Celebrating National Careers Week with a ‘Kickstart’ for new nuclear
So far, 20 young people have been given a “kickstart” in their career, with six months of training in clean growth jobs across the nuclear industry
The pandemic was a difficult time for everyone. Young people were hit very hard – with many facing a lack of job prospects, and some long periods of unemployment.
To help change this, over the last year members of the Sizewell C Consortium have participated in the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, to provide in-work opportunities for those at a particular risk of long-term unemployment.
Our members have been providing jobs across the country, from Norwich to Glasgow. So far, 20 young people have been given a “kickstart” in their career, with six months of training in clean growth jobs across the nuclear industry.
We hope many more will follow. The jobs on offer are a vital part of a nuclear industry spearheading clean growth, and jobs, skills and opportunities across the UK supply chain, all in the pursuit of net zero.
To coincide with National Careers Week, we are profiling a few of those who have taken part to date on our social channels.
Euan Renninson was unemployed and with no job prospects at the beginning of the pandemic. He soon applied, through the Kickstart scheme, for a role at Agilia, an infrastructure consultancy working in the nuclear sector. Six months on, he was offered a fulltime position.
He said, “The kickstart scheme has positively impacted my life, its kickstarted my career. I am so grateful for the opportunity and look forward to what will hopefully be a successful career at Jacobs.”
And for Paula Kickstarter at Nuvia, Kickstart has provided the chance for a fresh start after the pandemic:
“This opportunity has allowed me to regain my confidence, stand back up and move forward with my head held high. As Kickstart comes to an end, I am overjoyed to say that I’ve been offered a permanent role at Nuvia where I can continue to expand my knowledge and to develop as an individual.”
The nuclear industry has long been a source for jobs and opportunities for young people.
Over the last five years, Hinkley Point C (HPC) has trained over 800 apprentices and when Sizewell C gets underway, its supply chain will support 1,500 more. A show of support for the development of Britain’s future engineering and manufacturing capabilities right across the country.
That helps young people like Sarah, Kickstarter at Atkins, who said: “I have always been interested in a career in engineering but was worried I wouldn’t have the right qualifications to make this happen. My placement at Atkins has given me the confidence I need to take my ambition forward and start working towards my future career.”
And for Connie, Kickstarter at Opergy, it has given her first-hand experience in the strength and adaptability of her own existing skill set.
Connie said: “I applied thinking I didn’t have any relevant experience and had been out of work because of poor health. The scheme helped me realise how many transferable skills I have and taught me so many new ones. It was fascinating working in this industry. I have learnt that with the right support, I am able to do things out of my comfort zone and actually enjoy them too.”
The Kickstart scheme demonstrates how opportunities within the nuclear supply chain can truly change lives. Once it receives approval from government, Sizewell C will begin to provide thousands of life changing opportunities across the country. The skills young people learn in these apprenticeships will lead them into good quality, high skilled, high paid jobs for life. The stories above show they receive more than this, they also gain confidence in themselves to achieve something.
That is why Sizewell C needs to happen as soon as possible, so we can hear many more stories like Euan, Paula, Sarah and Connie’s.