Hinkley Point C, Bridgwater, to create 1,700 jobs in Somerset

Hinkley Point C's 2021 socio-economic impact report also highlights the project has spent £3.2billion with South West based businesses - more than twice the initial target.

The 1,700 new roles will be in construction, welding, electrical, equipment installation and more, and they are hoping these will help the South West recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Managing director of Hinkley Point C, Stuart Crooks, said the report shows the project is able to help create jobs and opportunity - as well as fight against climate change.

"As we come out of the pandemic, we hope to safely increase the numbers working on the project and create jobs just as they are needed most," he said.

"Our big investment in local education and training means we are ready to help people find work and start new careers.”

The Hinkley Point C Jobs Service is working with Somerset colleges and training providers to make the roles accessible as possible.

Facilities like the new Welding Centre of Excellence and Construction Skills and Innovation Centre operated in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College, give people a chance to learn new skills to start careers with the project, even if they don’t have previous experience.

"Today’s report underlines the tremendous benefits the first nuclear power station in a generation is bringing to local people in Somerset and beyond," added Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth, Anne-Marie Trevelyan.

"I was delighted to meet some of the talented apprentices already being taken on when I recently visited Hinkley Point C, and it’s clear to me that major infrastructure projects like this are fundamental to our future prosperity as we build back greener from the pandemic.

“As we work towards our world-leading climate targets and drive forward Britain’s green industrial revolution, nuclear will continue to be an important and reliable source of clean electricity, and Hinkley Point C will play a chief role in delivering that.”

Cllr Gill Slocombe, portfolio holder for inward investment and growth at Sedgemoor District Council said it is important there are "substantial" social and economic benefits of Hinkley Point C - particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The skills and career opportunities that are now available for people in Sedgemoor are undoubtedly creating a positive impact today, they should also pave the way to the deliver a longer-term sustainable transformational economic legacy for the community and businesses of the district,” she said.

The social and economic impact report also shows:

• During construction, 71,000 jobs across Britain will be supported by the project which is now projected to deliver £18 billion into the wider UK supply chain

• Over 750 apprentices have been trained already as the project closes in on a target of 1,000

• 14,000 people have now been trained and assessed in facilities funded by Hinkley Point C

• The Construction Skills and Innovation Centre and Welding Centre of Excellence are helping local people get the skills they need to join the project

Cllr. David Hall, cabinet member for economic development, planning and community infrastructure at Somerset County Council, said the jobs boost is "extremely positive news" for the county.

“As lead member for the Council’s Climate Change and the Climate Emergency Strategy, I also value the contribution this infrastructure will make to low carbon energy production for many years," he added.

"The successes to date are testament to the ongoing collaboration between ourselves and the Hinkley Point C project team and I remain extremely proud of how businesses from across the County of Somerset are playing a critical role in this infrastructure.”

Natalie Beacham, project lead for Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s Hinkley supply chain team, said the chamber is "extremely proud" to be playing its part in this "hugely important infrastructure project".

“To have Hinkley Point C on our doorstep is a huge opportunity and to be able to ensure local businesses can prepare for and win contracts for the project has been hugely rewarding for the Hinkley Supply Chain team," she said.

“Since 2016, the supply chain team has matched thousands of businesses to work opportunities at Hinkley Point C, making a huge contribution towards the incredible £3.2 billion the project has already generated for the regional economy.

"We are looking forward to helping many more businesses benefit in the years to come.”