to bypass the traditional route of sixth form and university. Letty discovered an apprenticeship opportunity at Hinkley Point C through the government website. “Being local, I’d known about Hinkley since the beginning, and I could see it developing from the bottom of my road. When I saw the apprenticeship, I thought I’d give it a go and I got it.”  

Letty has excelled in her Level 3 apprenticeship in project controls and recently embarked on a second apprenticeship, a Level 6 degree apprenticeship, also in project controls. “By the time I finish, I’ll have my degree and six years of experience behind me, and I won’t have any student debt and crucially I’m pretty much guaranteed a job at the end of my apprenticeship with endless possibilities.” 

Stan is in his third year of a four-year electrical apprenticeship with Balfour Beatty. He comes from a family with a strong tradition of working in trades. Stanley was encouraged to pursue an apprenticeship by his family – especially his uncle, who also did an electrical apprenticeship. He sees it as a valuable opportunity for growth and development, allowing him to learn from experienced electricians and earn qualifications.  

“Being one of the apprentices building Hinkley Point C gives you a great sense of achievement. Here we are learning from skilled professionals, and you get great qualifications at the end. Choosing an apprenticeship is a great choice – you learn and earn at the same time, plus you’re part of a project with a great sense of community.” 

Anabella’s first contact with Hinkley Point C was at a Young HPC event at school with the experience and support leading her to take on an apprenticeship in maintenance and operations. Eager to explore the opportunities, she signed up to the Young HPC programme, and with her family’s support, her experience has led to the start of a career.  

“Seeing the site and learning how the reactor worked was fascinating, it really helped me understand the scale of the project and EDF’s role.”  

Beyond the technical knowledge, she says the programme really helped her learn great practical skills and solidified Anabella’s ambition to pursue an apprenticeship.  

“The Young HPC team helped me work on my CV and cover letter and I gained information about the apprenticeships on offer which inspired me to be part of this incredible project.” For Anabella, Young HPC wasn’t just an educational experience; it was a catalyst for her career. “It equipped me with communication skills, knowledge, which helped me secure an apprenticeship at the National College for Nuclear.”