On the 12th September, I was able to make a day trip to London to attend Nuclear Week in Parliament. NWiP is an event held every year to highlight to the government how beneficial the nuclear industry is to the UK. Throughout the week, various conferences and talks are held to discuss the range of opportunities and benefits provided by nuclear.
First and foremost, nuclear energy is essential to the UK’s energy security, we simply cannot currently survive without it. Nuclear currently makes up 15% of the UK’s energy mix, and with the construction of new nuclear plants, that percentage is set to rise. Nuclear provides reliable, clean energy and it needs to be embraced in order for Britain to achieve net zero.
However, the other benefit provided by nuclear is the fantastic career pathways. Currently, 77,000 people are employed in the civil nuclear industry, with that number rising at a 20% year-on-year increase. Included in this, is the range of apprenticeships and early careers programmes. Over 1,000 apprentices have now been trained at Hinkley Point C. These figures were a topic of high importance during NWiP as I attended the Apprenticeships and Skills Fair, hosted by Charlotte Nichols – MP for Warrington.
At the event, I got to meet other apprentices and leaders across the wider industry, it really opened my eyes to the range of different opportunities. So many company provide brilliant training schemes in all different subject areas. My own degree apprenticeship has been absolutely life-changing and I’m so pleased to have been able to share that story with others.
I think the parliamentary support was incredible. It’s great that our voices are being heard and that more people are now realising the value of apprentices. I really appreciate the the inclusion of an event that highlights this. Many MPs were in attendance and I was able to speak to a few of them to discuss my career journey and their thoughts on nuclear. One notable person in attendance was Lord Wigley, who continuously shows support for nuclear and apprenticeships.
It was great to see Richard Graham, my local MP in Gloucester, who came to have a chat. I appreciate the show of support for the nuclear industry in my local community.
It was lovely to catch up with my hometown’s MP, Mark Logan, who I last saw four years ago. It was nice to be able to share my progress and successes since secondary school.
Overall, it was a fantastic event and I’m incredibly proud to have represented EDF in Parliament, sharing my nuclear journey!