The scale of a civil nuclear project like Hinkley Point C means that it can be a force for good and a catalyst for change. The project’s investment in people, skills and industrial capacity is driving growth across Britain, increasing productivity and giving thousands of people new skills and jobs.
Why It Matters
Hinkley Point C shows that nuclear energy investment delivers more than clean, reliable power. It creates lasting socio-economic value by:
- Supporting local communities and regional development
- Building skills
- Strengthening UK industry and supply chains
- Driving long-term economic growth
These impacts position nuclear as both an energy solution and a key contributor to a resilient, low-carbon economy.
Strengthening Communities
Nuclear projects like Hinkley Point C provide sustained investment into local areas:
- Over £17 million invested in community initiatives, supporting education, infrastructure, and wellbeing
- Over £24 Million investment into education and skills
- Around 35% of the workforce comes from more deprived areas, improving access to stable employment
- Positive changes in local demographics, including growth in working-age population and increased productivity
Outcome: Long-term regional regeneration, with communities benefiting from both targeted investment and access to skilled jobs.
Building Skills & Supply Chains
Nuclear programmes act as a catalyst for workforce development and industrial growth:
- More than 14,000 people trained through specialist training centres
- Around 1,700 apprenticeships created
- A UK-wide supply chain of 4,000+ businesses, including many small and medium-sized enterprises
These programmes support the development of high-value engineering, construction, and project delivery skills, many of which are transferable across the wider clean energy sector.
Outcome: A stronger domestic workforce and supply chain, supporting future infrastructure and energy projects.
Driving Economic Growth
Large-scale nuclear projects generate substantial economic value:
- Supporting around 26,000 jobs across the UK at peak construction
- Over £5 billion spent with suppliers in the South West
- Long-term investment creating sustained economic activity and regional growth
Outcome: Nuclear acts as a major economic driver, supporting jobs, businesses, and long-term economic resilience.
Real People, Real Impact
Behind the delivery of Hinkley Point C are individuals gaining skills, building careers, and contributing to one of Europe’s largest construction projects.
Stanley Taylor, 19 – Electrical Apprentice (Balfour Beatty)
Stanley is in the third year of a four-year electrical apprenticeship, working on-site while training towards industry-recognised qualifications. Coming from a family with a strong background in trades, he was encouraged to pursue an apprenticeship and sees it as an opportunity to develop practical skills while earning.
“Being one of the apprentices building Hinkley Point C gives you a great sense of achievement. Here we are learning from skilled professionals, and you get great qualifications at the end. Choosing an apprenticeship is a great choice – you learn and earn at the same time, plus you’re part of a project with a great sense of community.”
Kester Ansah-Akrofi, 20 – Civil Engineering Degree Apprentice
Kester is a civil engineering degree apprentice, combining practical experience on site with academic study at the University of Exeter. Originally from London, he is gaining hands-on experience while working towards a degree, avoiding the cost of a traditional university pathway.
“For anyone considering a degree apprenticeship, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. This project is amazing and it’s great to be part of one of the largest construction sites in Europe. The journey is demanding, but the knowledge, skills and professional development you gain are worth it. Not to mention that you have your employer and your university supporting you every step of the way!”
Letty Smith, 19 – Project Controls Degree Apprentice
Project Controls Degree Apprentice Letty’s journey is an example of how apprenticeships can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career. At 16, she chose to bypass the traditional route of sixth form and university. Letty discovered an apprenticeship opportunity at Hinkley Point C through the government website. “Being local, I’d known about Hinkley since the beginning, and I could see it developing from the bottom of my road. When I saw the apprenticeship, I thought I’d give it a go and I got it.”
“By the time I finish, I’ll have my degree and six years of experience behind me, and I won’t have any student debt and crucially I’m pretty much guaranteed a job at the end of my apprenticeship with endless possibilities.”
Local business – Somerset Larder
Somerset Larder, Hinkley Point C’s local catering supplier, serves thousands of meals every single day using local ingredients. Meat comes from Somerset and Devon farms, bread and pastries from Yeovil and milk from dairies across the South West. A local supply chain brings clear sustainability benefits but is also an example of the indirect spending and investment that a large nuclear project provides. In the past five years, 78% of the Somerset Larder’s £63.5 million supplier spend has stayed in the South West, with nearly half in Somerset. 99% of all Somerset Larder employees are from Somerset and £53.5 million has been paid in salaries, back into the county’s economy.
Local Community Investment – Stacked Wonky
Stacked Wonky, a dance theatre company from Porlock were awarded a £10,000 grant from the Hinkley Point C Community fund, allowing them to support young people taking part in the national Making Moves choreography and performance programme. The funding helped 14 young performers take the stage at London’s renowned Sadler’s Wells, a performing arts theatre.
“Without that funding we would never have been able to create this piece of work by our young director Benjamin, our performers, as well as our young costume and lighting designers”. Sarah Shorten, Artistic Director, Stacked Wonky.
