Nuclear power industry launch drive to double workforce – as Chancellor gives backing in Budget

CHANCELLOR Jeremy Hunt backed nuclear power in his Budget as the solution to spiralling energy costs.

He unveiled plans to introduce cutting-edge technology called Small Modular Reactors, which will quadruple output and are planned to be operational in the 2030s.

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But to make this happen, the industry needs thousands more workers.

So the sector has launched a drive to double the civil and defence nuclear workforce over 20 years.

Called Destination Nuclear, it will support an extra 80,000 skilled jobs in energy roles and defence staff to work on the Aukus nuclear submarine partnership involving Australia, the UK and America.

The campaign is initially targeting career changers with transferable skills that they can bring to the industry immediately, and will eventually offer apprenticeships.

Boss Lynne Matthews said: “Destination Nuclear will help show the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer.

“It will help a broader range of people explore and venture into a career that is challenging, rewarding and sustainable.”

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Jobs are available at leading firms and organisations including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, the Royal Navy and National Nuclear Laboratory.

Emily Farley spent 12 years as a manager in the hospitality industry but joined the nuclear sector to get a better work-life balance.

The 30-year-old, from Warrington, Cheshire, is now a project manager with reactor specialists Jacobs.

She said: “I had transferable skills such as managing people, budgets and risk, which helped me make the switch. Attending Jacobs’ New To Nuclear training academy helped to support my transition into the nuclear sector.

“I’ve since worked on decommissioning projects for Sellafield and Dounreay nuclear sites, for the team that helps keep nuclear submarines operating safely and for a project developing a robotic system for welding lids on containers of radioactive waste.”

Andrew Bowie, minister for nuclear, said: “Nuclear has fantastic career opportunities and we want people of all ages to consider joining a key industry of the future.”

How to help in Ramadan

WITH Ramadan having started this week, many UK firms will be supporting Muslim staff observing the religious month’s daytime fasts.

Jim Moore, from HR consultants Hamilton Nash, says: “Most of our public holidays centre around Christian traditions and festivals, which is not very inclusive.

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“Employers need to think more about the needs of a diverse workforce.”

Here, employee relations expert Jim, above, explains how to help.

1. Leave requests may be higher during Ramadan, and with Easter falling within the same period, there might be more employees taking time off than usual.

Bosses should plan ahead and encourage staff to put in leave requests early, and award them on a first come, first served basis.

2. Ramadan involves fasting and can be physically and mentally challenging, so be flexible with working patterns.

This will send an important signal to staff from different ethnicities and religions.

3. Fasting can also affect an individual’s productivity or morale, so ensure any dip in performance is not related to it before starting a performance management process.

4. Consider offering flexibility around breaks to meet prayer needs or combat the effects of fasting.

5. As a religious group, Muslims are protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Employers must ensure they do not discriminate against those observing Ramadan.

OCTOPUS LEG-UP

ENERGY giant Octopus is recruiting 4,000 staff to help the rollout of clean energy tech across the country.

Jobs include heat pump engineers, solar and EV charger installers, delivery drivers and operations staff.

TIM ANDERSON

To speed up the process, Octopus is holding a series of OctoPalooza job festivals, with successful staff hired the same day.

The family-friendly hiring events also offer free food, refreshments and activities for children.

John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, said: “We’ve thought creatively to speed up the process.”

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PITCH IN WITH ADS

SCORE a start in advertising with a challenge called The Pitch.

Youth employment specialist YourGamePlan and media agency Goodstuff have launched the competition for students to devise a media and creative concept for JD Sports’ 2024 Christmas campaign.

The winners will be invited to join the JD marketing team at their offices, learning how to create campaigns for the retail chain.

They will also each receive a £100 JD voucher.

Danny Heath, founder of YourGamePlan, said: “This collaboration breaks barriers and eliminates nepotism from work placements.”

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