Nuclear industry employment has grown solidly in 2021, according to the Nuclear Industry Association’s annual Jobs Map released this month. The civil nuclear sector employs 61,371 people across the UK, an increase of over 1,700 compared to 2020.
New build projects play a key role in supporting regional prosperity. For example, in the South West the sector employs over 12,900 people, with £3.2 billion already invested in the region from the Hinkley Point C nuclear project.
The East of England can expect the same from Bradwell B, the proposed new nuclear power station in Essex. Over 9-12 years of construction, Bradwell B will employ tens of thousands of people. At peak there will be around 9,100 workers at the main site, 3,000 of which would be from the local and regional workforce. When complete, the power station will create 900 high value jobs for 60+ years, with thousands more in the supply chain.
Making sure an area has the right skills and supply chain capability, at the right place and time takes years of preparation. Bradwell B is taking a partnership approach to this planning, looking to work with the local community, businesses, local authorities and organisations to ensure Essex maximises the opportunities from the project.
Earlier this month the Bradwell B team took part in a Clean Growth South East Programme event organised by Opergy, Kent County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership. The event aimed to provide businesses across the south east with an introduction to opportunities nuclear can bring from project planning, construction, operation and decommissioning.
The Bradwell B team are always happy to talk to groups, businesses or individuals about their questions, comments or concerns, you can contact our team on email feedback@bradwellb.co.uk or call 01621 451 451.