Mission
Working in partnership to drive world-class technical education
Provide employers with the skills that they need to succeed, now and in the future
Provide learners with an outstanding technical education and a full career relationship with HE and FE
Enable the South West to become one of the world’s leading regions for the digital, engineering and manufacturing technologies
As employers
tackle employers’ current skills gaps and anticipate their future skills needs, drawing on applied research
enable employers to attract, develop, retain and retrain local talent, reducing the need to recruit from outside of the region
provide industry standard, specialist training facilities locally, reducing the need to train outside of the region
put in place learning provision that is tailored to the needs of employers, more quickly
enable the existing workforce to retrain and upskill, as well as attracting new entrants to the digital, engineering and manufacturing sectors
provide strategic leadership across STEM provision and initiatives in the South West, making them more coherent and easier to navigate
enable academic learning to be based on contemporary industrial needs and kept future focussed
About Us
At Hinkley Point C we're building two new nuclear reactors, the first in a new generation of nuclear power stations in Britain providing zero-carbon electricity for around six million homes.
Hinkley Point C is demonstrating the power of new nuclear in driving growth - generating thousands of jobs and a £13 billion pound boost for the British economy.
The construction of Hinkley Point C is delivering far more benefit than the secure low-carbon electricity it will produce. The project continues to represent a unique opportunity for sustainable growth in a region facing educational, social and economic challenges.
Aligned to Britain’s emerging Industrial Strategy, Hinkley Point C is tackling the barriers to growth head-on. The development of a skilled workforce and the support for the supply chain is creating the right conditions for increased investment, high-quality jobs and in-turn significant beneficial impacts for the local community.
The need for technology at Hinkley Point C
Hinkley Point C stands as one of Europe’s most complex infrastructure projects, and its development highlights an urgent need for a wide range of engineering and technology skills. To support the construction and future operation of its European Pressurized Reactors, the project requires expertise in areas such as civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Beyond these core technical disciplines, there is a sustained demand for professionals in quality assurance, project management, and specialised nuclear technology, all of which are vital for delivering a power station designed to generate consistent, low-carbon electricity for sixty years.
To bridge the significant skills gap left by an ageing workforce and the long hiatus in UK nuclear development, the project has made substantial investments in education and training. By establishing dedicated facilities like the Construction Skills and Innovation Centre and various Centres of Excellence, the initiative provides thousands of training opportunities and apprenticeships. These programmes ensure that the local and national workforce develops the precise technical competencies needed to operate safely and efficiently, creating a lasting legacy of advanced engineering and technological capability that will benefit the UK energy sector for generations to come.
Investing in SWIoT:
This partnership is part of a broader commitment to building local capacity and driving economic development in the region. Working with institutions like SWIOT enables the project to foster a pipeline of talent equipped with the specialised skills needed for complex infrastructure, such as those required for the Welding Centre of Excellence.
This investment ensures that the region retains a lasting legacy of advanced technical capability, helping to modernise the workforce and support the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy.
Working at Hinkley Point C:
Working at Hinkley Point C offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a pioneering infrastructure project while collaborating with some of the world’s leading nuclear experts. The environment is described as a "culture of challenge" where diverse perspectives are actively encouraged, and professionals are empowered to solve complex problems that have never been encountered before. Whether in desk-based administrative roles or site-based engineering positions, employees are part of a unified team that works together to build a future for sustainable, low-carbon energy in the UK.
The project places a strong emphasis on the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff through comprehensive support structures. Employees have access to a range of benefits including career development courses, wellness programmes, and dedicated on-site facilities such as gyms, clinics, and welfare areas.
This commitment to an inclusive and supportive workplace ensures that individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, with specific networks and mentoring programmes in place to help people thrive throughout their time on the project. Beyond the professional challenges, the site is situated in a stunning region of the UK known for its high quality of life.
The project encourages a healthy work-life balance, allowing staff to blend their careers with personal interests effectively. Furthermore, a vibrant social calendar provides ample opportunities for colleagues from across the various partner organisations to connect and build relationships, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the day-to-day demands of construction and operation.