Jessica O'ConnorGreat British Energy – Nuclear (GBE–N) has marked International Youth Day 2025 with the launch of its early careers programme, welcoming its first cohort of graduates and apprentices into the business this September.
The initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of nuclear professionals, supporting youth-led innovation, clean energy growth and national security, and delivering on the UK’s Skills Plan.
The programme will be delivered in partnership with Energus, who will host the graduate programme through their long-running Nuclear Graduates scheme managed on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and Cogent Skills, who will support apprentices through flexi-job apprenticeship agency arrangements across the nuclear sector.
Vicki Dingwall, talent development lead at Great British Energy – Nuclear, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome our first cohort of graduates and apprentices this September.
“This is a key step in building a strong pipeline of talent for the future, and we look forward to supporting their growth and development within our business.
“We’re particularly pleased to work with two of the most reputable organisations – Energus and Cogent Skills. Energus has been delivering the hugely successful Nuclear Graduates programme since 2010, supporting the early careers pipeline for key organisations across the sector.
“Cogent Skills is supporting our apprenticeships under Flexi Job Apprenticeship Agency arrangements and has been supporting the nuclear sector as skills specialists in science and technology for many years.”
Nicola Bacon, head of people, skills and strategic partnerships at Energus, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Great British Energy – Nuclear to deliver its first Graduate Development Programme.
“Our Nuclear Graduates Scheme is an innovative and unique programme, giving Graduates exposure across the nuclear industry including placements within nuclear power generation and decommissioning which is tailored to the needs of the organisation and the graduate.
“This scheme will give the graduates the ability to grow as young professionals through a forward thinking, high-quality personal learning journey and Great British Energy – Nuclear will be investing in confident and well-rounded individuals who will be making a valuable contribution in the workplace.”
Nicholas Durrington, managing director at Cogent Skills, said: “This is an important milestone in helping the nuclear sector to futureproof its workforce.
“This important sector has a crucial role to play in driving economic growth and providing energy security – it’s vital that employers have the right skills, in the right places. I’m confident this cohort will be the first of many as all partners work together to bring new talent to the industry.”
Alys Gardner, head of skills and development strategy at Great British Energy – Nuclear, added: “We’re delighted to be working with both Energus and Cogent Skills to deliver this programme.
“These partnerships are a significant mechanism in helping us deliver our skills commitments and ensure we’re investing in the next generation of nuclear professionals.”
The launch coincides with International Youth Day 2025 on 12 August, which this year celebrates the theme “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future,” a global campaign that highlights the importance of youth-led innovation and leadership – values that underpin Great British Energy – Nuclear’s early careers strategy.
