Supporting New Trainees into Careers

Hinkley Point C’s Young HPC careers development programme for 16-21 years is seeing the first results of a new supported traineeship for those with special educational needs (SEN).  Working with partners at Somerset County Council, Somerset Skills and Learning and the charity Discovery, the team have developed a 10-week programme that enables those with special educational needs to gain meaningful work experience. Developing their work ready skills as they prepare for an interview with an employer.

It’s proving to be the perfect start towards a bright future for those that may not yet have the appropriate skills or experience for employment or apprenticeships. This new traineeship is providing essential work preparation training, including support for english and maths development. It also provides direct links to work experience; part of the journey to work that’s vital but often hard to access for those with SEN.

6 individuals from the local area have joined the initial 10 week pilot of the traineeship which is being delivered in the newly opened Apprentice and Skills Hub, a space dedicated to giving everyone a safe learning environment to work on their skills.

BYLOR (a joint venture of Bouygues and Laing O’Rourke), HOST, G4S Facilities Management, Somerset Larder and EDF Energy have all offered work experience placements across a diverse number of roles including catering, facilities management, hospitality and administration. Somerset Passenger Solutions also delivered a bespoke travel training programme to help the trainees get over a major barrier to their future development.

Cora Heal, Early Skills Coordinator, said “My role is focussed on supporting young people into long term, sustainable careers no matter what their current skill base or experience level is. It is absolutely fantastic to see our supported traineeship come to fruition and I look forward to welcoming next year’s candidates in 2019.”

Liam Dale, Supported Trainee, said “I can’t believe I have been given the opportunity to train and work at HPC.  The site is spectacular - I’ve really enjoyed meeting people and potential employers, everyone has been really nice”.

Notes to editors

EDF Energy is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. This will provide low carbon electricity to meet 7% of UK demand. The project is already making a positive impact on the local and national economy, British industry, as well as boosting skills and education. EDF Energy also invests in a range of low carbon technologies including renewables and battery storage. It is applying research and development expertise to improve the performance of existing generation and developing the potential of new technologies.

The Supported Traineeship for those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is part of the Young HPC programme. For those aged between 16 and 21, it has been designed to give support, guidance and resources to help them take steps towards a dream career.

Registrations for the programme can be made online: https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/hinkley-point-c/for-teachers-students-and-educators/young-hpc