South West nuclear employment nearly triples in five years

The Nuclear Industry Association’s annual Jobs Map reports that 21,150 high-skilled, high-paid civil nuclear jobs have been added to the region since 2021, bringing the current total to 34,084. 

Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive, Nuclear Industry Association, said: 

“The scale of the jobs growth in the South West demonstrates the economic value of the construction of major nuclear projects. The skills, expertise and industrial capabilities being built today will be absolutely critical to delivering the next generation of nuclear projects across the UK.

“The Government must maintain this momentum beyond Hinkley Point C and its sister project Sizewell C to secure the UK’s energy security. By implementing the recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review, we can cut the cost and time of nuclear deployment, ensuring more communities can benefit from the thousands of jobs and billions in investment.”

Ashley Fox MP, Bridgwater, said: 

“Hinkley Point C is a major employer in Somerset and has created significant opportunities for local people and businesses in my constituency, and the wider supply chain.

“These latest figures demonstrate the importance of nuclear to our domestic energy security and the South West economy, particularly in supporting skilled jobs and developing the workforce we need for the future.”

Hear from the people building their futures at Hinkley Point C

Isabella Noble, Digital Project Manager at Hinkley Point C

“I always loved Physics at school but also loved Business Studies, when I saw that HPC were offering the business administration apprenticeship I thought it was perfect for me as it combined my two interests at school.

“The nuclear industry gives me the opportunity to work on projects that have a real and lasting impact on the UK’s future. It has also provided opportunities to develop my skills through training, hands-on experience, and further study. The knowledge and qualifications I gain are not only valuable within the nuclear industry but are also highly transferable across many other sectors, helping me build a strong and versatile career.”

Jack Davis, Quality Assurance Apprentice, Employed by KAEFER UK & Ireland, working on Hinkley Point C 

“Working on Hinkley Point C has given me the opportunity to develop a career on a major engineering project while still remaining connected to my local area.

“Hinkley Point C has created a huge range of employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities for local people. It has also created work for local businesses and the wider supply chain.

“One of the biggest benefits is that people are developing skills and qualifications that will remain valuable long after the construction phase is complete. It has given a lot of people exposure to engineering, construction, quality and project-management careers that they may not otherwise have considered.”

Kester Ansah-Akrofi, Apprentice Site Engineer at Hinkley Point C

“So many people are able to jump start their careers through nuclear; especially the apprentices, who get to reinforce their theoretical studies with practical application.

“The nuclear industry provides greater career stability, due to the drive towards a healthier environment, so people can continue to work in the nuclear field, due to their invaluable experience. And if they decide to switch industries, the prestige and high standards of the nuclear industry will surely aid them in securing future opportunities.

“I believe strongly in what we’re doing here, and I’d like to see more plants built.”

Josh Parker, Coatings Operative, Employed by KAEFER UK & Ireland, working on Hinkley Point C

“I would like to see more nuclear projects being developed across the UK. The more projects there are, the more opportunities there will be for people to build careers, gain qualifications and develop specialist skills.

“New nuclear can provide the UK with cleaner, reliable energy while also creating thousands of skilled jobs and long-term career opportunities.

“It can support communities around major projects, provide opportunities for people to learn trades and gain recognised qualifications, and create career pathways that can last for many years.

“For people like me, it means having the opportunity to develop specialist skills, progress within an industry and be part of projects that will make an important contribution to the UK’s future energy needs.”

Hinkley Point C supports the employment of 26,000 people across England, Scotland and Wales, with around 13,000 people working on site.

Not only will Hinkley Point C create reliable, low-carbon energy for generations, but it is also training the next generation of skilled workers, allowing people of all backgrounds to take advantage of the significant opportunities available.

Locally based Centres of Excellence have already trained 19,500 and have opened the doors to higher-skilled, well-paid jobs created by the project. 1,740 apprentices have been trained to date, with £60 million of additional inward investment in skills generated by the power station.

Read the NIA’s 2026 Jobs Map here