Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to support the development of regional nuclear skills pipelines in areas hosting nuclear new-build projects.

The Department is supporting delivery of the Nuclear Skills Plan, including through Nuclear Skills Hubs which tailor national initiatives to meet regional needs.

Nuclear Skills Hubs have been established in the North West, the South West, the Midlands and Scotland.

Last week (13 March 2026) the government announced a £65.6m investment to train over 500 doctoral students at universities across the country over 4 cohorts starting next academic year, quadrupling today’s intake.

Individual projects are making important contributions to local and national skills bases. Sizewell C has plans to create 1500 apprentices during construction – including 540 from the local area – and to build a new College on the Coast in Leiston. EDF reports that Hinkley Point C has trained 1700 apprentices to date, with the majority of these coming from the South West, and has invested £24m in education, skills and employment.