With many power stations nearing the end of their lives, coal increasingly being thought of as unclean fuel and gas and oil reserves in decline, the UK is facing a real danger of power loss. Although a lot of focus has been put on wind power in recent years this is a notoriously unreliable form of power. Due to this nuclear power is becoming a popular option in the UK’s future.
What Does This Mean?
Although currently the government is not financing plans for nuclear power plants it is developing frameworks and policies to allow them to go ahead. The government is encouraging private companies to construct the next generation of power plants and to this date almost £40 billion has been invested. The construction of these plants is expected to begin within the next two years and with this will come an increase in construction related jobs.
How to Apply
Before you even think about applying for a construction job, the best option is to take and pass the Health Safety Test. Passing the health, safety & environment test will enable you to apply for a CSCS card. This is so important because now over 80% of companies will only employ people who are in possession of this card. A CSCS card shows your future employer that you are well aware of health and safety requirements in the workplace.
The next step is to source out the companies who will be involved in the construction of the nuclear power plants. The new plants are currently planned to be built close by to existing power stations as these are already connected to the national grid and have a large enough water supply for cooling. You should start by looking in these areas and apply for jobs with the specific companies.
Nuclear Power Plant Construction
It is thought that many construction companies will be optimistic about getting involved with the construction of these facilities due to the chance of further contracts for many years to come.
With around 80% of the building work thought to be non nuclear specific, most jobs can be handled in a similar way to any other construction project.
Nuclear power plant construction is an ideal sector of the construction industry for new construction workers with CSCS cards to get involved in. The UK is recognised internationally for its previous power plant building work, and with further construction set to take place the UK may once again be the power plant building leaders. The opportunities of construction jobs abroad in this niche are expected to increase with UK workers expected to be widely sought after in the not too distant future.