Sellafield Jobs Map pinpoints the site as an important catalyst for UK economic growth
This month marked the official unveiling of the Sellafield Jobs Map which brings to life the skills and employment opportunities that are being delivered to drive a safer environment for future generations at the Sellafield site in West Cumbria.
Launched at a webinar hosted by the Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, Tom Greatrex, the Map provides an in-depth analysis of the 58,000 jobs that the decommissioning and waste management site supports – covering those directly employed by Sellafield Ltd and indirectly via the supply chain.
Commenting on this during the webinar, Sellafield Ltd’s Head of People Capability, Andy Aston, said: “We don't just have employees at Sellafield that we are reliant on. Indeed, we are reliant out into the supply chain.”
Sellafield Ltd also makes a particularly strong contribution to employment in the local area with 10,843 jobs, 80% of whom live in Cumbria.
Much of this contribution to jobs, skills, and growth is underpinned by Sellafield Ltd’s social impact strategy – social impact, multiplied – which sees the business invest approximately £10 million a year in its local communities to achieve long-term, sustainable socio-economic outcomes.
Another key result this has had is the large number of apprentices and graduates in training at Sellafield Ltd, all of whom are playing a crucial role in the development of critical skills for the UK. Expanding on their impact during the webinar, Aston remarked that “underpinning” the strength of Sellafield’s workforce is the trainee pipeline, which includes 973 apprentices, 199 graduates and 41 industrial placements.
Shining a light on her own experiences during the session was third year electrical apprentice at Sellafield Ltd, Charlotte Chan:
“What I really enjoy the most about this apprenticeship is the people I work with. They are all really helpful and get me involved in on the job activities that allow me to apply the skills and knowledge I've gained over two years of training, and gain confidence in what I'm doing practically.
“I believe this apprenticeship is a good foundation for me and with Sellafield being such a large company, there are always opportunities to progress in the future. There are also opportunities for further training and education.”
Crucial to the success of Sellafield Ltd’s nuclear clean up mission is not just the number of people that comprise its workforce, but the range of positions available.
Aston explained that they range from more “traditional” engineering roles right through to nuclear safety specialists and even a dedicated fire service. With digital becoming ever more important, he also acknowledged requirements for “deep specialists” including cyber security, IT and AI professionals.
Other guest speakers during the session included Chief Executive Officer of the Workington based SME McMenon Engineering, Anand Puthran, and the Chief Executive of Cumbria’s Local Enterprise Partnership, Jo Lappin.
Puthran, who’s business exports worldwide to over 60 countries, spoke about his role leading an organisation within the Sellafield supply chain and his company’s diversification into the nuclear industry.
He said: “It’s fantastic that Sellafield have such a robust focus on training the next generation. Now we need to look at how organisations can help to sell Cumbria as a great place to work and live.
“The quality of life here needs no selling but many outside Cumbria aren’t aware of the career opportunities, full of innovation and creativity, in this region especially within new nuclear and the advanced manufacturing sectors.”
While acknowledging the need to address current challenges surrounding the local economy, Jo Lappin emphasised the contribution of Sellafield Ltd to the local area during her remarks and the “importance of the organisation to the nuclear family” saying:
“Sellafield is our largest employer in Cumbria and has helped anchor advanced manufacturing supply chain businesses here, with over 22% of our economic value coming from manufacturing. We also can’t forget the contribution that it makes to the strength of the sector in the wider northwest, which is currently home to over 40% of the UK’s nuclear skills. This skills and manufacturing supply chain offer is really important in attracting further investment to Cumbria.”
Commenting on the launch of the Sellafield Jobs Map, Gaenor Priest, Sellafield Ltd’s chief people officer, said:
“We’re immensely proud of the contribution we make to jobs, skills, and business growth. The Sellafield Jobs Map clearly demonstrates the value we create for our communities, our industry, and for the north-west and UK economies.
“Sellafield is a great place to work. The diversity of jobs our work supports is incredible. You can have a challenging and rewarding career across a huge range of disciplines and our people are recognised around the world for their expertise.”
Sellafield Ltd is part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group, and Jacq Longrigg, group head of leadership, skills & talent said: “Attracting and retaining talent is a key priority for the group.
“Ensuring that we have the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time is critical in enabling us to deliver our mission to clean-up the UK’s earliest nuclear sites safely, securely and cost effectively. This is one of a number of recruitment programmes being undertaken nationally and will support our people requirements in the short, medium and long term.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon said:
“The Sellafield Jobs Map is a testament to how a business can work towards a safer environment and support domestic energy production whilst extending the ladder of opportunity to local communities and people of all backgrounds.
“Our Skills Bootcamps and apprenticeships are backing the next generation of skilled workers, enabling people to step up into booming new green sectors with courses like apprenticeships for nuclear technicians and Skills Bootcamps in environmental sustainability in construction.”
For more information about Sellafield Ltd’s social impact activities and programmes, please click here.
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