Search is on for EDF Energy’s next Hinkley Point B apprentices

EDF Energy is searching for 51 apprentices to join the company next year and is also hoping more young women will apply before January’s deadline.

A number of apprenticeships will be available at Hinkley Point B and traditionally most of its new apprentices come from local schools around Somerset.

This year’s apprentice recruitment coincides with a national campaign to change teenage girls’ perceptions of science and inspire them to pursue science-based careers.

Although the company’s generating stations already have a number of successful female apprentices, EDF Energy wants to attract more.

This year’s group of 50 apprentices, which includes apprentices who will be based at Hinkley Point B, was appointed during the summer.

They kicked off their new careers with EDF Energy at a team building week in the Lake District.

They were then joined by their families for a trip to see HMS Sultan – the Portsmouth-based training facility where the apprentices will spend their first two years.

James Mason, apprentice co-ordinator at Hinkley Point B, said: “It’s important for us to ensure the new apprentices’ parents are comfortable with the set up we have at HMS Sultan and so we take them to see the site first hand.”

Amy Edmundson, 21, spent two years at HMS Sultan as part of her apprenticeship course. She now works as an electrical maintenance technician at Hinkley Point B.

Amy said: "I felt the apprenticeship scheme was a brilliant opportunity for me to gain the experience I wanted and it also allowed me to work in an individual and interesting industry.

“I am now doing a Higher National Certificate in Electrical, Electronic and Control Principals.

“There are so many opportunities for development within the company and the ability to develop your skills is hugely supported.”

Away from the classroom the apprentices enjoy excellent sports and leisure facilities under the watchful eye of the centre’s own team.

EDF Energy’s apprentices also undertake an extensive life skills package along with some cultural visits to European cities.

After two years, the apprentices return to their home sites to complete their apprenticeships.

James added: “Co-ordinators and apprentices go into schools and colleges to talk about the apprenticeship scheme and to encourage applications.

“Applications for the apprentice programme close in early January and can be made through the EDF Energy careers website.”

The website can be found at Careers at EDF.

For more information contact:

EDF Energy in the South West

In the South West EDF Energy employs around 4,000 people across three key sites; at Hinkley Point in Somerset, at Barnwood, near Gloucester, and at Exeter. We operate Hinkley Point B power station, which employs around 550 staff and 220 contract partners. A new nuclear power station, capable of supplying around 5 million homes, is planned at Hinkley Point, subject to a final investment decision. We have an operational support centre at Barnwood, while Exeter is home to one of EDF Energy’s three UK-based call centres. As well as currently generating enough power for some 1.5 million homes in this region, EDF Energy also provides gas and electricity to 610,000 customers with over 20% of those opting for one of the company’s Blue+ products backed by low-carbon generation. We make sure we buy enough electricity generated from a low-carbon nuclear source to match every unit of electricity we estimate our Blue customers use. EDF Energy is proud to power some of the largest companies in the UK, including sites for the Ministry of Defence, Tesco Stores Limited, Morrisons and Everything Everywhere, right here in the South West.