Nuclear industry fuels North West future with boost in jobs

The Northern Nuclear Alliance (NNA) said Warrington has reinforced its status as a nuclear powerhouse, with industry jobs in the region surging to more than 6,700 – the highest level in recent years.

The latest figures from the 2024 NIA job map, reveal substantial growth in nuclear sector employment across the Cheshire and Warrington area, with total jobs increasing from 5,838 in 2023 to 6,771 in 2024, marking an impressive 16% growth.

Offering a range of pathways and apprenticeships available across a wide variety of job functions, UK nuclear is set for unprecedented levels of growth, with The Nuclear Skills Delivery Group (NSDG) forecasting a 49% growth in the nuclear sector, across both civil and defence, by 2030.

Home to world class nuclear hub, Birchwood Park, and arguably one of the birthplaces of the global nuclear sector, the Warrington region specifically has seen a significant boost, with nuclear jobs rising from 4,728 to 5,411, a 14% increase from 2023.

Home to more than 40 businesses within the nuclear sector, Birchwood Park forms the foundation of the region’s nuclear industry, with global leaders such as Amentum, Rolls-Royce, Cavendish Nuclear, NNL and Nuvia paving the way in all areas of nuclear innovation and their work spanning across nuclear new build, decommissioning, and advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactor (SMR) development.

Rachel O’Donnell, NNA Chair, said: “The significant growth we’re seeing in the Warrington area is a reflection of the North West’s progress within the nuclear industry.

“We’re seeing that the region’s expertise and infrastructure, particularly at Birchwood Park, continues to attract investment, whilst creating in-demand jobs in this exciting sector.”

Martin O’Rourke, Commercial Director of Birchwood Park, said: “The growth in nuclear jobs, particularly in Warrington, where we’re located, solidifies the role Birchwood Park plays in driving the nuclear industry forward.

“As we continue to invest in our state-of-the-art facilities, we’re committed to further strengthening Warrington’s position as a nuclear powerhouse, whilst contributing to the UK’s nuclear generation targets.”