Inspiring the next generation

How Hinkley Point C is empowering Somerset’s young people.

Hinkley Point C is engaging with local schools to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from an early age.

James Mansfield, Education Visit Coordinator, organises and supports local school visits to site, and visits local primary schools to deliver workshops and talks. These involve designing, building and testing small-scale replicas of some of the equipment used at Hinkley Point C. 

James said: “Engaging with schools is hugely rewarding. It’s always fantastic fun for everyone involved – staff and pupils alike – and it’s great to help people understand where their electricity comes from and how nuclear power works.

“On a day-to-day basis, I’ll start with some planning. Then I might host a school group in the Visitor Centre in Cannington and talk to them about what we’re doing here, before they go on their site tour. I also read the feedback from previous visits to see what we can do to make the next one even better.

“Familiarising people with what we’re doing and how we work helps to reassure them and dispel any potential myths around nuclear. Providing this reassurance to young people encourages positive and well-informed conversations.”

Opportunities and visits

Education visits

Education visits to Hinkley Point C involve a coach tour of the site, a presentation tailored to the students’ education level and interests, and a chance to interact with the displays, games and activities at the Visitor Centre.

Parents are welcome to encourage the teachers of their children to reach out to the HPC Visits Team to book a tour, or they can send the details of their child’s school across to the HPC Visits team, who can reach to the school directly to offer them a visit.

If you are interested in booking an education visit, email hinkleypointtours@nnb-edfenergy.com.

 Young HPC

With more than 1,100 members and counting, the Young HPC programme is a great first step for anyone in year 10 or above who may be interested in an apprenticeship or job role at Hinkley Point C.

This free programme for under-21s provides individuals with opportunities, exclusive workshops and careers resources, helping them with everything from writing CVs to interview techniques and new apprenticeship alerts at Hinkley Point C.

If you know someone who is under 21 and interested in STEM careers or apprenticeships, email younghpc@nnb-edfenergy.com.

On-the-job learning

T Level student Ethan Thraves talks about his recent experiences while on placement with the MEH Alliance, the company responsible for fitting out the power station with cables, pipes and other equipment.

Hi Ethan! Tell us a bit about yourself.

“I am 18 years old. I’m originally from Bridgwater but I moved to Dartmouth about 10 years ago and now attend South Devon College.”

What drew you to Hinkley Point C?

“I'd heard lots of good things about Hinkley Point C from people that I know and from the news, so it sounded like an interesting project to get involved with.”

What was your first impression of the site?

“It’s very impressive! Complex, but interesting. I was taken round and introduced to the team, and everyone was really friendly.”

How did you find the T Level course?

“I joined a mechanical team at Cannington and enjoyed learning at the Mechanical Centre of Excellence. I also spent some time with the electrical team on-site – working with the heavy cables was hard but rewarding – and tried welding for the first time at college. In my fourth and final week I was with the surveyors learning about how they set up equipment and calibrate tools.”

Did the work experience make you think more about your interests and future plans?

“I always knew I wanted to do something hands-on. I’ve found that I’m definitely interested in mechanical work, but I wouldn’t mind exploring the electrical aspects further, too.”