A group of female students from schools in Bridgwater and Taunton visited the Hinkley C construction site as part of a Challenge for Women project that aims to introduce girls into the construction and engineering industries.

The group of 23 girls, who are from Bridgwater College Academy, Chilton Trinity, Robert Blake and Haygrove School in Bridgwater, and Heathfield School in Taunton, have been taking part in the project, which is run in partnership with EDF Energy, over the past three years.

Their latest experience included a VIP tour of the 400 acre nuclear construction site, making them the first school-aged group to gain access.  The tour gave the girl’s the chance to explore, not only the size of the Hinkley C site, but also the diverse range of career opportunities that will be open to them when they leave school.

Student Najiyah Begum, from Robert Blake Science College in Bridgwater said,

“When I started the project I didn’t know which route I wanted to take, doing this course has opened my eyes to what construction and engineering is really about and the opportunities that are available to me. I‘ve realised that I have acquired a set of skills that will allow me to progress well in the industry.”

Tom Thayer, Inspire, Education Programme Manager for EDF Energy added,

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the size and scale of the Hinkley Point C project to the young females that are part of the programme. It’s exciting to explore the potential roles that these young women may undertake in the future.”