Laura St Juste Kidd, Author at Nuclear Careers

Future Talent: Women in Construction

Unlocking an Overlooked Talent Pool: Women in Construction & What Nuclear Can Learn 💡

As the construction sector accelerates efforts to diversify its workforce, the nuclear industry stands to benefit from similar strategies. Two recent initiatives highlight ways to systematically empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields—and their lessons are directly transferable to nuclear careers.

1. Women in Construction: The Power Within Training

Founded by Michaela Wain, Enas Fleming, and James Fleming, this UK initiative offers leadership and mindset development tailored for women entering and advancing in construction.

Leadership training through Motivational Intelligence (MQ): The program equips women with communication, resilience, and self-belief skills—key for navigating workplace biases.
Holistic development community: A supportive space combining free webinars, eBooks, and workshops creates a network of peers and mentors.
Proven impact: Participants are rising into leadership roles, leading cultural initiatives, and being promoted faster than industry averages.

2. Industry Push to Retain Women Apprentices

Data from the Construction & Industry Training Board reveals a 65% surge in women starting apprenticeships over five years; completion rates have more than doubled, from ~340 to 930 annually.

Despite this progress, women still occupy just 1% of site-based roles—underscoring the need for retention strategies.
Major drivers of early exits include lack of support, poor workplace culture, and few visible role models.
Programs blending technical skills with emotional resilience training, and creating mentorship structures, have shown measurable success: more women complete apprenticeships and take leadership roles.

Sources: [women-in-c…tion.co.uk], [waterpower…gazine.com]

What Nuclear Can Learn & Implement

🛠️ 1. Combine Technical Training with Mindset Development

Like construction, early-career nuclear roles (e.g., apprenticeships, engineering cadets) benefit when enriched with MQ-style workshops on communication and confidence.

👥 2. Build Supportive Communities

Create mentorship networks and peer groups, promoting belonging and shared guidance. Nuclear apprentices or junior staff mentoring each other and collaborating with senior women builds long-term retention.

🚀 3. Champion and Showcase Leadership Role Models

Promote successful women in nuclear operations, engineering, regulation, and leadership, amplifying diverse voices to inspire incoming talent—especially at site or operational levels.

⚖️ 4. Embed Equity in Culture

Tackle structural barriers: ensure equitable pay, flexible working, inclusive culture training, and safe grievance channels. This makes commitment to diversity more than just a tick box.

📈 5. Track Impact through Data

Monitor hires, retention, progression, and workplace satisfaction by gender. Use results to refine programs and demonstrate ROI—mirroring the proof-backed benefits construction is seeing.

Framatome’s Accident Tolerant Fuel Assembly

The first of its kind lead fuel assembly to operate in a commercial reactor has just completed four-years at Constellation Energy’s Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in Maryland.

“The performance of our technology continues to demonstrate the expertise of our people to develop safe, cost-effective solutions for our customers and our industry,” said Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. “The Constellation team has been instrumental in helping us reach this milestone, leading the industry integrating accident tolerant fuel characteristics into their operations.”

“This public-private partnership is helping to drive the fulfilment of national power demands and executive orders issued by President Trump,” said Frank Goldner, the federal program manager for the Accident Tolerant Fuel Program. “This fuel assembly will continue operating under commercial conditions, providing crucial data to support the nation’s energy objectives.”

These fuel tests are aimed at leading towards more economical and performance improvements with the aim being widespread commercial use by 2030.

Sources: https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/framatome-advanced-fuel-assembly-completes-second-fuel-cycle

Picture: Framatome

Rebuilding Iran’s Nuclear Programme

The plan for Iran is to build eight new nuclear units in cooperation with Russia and supported by China. Iranian President Masoud Pezeskhian has talked about Iran’s need to produce medical technology, healthcare, and radiopharmaceutical products.

Pezeshkian said: “For our country, embracing advanced technologies and entering global competition is vital. Arrogant powers seek to deprive independent nations, including Iran, of access to modern technologies, keeping them dependent while they produce and sell medicines at exorbitant prices.

“Our products’ quality, effectiveness and affordability will make Iran a leader in this field,” he said, adding that the assassinations targeting Iranian scientists stem from the concern of major powers over Iran’s scientific and technological independence.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are barred from entering Iran and are also not allowed to monitor nuclear sites with cameras.

Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi said,

“We have no desire to hold direct negotiations with Washington, but an agreement can be achieved through indirect negotiations,” he stated.

He emphasised the peaceful intent of Iran’s nuclear activities, but insisted that uranium enrichment will continue, arguing that external pressure or conflict would not force Tehran to abandon its nuclear advancements. “What could not be achieved by war cannot be achieved through politics.”

US President Donald Trump previously warned that if Iran’s facilities resume operations, he could order new strikes. “If Tehran does not pursue peace – future strikes will be far more extensive,” he said.

Picture: Mehr News Agency, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

U.S. Disappointed with Rolls-Royce Build in Wales

As news of the first British site for Rolls-Royce SMR was announced, plenty of people celebrated while the U.S. was left disappointed by the decision.

We posted yesterday about this news, and although we want a strong bond between the UK and the U.S., British nuclear needs to plant its foot on home ground. We see no reason why other sites cannot be found elsewhere for future new builds; however, the site at Anglesey was something Westinghouse had their sights on.

The U.S. are interested in larger-scale nuclear projects, and utilising Westinghouse is seen as a faster, cheaper and already approved way to get cleaner, more affordable energy to the UK.

The AP300 leverages proven AP1000 tech for regulatory ease, offers simplified design for lower cost and faster construction with proven passive safety systems (gravity-fed cooling, natural circulation).

While everyone has their wants and needs over energy management and the nuclear future in Britian, we would do well to keep U.S.-UK relations strong, but really, only time will tell what’s next.

One thing’s for sure; a focus on skills and talent is going to be crucial. Britain has many nuclear and energy related infrastructure projects on-going and, in the future plans, the competition for top talent is rife and it’s only going to increase.

For those wanting to truly get ahead, we must address the skills gap at mid-career and look to succession plan up to the executive level. The sharing of expert knowledge and experience is crucial while transitioning talent into civil nuclear and energy. If we are to meet demand, we have to take our recruitment strategies seriously.

Picture: Getty Images

Rolls-Royce SMR lands in North Wales

Fantastic news today for British nuclear and the immediate region in Anglesey. We recently had a trip to the area and the boost this will have on local skills, and the economy is going to be life changing.

Supporting ~3000 jobs and billions of pounds of investment over the coming decade; this is set to support a generation of young people.

Touted as the golden age of nuclear, North Wales is on the map for many different reasons and the first of its kind nuclear is the newest.

Critical rail upgrades and manufacturing are just two of the areas that will feel the £2.5 billion investment, and this will further enhance British nuclear security, sustainability, and is a vital part of our modern industrial strategy.

Simon Bowen, Chair of Great British Energy-Nuclear, added:

“This is a historic moment for the UK and is another momentous step in realising Britain’s potential in leading the way on nuclear energy.

“These first SMRs at Wylfa will lay the groundwork for a fleet-based approach to nuclear development, strengthening the UK’s energy independence and bringing long-term investment to the local economy.

“Wylfa has a proud history of nuclear excellence, and we’re excited to build on that foundation to deliver jobs, training, and low-carbon energy for generations to come.”

Chris Cholerton, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said:

“We are honoured to have the opportunity to establish our UK fleet programme with an initial three units at the Wylfa site. Today’s announcement marks the first step in what will be a 100-year commitment to clean energy, innovation, and community partnership at Wylfa.

“This is a tremendous opportunity not just for North Wales but for the whole country, as we establish an enduring supply chain that will enable our fleet deployment in the UK and a large export programme, starting in Czechia.

“We will deliver nuclear power very differently by utilising modularisation and a high level of factory build, therefore minimising the impact on local people from infrastructure delivery. We are excited to be working with the local community to create jobs and growth.”

The Prime Minister said:

“Britain was once a world-leader in nuclear power, but years of neglect and inertia has meant places like Anglesey have been let down and left behind.

“Today, that changes. We’re using all the tools in our armoury – cutting red tape, changing planning laws, and backing growth – to deliver the country’s first SMR in North Wales.

“This government isn’t just reversing decline, it’s delivering thousands of future-proofed jobs, driving billions in investment, and providing cheaper energy bills in the long term.

“That’s national renewal in action: powered by British talent, powered by nuclear, and powered by a government that’s delivering for working people.”

Picture: gov.uk

EIB Invests in Finland’s Olkiluoto Nuclear Power Plant

Two nuclear power plants will get an upgrade for reactor 1 & 2 with a €90 million backing from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Finnish energy supplier Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) will receive the funding which they will implement into a multi-year timeline.

The upgrades are required under Finnish and EU safety legislation to ensure continued safe and efficient operation.

“By supporting safety upgrades at Olkiluoto, we are helping Finland strengthen its energy mix with reliable, low-carbon power,” said EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer. “This investment supports Finland’s energy independence and contributes to the EU’s goals of ensuring secure and clean electricity for homes and businesses.”

Olkiluoto is the construction site for the world’s first final nuclear waste disposal facility, and it also produces 28% of Finland’s electricity needs.

Picture: TVO

Iowa’s Nuclear Power Plant Facility

There is a planned restart of Iowa’s only nuclear plant, the Duane Arnold Energy Center (Duane Arnold), with operations resuming sometime in 2029.

Google have signed a new agreement with NextEra Energy to meet the growing demand for AI infrastructure.

This is an exciting move for U.S. nuclear leadership and security while achieving clean, reliable energy via nuclear.

The restarting of the plant will encourage improved growth in the American economy (more than $9 billion) by increasing job opportunities (over 2000 direct/indirect/highly skilled), allowing scientific advancements, improving health & education prospects, and enhancing security.

NextEra Energy will take a 100% ownership in the plant as they are acquiring Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) and Corn Belt Power Cooperative’s 30% commitment, in an agreement that matches Google’s.

Due to this agreement Google and NextEra Energy are also exploring developing new generation nuclear across the U.S.

NextEra Energy is one of the leading electricity providers to homes and businesses and is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America.

Read the full story; https://newsroom.nexteraenergy.com/NextEra-Energy-and-Google-Announce-New-Collaboration-to-Accelerate-Nuclear-Energy-Deployment-in-the-U-S?l=12

Picture: NextEra Energy (Duane Arnold)

Kansai Electric to Restart 44-year-old Reactor

A next generation reactor plan is underway by Kansai Electric Power to restart the 44-year-old Mihama reactor based in Fukui Prefecture, 300-miles west of Tokyo.

The site survey has begun analysing geological conditions to determine the feasibility of constructing a new power plant. Materials and equipment have been transported to the areas.

The survey will continue until circa 2030 with several stages: a boring survey, field examinations, collecting rock samples, and excavating tunnels.

Pictures: Kansai Electrical Power/Mihama Power Plant

New York’s New Nuclear Construction Plans

Upstate New York is to gain its first new nuclear plant in a generation.

It’s clear that New York will benefit from utilising advanced nuclear technology; generating thousands of union jobs, enhancing security, lowering emissions, and ensuring reliability to the growing grid.

Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to start developing and constructing an advanced new nuclear power plant to support a reliable & affordable electric grid.

“As New York State electrifies its economy, deactivates aging fossil fuel power generation and continues to attract large manufacturers that create good-paying jobs, we must embrace an energy policy of abundance that centers on energy independence and supply chain security to ensure New York controls its energy future,” Governor Hochul said. “This is the second time during my administration that I am calling on the New York Power Authority to lead a critical energy initiative, and just as it is doing with the expedited buildout of renewable energy and transmission, it will now safely and rapidly deploy clean, reliable nuclear power for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

Full article; https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-directs-new-york-power-authority-develop-zero-emission-advanced-nuclear-energy

Picture: https://www.governor.ny.gov

Sizewell C Financial Closure

SZC becomes the first power plant to be funded by the UK’s Regulated Asset Based (RAB) model and is a debt raised financing of £5 billion.

Due to the company’s robust financial structure and being able to replicate the process at Hinkley Point C, the project was able to prove it could reduce cost & timelines hence gaining strong credit ratings from multiple agencies.

Once the site is operational it could create savings of £2 billion per year, leading to cheaper prices for consumers and utilising a low-carbon electricity system.

The project should lead to over 10,000 skilled, British job opportunities with thousands more within the supply chain and creating ~ 1,500 apprenticeships.

Importantly, SZC will supply 6 million homes with home-grown clean energy for 60 years+. The British economy is set to see a huge boost and an increase in energy security.

Sizewell C’s Joint-Managing Directors, Julia Pyke and Nigel Cann, said:

“Sizewell C is a transformative project for Britain’s energy future, delivering reliable low-carbon power, tens of thousands of jobs, and a major boost to the UK economy.”

“In Sizewell C the UK has pioneered a model for financing new build nuclear which works for both consumers and private investors and has attracted considerable interest from other countries with nuclear power development plans.”

Full story here; https://www.sizewellc.com/news-views/sizewell-c-reaches-financial-close-with-5-billion-export-credit-backed-debt-raise-and-strong-investment-grade-credit-rating/

Picture: SZC

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Author: Laura St Juste Kidd

Future Talent: Women in Construction

Unlocking an Overlooked Talent Pool: Women in Construction & What Nuclear Can Learn 💡

1. Women in Construction: The Power Within Training