Hinkley Point C – Sir Keir Starmer visit

Altrad continues to play a vital role in the construction of Hinkley Point C, the new UK nuclear power plant located in Somerset, England, via the partnership with the Mechanical, Electrical, and HVAC (MEH) Alliance.

The site team were honoured to welcome Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Labour Party, to the Hinkley Point C project. During his visit, Sir Keir expressed his party’s support for UK nuclear power and stressed the importance of a streamlined planning process and continuous skills development. He toured the site and engaged with apprentices, workers, and union representatives. In a Q&A session, Sir Keir answered questions on various topics, ranging from energy and healthcare, to workers’ rights and equal opportunities. His visit highlighted the significance of nuclear power in the UK’s energy mix and recognised the vital role played by the workforce at Hinkley Point C.

To further support the project, we are proud to announce the completion of training for the second cohort of the Hinkley Site Operatives (HSOs) – mechanical silver operatives. This program, delivered by the Altrad Babcock Tipton training department at our mechanical centre of excellence in Cannington, Somerset, equips candidates with practical hand skills, fitting, and basic fabrication techniques. The HSO program not only provides employment opportunities for locals with limited experience, but also ensures the availability of skilled craftspeople for the project’s demanding technical requirements.