EDF Expands National Apprenticeship Programme to Support Clean Energy Skills Across Nuclear and Renewables

EDF Expands National Apprenticeship Programme to Support Clean Energy Skills Across Nuclear and Renewables

(IN BRIEF) EDF Energy is continuing to invest heavily in apprenticeships and early careers programmes to help build the skilled workforce needed for Britain’s clean energy transition. Hinkley Point C has trained over 1,700 apprentices and supported nearly 1,000 people through a 16-week training scheme, while Sizewell C plans to recruit 1,500 apprentices during construction. More than 200 apprentices are currently working across EDF’s operational nuclear fleet, and over 500 individuals are enrolled in early careers programmes company-wide. The 2026 intake will span nuclear, renewables and corporate roles. Through partnerships such as upReach and continued site-based training, EDF is positioning apprenticeships as a key pathway to long-term employment, social mobility and the development of critical low-carbon skills.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 13-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — EDF Energy is continuing to expand its national apprenticeship, graduate and industrial placement programmes as part of its long-term commitment to building the skilled workforce required for Britain’s clean energy transition.

At Hinkley Point C in Somerset, more than 1,700 apprentices have now been trained, exceeding the original target of 1,000 and creating sustained career pathways across more than 70 specialist disciplines. In addition, nearly 1,000 individuals have participated in a 16-week pre-employment training programme linked to the project, with over half securing roles on site.

At Sizewell C in Suffolk, in which EDF holds a 12.5% stake, the project plans to recruit 1,500 apprentices over the course of construction, including 540 from the local area. The site recently welcomed its 100th apprentice. Across EDF’s existing nuclear fleet, more than 200 apprentices are currently working at operational stations including Torness Nuclear Power Station, Heysham Nuclear Power Station and Sizewell B.

EDF currently supports over 500 individuals across its early careers programmes, including apprentices, graduates and industrial placement students. The 2026 intake will cover a wide spectrum of roles across nuclear operations, new nuclear development, renewables and corporate functions such as HR, business and chemistry, reflecting the breadth of expertise required in the energy and construction sectors.

The company’s investment comes at a time when millions of workers are expected to require reskilling to meet evolving industry demands, while many young people remain outside employment, education or training. Apprenticeships are positioned as a key route to delivering practical experience and long-term employability.

The impact of the programmes is reflected in the experience of apprentices such as Amy, an Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice at Heysham 2 power station in Morecambe. After completing a Level 3 qualification in Engineering at Bridgwater & Taunton College, she is now working toward a Higher National Certificate while gaining hands-on experience at a live nuclear site. She highlighted the practical learning, structured mentorship and career development opportunities available through the programme.

Carol McArthur, Chief People Officer at EDF UK, emphasised that developing high-quality careers is central to securing the country’s low-carbon future. She noted that apprenticeships provide accessible pathways into sectors ranging from engineering and nuclear operations to cybersecurity and project management.

Beyond its core training initiatives, EDF is also supporting the transition of apprentices as sites such as Hunterston B and Hinkley Point B move into new operational phases under Nuclear Restoration Services. In parallel, EDF has partnered with upReach to promote social mobility by reserving graduate roles and industrial placements for undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds. For the 2026 intake, 16 upReach participants have secured positions within EDF’s Nuclear Graduate Scheme and Nuclear Services placements.

Through sustained investment in apprenticeships and early careers development, EDF aims to cultivate the technical, operational and professional expertise required to deliver the UK’s expanding clean energy infrastructure and support long-term energy security.

Find out more about EDF apprenticeships and see our list of opportunities.

About EDF

Media Contact:

email: media@edfenergy.com

SOURCE: EDF