Apprentices Begin Journey to Power Gwyndod’s Nuclear Future
The first cohort of Rolls-Royce SMR apprentices based on Ynys Môn, close to the future Gwyndod station, has officially started its nuclear journey, marking an important milestone in building the skills needed to deliver the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) programme.
Ten local apprentices have joined the Rolls-Royce SMR Safety and Regulatory Affairs team at a pivotal time for the organisation as it begins delivering three units at the Gwyndod site, under a contract signed with Great British Energy - Nuclear earlier this year.
Based at Coleg Menai in Llangefni, the apprentices will benefit from Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s industry-standard facilities and expert teaching. They will support safety and regulatory standards and compliance across the SMR programme as well as playing an important role in transforming the way nuclear projects are delivered through proven nuclear technology, modularisation and a ‘factory-built’ approach.
Leading some of the new cohort is Tommy Evans, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Internal Hazards Engineer and a former apprentice on the Horizon Wylfa Newydd project.
"Having started my own journey as an apprentice locally, I know firsthand how vital real opportunities are for this region," he said. "Developing talent right here on Ynys Môn gives these ambitious individuals a direct path into lifelong, highly skilled careers. By gaining hands-on experience in nuclear safety, risk management, and regulatory approval, they will directly support our wider clean-energy plans while keeping North Wales at the heart of the new nuclear era."
Backed by a Level 3 Engineering Qualification, the apprentices will complete 12 months of full-time study in Llangefni before applying their learning through hands-on experience across the SMR programme.
Aled Jones-Griffith, Chief Executive Officer, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, said: "Welcoming this first cohort of Rolls-Royce SMR apprentices to Coleg Menai is an exciting milestone for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and a clear sign of the Grŵp's readiness to ensure that an appropriately skilled and qualified workforce is available locally to meet the demand and to support the successful development of Gwyndod.
“By combining world-class technical education in Llangefni with hands-on experience on the SMR programme, we are giving local young people a direct pathway into high-skilled careers right on their doorstep. Helping our local communities gain the expertise needed to power major projects like Gwyndod is at the heart of our approach, and we look forward to supporting these apprentices as they begin their journey."
Cameron joined after completing his first year of A-Levels and is following in family footsteps as his father already works at the Wylfa site. He said: “It’s a really great opportunity and I’m excited to see what the project brings to the island. Being able to follow in my Dad’s footsteps and be part of this opportunity is amazing.”
Katie, previously a Leisure Manager in Llanrwst, sees the scheme as a fresh start: “We don’t get many opportunities like this around here, so it’s good that they’ve brought something new to the island and given local young people lots of opportunities. This is a new course for me and it’s going to be a very interesting and exciting journey.”
Tara, who progressed from a Level 3 Construction course at Coleg Menai, noted: “I really enjoyed doing health and safety in my previous course and wanted to apply it in a future career. I’m looking forward to working in the nuclear industry here as it’s local to me.”
Euros, who also joined from Coleg Menai, highlighted the industry access: “It was an opportunity to work for such a big company, get a wage whilst learning, gain new skills, and get into the industry. It’s a really great place to start right here on my doorstep.”
Gwenno, joining straight from A-Levels, added: “I was drawn to it because of the new plan for Wylfa. I’m looking forward to gaining new skills and starting this journey which is putting North Wales at the centre of the clean energy transition.”
The new cohort brings the total number of Rolls-Royce SMR apprentices supporting the project across the UK to 51. Over the lifetime of the project, more than 300 apprentices are expected to be employed, helping to develop the skills needed to deliver the UK's next generation of nuclear energy infrastructure.
The apprentices begin their journey during a period of rapid growth for Rolls-Royce SMR. Following the agreement with Great British Energy - Nuclear, the business signed an early works agreement with Czech utility ČEZ for deployment at Temelín and in June it was selected by Videberg Kraft to deliver SMRs on the Värö peninsula, on Sweden’s west coast.
