Hinkley Point C Article

What are the requirements to work at Hinkley Point C

Hinkley Point C has promised to create 25,000 jobs and the aspiration to create 1000 apprenticeship positions. These opportunities will include construction, piping engineers, commercial manager, ECI&I engineers, estimators, mechanical engineers, support roles, and others over the coming years.

Although there are 5 phases to Hinkley Point C, the 10-year project has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and will be taking longer than first predicted. Now due to open in June 2026 instead of the planned 2025 – the end result will be providing opportunities for local, national, and international businesses. Many communities throughout the South West will also see ongoing benefits to their economy.  

Qualifications and experience can be a minefield when working out exactly what employers will look for, especially on a large-scale project such as Hinkley Point C. The requirements will depend on which phase of construction it is in. After approval from the British Government in September 2016, work has long since started on site, with the need for civil and structural engineers, project managers, and document controllers among the list of roles still being recruited. So, to help you figure out the minefield of employer needs, we’ve outlined the key information that should help you with your application…  

Background  

Employers for Hinkley are looking for candidates with a background in nuclear, or a professional who comes from a major infrastructure background. Quality assurance engineers and managers, planners, and quantity surveyors are amongst the 400+ job types available with the project. Depending on the role that you’re applying for, specific experience and requirements will obviously vary, but this industry experience is required by all contractors.  

Qualifications  

Clearly, you must be competent in your job role and have the right attitude, resilience, and the desire to work as part of a team or in a leadership role. This will be assessed via checks of your CSCS card, and CCNSG Passport.  

Hinkley Point C recommends that you attend Bridgewater College for your CCNSG safety passport. They are an approved training provider whose tutors have all the relevant industry experience that you will need. To obtain a CCNSG Safety Passport, you will need to complete a two-day training course and pass a final test.  

Security clearance  

Most workers on the Hinkley Point C project require a security clearance, so there are minimum standards you must meet. Therefore, aspects such as your criminal record, financial past, family links, and references will be thoroughly checked in order for you to gain clearance. Without this clearance, for many roles, you will not be granted access to the site.   

Currently, in the second phase of construction, preparation for the third phase will be underway. Within that, specialised skills such as mechanical and electrical engineers will be required as they look for highly experienced workers to control and lead this next stage of Hinkley Point C. This new power plant uses 17% less uranium compared to older technology, meaning you’ll be a part of a more efficient and innovative future. It is also the first nuclear new build in the UK for 30 years. The project seeks candidates with new, fresh ideas due to the skills gap left because of an aging workforce and skills that have not been required for several decades. 

Highfield is a trusted recruitment supplier to the Hinkley Point C project. Further develop your skills and expertise with this opportunity and get involved in the construction of a power plant that will be producing 7% of Britain’s energy. If you are interested in working on the project, head over to our dedicated Hinkley Point C page and take a look at the latest available jobs.   

Alternatively, if you would like a confidential chat with one of our expert nuclear consultants, give us a call on 01489 774 010 today.  

Career Advice, Sectors