The nuclear power industry is launching an effort to double its workforce amid government support

CHANCELLOR Jeremy Hunt backed nuclear power in his Budget as a solution to rising energy costs.

He revealed plans to introduce cutting-edge technology called Small Modular Reactors, which will quadruple production and are expected to be operational in the 2030s.

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But to make this possible, the industry needs thousands of additional workers.

That’s why the industry has launched an effort to double the civilian and defense nuclear workforce in 20 years.

Called Destination Nuclear, it will support an additional 80,000 skilled jobs in energy roles and defense personnel to work on the Aukus nuclear submarine partnership involving Australia, Britain and America.

The campaign will initially target career changers with transferable skills they can immediately deploy in the sector, and will eventually offer apprenticeships.

Boss Lynne Matthews said: “Destination Nuclear will help showcase the wealth of opportunities the sector has to offer.

“It will help a wider group of people discover and embark on careers that are challenging, rewarding and sustainable.”

More information at Destinationnuclear.com.

Jobs are available from leading companies and organizations including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, the Royal Navy and the National Nuclear Laboratory.

Emily Farley worked as a manager in the hospitality industry for twelve years, but moved to the nuclear sector to find a better work-life balance.

The 30-year-old, from Warrington, Cheshire, is now a project manager at reactor specialist Jacobs.

She said: “I had transferable skills such as managing people, budgets and risk that enabled me to make the transition. Attending Jacobs’ New To Nuclear training academy has supported my transition into the nuclear sector.

“Since then I have worked on decommissioning projects at the Sellafield and Dounreay nuclear sites, for the team that keeps nuclear submarines operating safely and on a project developing a robotic system for welding lids on containers of radioactive waste.”

Andrew Bowie, Minister for Nuclear Energy, said: “Nuclear energy offers fantastic career opportunities and we want people of all ages to consider joining a key industry of the future.”

How you can help during Ramadan

With Ramadan starting this week, many UK businesses will be supporting Muslim staff in observing the daytime fast in the religious month.

Jim Moore, from HR consultant Hamilton Nash, says: “Most of our holidays revolve around Christian traditions and festivals, which is not very inclusive.

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“Employers need to think more about the needs of a diverse workforce.”

Here, employee relations expert Jim above explains how you can help.

1. During Ramadan, leave requests may be higher, and because Easter falls in the same period, more employees may take time off than normal.

Bosses should plan ahead and encourage staff to submit leave requests early and grant them on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Ramadan involves fasting and can be physically and mentally challenging, so be flexible with work patterns.

This will send an important signal to employees of different ethnicities and religions.

3. Fasting can also affect an individual’s productivity or morale, so make sure any dips in performance are not related to that before beginning a performance management process.

4. Consider offering flexibility around breaks to meet prayer needs or to counteract the effects of fasting.

5. As a religious group, Muslims are protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Employers must ensure that they do not discriminate against those who celebrate Ramadan.

OCTOPUS LEG-UP

ENERGY giant Octopus is recruiting 4,000 staff to help roll out clean energy technology across the country.

Jobs include heat pump engineers, solar and EV charger installers, delivery drivers and operations staff.

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To speed up the process, Octopus organizes a series of OctoPalooza job festivals, where successful employees are hired the same day.

The family-friendly rental events also offer free food, drinks and activities for children.

John Szymik, CEO of Octopus Energy Services, said: “We have been thinking creatively to speed up the process.”

To see octopus.energy/oes-career.

PITCH IN WITH ADS

SCORE a start in advertising with a challenge called The Pitch.

Youth employment specialist YourGamePlan and media agency Goodstuff have launched the competition for students to come up with a media and creative concept for JD Sports’ 2024 Christmas campaign.

The winners will be invited to their offices to become part of the JD marketing team and learn how to create campaigns for the retailer.

They will also each receive a £100 JD voucher.

Danny Heath, founder of YourGamePlan, said: “This partnership breaks down barriers and eliminates nepotism in internships.”

To see yourgameplan.co.uk/the-pitch.