Sizewell B apprentices recognised in EDF Energy awards scheme

Three EDF Energy apprentices based at Sizewell B have been recognised for their award winning skills.

The apprentices, who are all in the second year of the EDF Energy apprenticeship scheme, were selected amongst their peers working across EDF Energy’s eight nuclear power stations.

Sizewell B apprentice Glen Bunting, 17, scooped the top title of ‘Overall Apprentice of the Year’ and was also highly commended within the Mechanical Apprentice category.

Judges presiding over the awards said:  “Glen consistently achieves high grades during his exams which is a testament to the effort he puts in during lessons.

“He takes the lead during workshop sessions and has showed a good level of skill and dexterity over a wide range of equipment.  Glen readily assists other apprentices showing a mature and sensible approach to the apprenticeship and is fully expected to excel in his engineering career.”

Gary Jackman, 21, was named Electrical Apprentice of the Year and was also Highly Commended in the Overall Apprentice of the Year Award.

Tom Carton, 21, was Highly Commended in the Mechanical Apprentice of the Year Award.

The apprentices received their awards at the annual EDF Energy Awards dinner held in HMS Sultan.  It’s a prestigious awards event which sets out to recognise the cream of the crop in that year’s apprenticeship scheme.

The latest new apprentice recruits will join Sizewell B on 25 August before they head off to Ullswater in the Lake District on Monday 28 August for an outward bounds course where they will meet other EDF Energy apprentices from power stations across the UK.  Team building will be encouraged while they take part in outdoor activities which will culminate in climbing mount Helvellyn.

The four new recruits for Sizewell B all came from local schools.  Brandon Ayers, 20, (Benjamin Britten High School, Lowestoft College) Brer Cornish, 18, (Bungay High School and Sixth Form and Lowestoft College), Suzanne Jones, 18, (Northgate High School and Suffolk New College) and Adele Jenner, 16, (Hartismere School).

On 5 September, the new apprentices will travel to HMS Sultan to start studying, learning basic engineering skills in the first year, before specialising into their trade in the second year.

EDF Energy’s apprenticeship scheme starts with two years at the training base at HMS Sultan near Portsmouth. The apprentices then spend the final two years of their apprenticeship at their home station where they get valuable on the job training.

Away from the classroom the apprentices enjoy excellent sports and leisure facilities under the watchful eye of the centre’s own team.

EDF Energy’s apprentices also undertake an extensive life skills package along with some cultural visits to European cities. Anyone interested in finding out more about a career at EDF Energy should visit edfenergy.com/careers