Douglas Alexander MP has visited Torness power station to discuss some of the latest developments at the site with the management team and chat to staff and apprentices about their work.
Mr Alexander also met with officers from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), the unique armed police force trained to College of Policing standards, who protect Torness and other nuclear sites around the UK.
The station’s owners, EDF, will be recruiting new engineering maintenance apprentices at Torness from the end of this year, offering fresh opportunities for young people in East Lothian to begin a career in the industry.
Douglas Alexander MP said:
“This was my second visit to Torness, but the first since I was elected the MP for this constituency in July. Following my first visit I promised that, if elected, I would come back as soon as possible after the election and was delighted to honour that commitment.
“As well as catching up with the station’s management and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) officers who protect the site, I also welcomed the opportunity to visit the maintenance workshop and chat to some of the station’s apprentices and other workers there.
“Their pride and passion for working in the nuclear industry was very clear and highlighted again the very high calibre of staff working at Torness. EDF will be recruiting more apprentices early next year and I agreed to help promote this excellent opportunity to local young people who are considering a career in science and engineering.
“Torness remains critical in terms of the zero-carbon electricity it continues to generate for Scotland and the high-skilled jobs and apprenticeships it provides for the local economy. I support the station’s dedicated workforce, and the significant contribution their work makes to meeting Scotland’s energy needs, and hope that the site can continue to be utilised effectively to the benefit of our local community and our national economy for many years to come.”
Paul Forrest, Station Director at Torness, said:
“We were delighted to welcome Douglas to site and to talk to him about what we do at Torness, including the opportunities for those looking to start in a career in the industry. Our apprenticeship scheme is industry leading, and I hope to see interest from a range of young people, with enquiring minds and a love of problem solving, once applications open at the end of the year.”
Applications for the apprentice programme open on 27 December 2024 and can be made through the EDF Energy careers website at www.edfenergy.com/careers/