CONSTRUCTION of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station has helped thousands of people to gain new skills and find higher paid jobs, a new report has shown.

Hinkley Point C’s 2024 Socio-Economic Impact Report highlighted ‘the power of green investment to improve the lives and prospects of people and businesses locally, across Somerset, and beyond’.

The report showed the project was boosting the local economy and helping it beat the national trend of low growth, poor productivity, and limited social mobility.

Figures showed almost one-third of those trained in Hinkley Point C’s new ‘Centres of Excellence’ for welding, electrical, mechanical, and construction skills came from officially recognised deprived areas.

The centres, operated by the project’s key partner for skills, Bridgwater and Taunton College, have been training workers for the next phase of the project and are part of a £24 million investment in education and skills.

Most of the 8,000 people who have been through the training centres came from across the Westcountry and South Wales, from Minehead to Pontypridd.

Over their lifetimes the centres will offer 30,000 places, including 4,500 in the next 12 months.

The project has to date also trained 1,320 apprentices in a wide range of skills, including hospitality, accountancy, project management, and surveying.

Hinkley Point C has become a catalyst for long-term growth, leaving a legacy of a more skilled and productive workforce giving the Somerset economy a competitive edge.

The nuclear power station itself will provide 900 permanent jobs for at least 60 years.

The Sedgemoor area has seen a growth in the number of small and medium sized companies which is 10 times greater than anywhere else in the Westcountry, with 10 new companies employing 250 to 500 people since 2011.

The report said £5.3 billion had now been spent directly with businesses across the region.

The project was also providing an opportunity for young people to stay and thrive in West Somerset, an area with a history of low social mobility and an ageing population.

There had been a 25 per cent growth in younger age groups (25 to 39 years) in the Sedgemoor area since the project began.

Hinkley Point C managing director Stuart Crooks said: “As a former apprentice, I know that giving people the chance to learn new skills can change lives and communities for the better.

“This report shows our big investment in net zero nuclear electricity is playing a vital role in tackling problems of low growth, poor productivity, and inequality.

“Our investment is a 100-year commitment to the area.

“I am pleased we are making a difference and I am determined that our social impact will endure for many years to come.”

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Hinkley Point C will not only bring clean, reliable power to six million homes across the UK but it is also levelling up the South West.

“Thousands of young people from the most deprived areas are being given well-paid jobs, helping to deliver UK energy independence.”