EDF scoops major award for its contribution to skills development

EDF Energy was among the brightest and best from the engineering and construction industry as it scooped the large employer of the year award at the 2019 Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) Skills Awards in London.

The prestigious national event celebrated the achievements and successes of individuals, companies and training providers from across the industry. For EDF Energy in particular, it was recognition of the company’s contribution to skills development and learning – in turn ensuring that the existing and new fleet of nuclear power stations are a catalyst for the long-term development of skills and economic growth for the regions and for the UK as a whole.

The award celebrated the work that is supporting the construction of the UK’s first new power station for a generation at Hinkley Point C.  Working across the HPC project and EDF Energy as a whole, the People Development team are supporting a growing number of apprentices, assisting with on-boarding and providing advice and guidance to the wider organisation as it meets the demanding skills requirements in building such an important part of the UK’s future low carbon infrastructure.

Also recognised was the innovative work carried out with the Nuclear Skills Academy on the coal to nuclear transfer scheme.  This saw 20 operational staff moving from the now decommissioned coal fired power station at Cottam to other roles within EDF Energy’s nuclear fleet with ECITB supporting the delivery of the additional training.

Jamie White, External Funding Partner, EDF Energy said; “ECITB are a strategic industry leader responsible for continually improving the skills and training within the engineering construction industry and to be recognised in this way is a testament to our investment in our people.  In utilising the ECITB support, we have ensured that we are really making a difference and striving to achieve simple access to impactful learning, partnering and innovation”.

Chris Claydon, Chief Executive of the ECITB, said: “Congratulations to the winners and finalists recognised at last night’s awards ceremony. They represent all that is great about training and development in our industry and their talents are vital to the success of industry.

“As the leading skills body for the industry, the ECITB is at the forefront of driving change to help our sectors remain competitive globally. There has never been a more vital time to drive up skills levels in our industry and so I’m delighted that so many levy-paying companies have supported our ambitious new plan to invest in skills training to support our industry.”