Routes to employment (Young HPC)
The wide range of roles required to build a nuclear power station means that whatever your background, age, or qualification there is a way for you to access a career.
Apprenticeships
If you’re fed-up with being stuck in the classroom when you really want to be out in the big wide world, then an apprenticeship might be for you.
Apprenticeships combine doing a real job with formal training, meaning you get to work (and earn money!) whilst still developing your skills and prospects. Most apprentices are employed by a company and spend 4 days a week doing their job, and one day a week at college, working towards an NVQ relevant to their career. Apprenticeships can vary in length from one to four years, depending on the apprenticeship level, the company, your ability and the role. Most take two or three years on average. Anyone over 16 years old living in England can apply to become an apprentice and generally you only need 5 GCSEs, A-C grade.
Facts about apprenticeships:
- Combines doing a job with formal training
- Allows you to learn whilst being paid
- Available to anyone aged 16+
Degree apprenticeships are the fastest-growing route to attracting top talent into business.
They attract high calibre candidates who gain all the benefits of on-the-job learning and a fee-free degree, and combine full-time paid work with part-time university study.
Degree apprenticeships are primarily targeted at 18 to 19-year-old school leavers as an alternative route to gaining a degree, no matter your background or if you have been deterred by full time edcuation, high tuition fees and student debt. However, the qualification is suitable for anyone, including 16 to 18-year-olds and mature students.
In addition, degree apprenticeships are a good way of supporting your progression from craft and technical roles into management.
There are now over 1000 degree apprentices in the country, with more and more employer designed schemes being designed on a regular basis. A variety of HPC contractors are at the forefront of these new degree apprenticeships, creating more opportunities for people to benefit in tailored and specific roles within their organisations.
Internships
What is the difference between an Internship and a Placement?
Internships
Internships give you the chance to work for EDF or with one of the contracting partners for a limited period of time. This is a double whammy of work experience and education. Your internship will usually last for between 1 week to 12 months on a full or part-time basis. We offer both term-time or term break opportunities. We are looking for enthusiastic, committed individuals to play a role in this exciting project. In return we can provide you with a period of practical experience in the industry related to you field of study.
Placements
A placement not only enhances your knowledge and helps with your course because you will have an insight into a job or industry. On some courses, work placements are compulsory in order to get your degree, while on others you can opt to do a placement as one of your modules. Placements can increase your employability and help you when you’re entering the job market.
Traineeships
A traineeship is an education and training programme designed to incorporate work experience at its core, and is focused on preparing young people for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’.
Developed for people aged 16 to 24 who don’t yet have the appropriate skills or experience for employment or an apprenticeship, traineeships provide the essential work preparation training, English, Maths and work experience needed to prepare young people for the world of work.
A traineeship is made up of three key things:
Traineeships can last for up to a maximum of 6 months with the content tailored to the needs of the business and the individual and are an ideal opportunity for young people, aged 16 to 24, who are motivated to get a job but lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for.
Those who have been unsuccessful when applying for an apprenticeship or other position due to a lack of skills and experience are most likely be good candidates for a traineeship.
Traineeship opportunities at HPC will be available at HPC. Young HPC participants will get the first hand knowledge as and when they are available.
What’s the difference between Traineeships and Apprenticeships?
Traineeships are designed to help people who want to move into an apprenticeship or a job. Unlike apprentices, trainees don’t yet have some essential skills like English and maths, or have limited work experience. The traineeship aims to provide them with these.
Traineeships last between a minimum of six weeks through to a maximum of six months, unlike apprenticeships, which go on for a number of years.
Traineeships may also be unpaid (it is left up to the employer to make that decision and are not subject to minimum wage laws, unlike apprenticeships, which legally must be paid and meet the Apprentice National Minimum Wage. Those doing a traineeship will either still be in education, or may qualify for the 16-19 bursary fund.
Higher Education
Higher education (HE) offers a diverse range of courses and qualifications, such as first degrees, Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), and foundation degrees.
It includes any qualification at Level 4 and above. A BA or BSc (Hons) degree is a Level 6 qualification.
The majority of UK undergraduate students are aged 17-19 meaning higher education has a lot to offer all young people – but, it’s not just for those predicted top grades in academic subjects.
Whether you have yet to decide whether University is for you, are currently studying for a degree, or have recently graduated – you can still benefit from all the opportunities Hinkley Point C has to offer.
Did you know...
- Participation in higher education is growing and expanding – there’s been a 38% increase in applicants in the last 10 years.
- It’s not just academic subjects you need … around 95% of universities currently accept BTECs for entry, and for over 70% of degree subjects.
- There’s been a 42% increase in students from disadvantaged areas studying full-time degrees since 2005.
Become a member
Are you aged between 16 and 21? If so, please click on the link below to register for Young HPC.
If you have any questions, please contact younghpc@edf-energy.com
Contact us
The best way to contact us about Hinkley Point C is by completing our online enquiry form. You can also call us on 0333 009 7070 (24 hour free phone number).
For EDF's 24/7 media enquiry line call 01452 652233.