Nuclear Jobs: Sizewell C Passes 2,000 Workers as the UK Nuclear Workforce Hits a Record
Sizewell C has doubled its on-site workforce in a year, and the UK civil nuclear sector now employs a record number of people. Here is what that means for nuclear jobs.
Nuclear power gets plenty of debate online, much of it about cost and whether it is worth it. Less discussed is how many jobs it is now creating. Sizewell C in Suffolk has been growing its workforce quickly, and figures shared by the project show the wider UK nuclear sector is bigger than it has been for a long time. If you are thinking about nuclear jobs, here is what you need to know.
Sizewell C's Workforce Has Doubled
In January 2026, Sizewell C said more than 2,000 people were working on site each day, double the number a year earlier (Sizewell C). At its peak, the project expects around 8,000 people on site.
Over a third of current workers are from the East of England, and the project expects about a third of its peak workforce to come from East Anglia.
Apprenticeships and Local Jobs
Sizewell C has committed to 1,500 apprenticeships and expects an average of just under 9,000 direct and indirect jobs a year during construction. Its jobs service had more than 4,000 people registered, and more than 2,500 businesses had signed up to its supply chain portal.
It has also made specific job pledges for nearby towns. In Lowestoft, 225 of a promised 500 jobs had been delivered, and in Ipswich more than 300 of a promised 500.
A Record UK Nuclear Workforce
Sizewell C also highlighted figures from the Nuclear Industry Association. The UK civil nuclear sector now has a record 98,000 workers, up 11,000 in a year, and the nuclear workforce in the East of England grew by 15% in a year.
That growth is not only about new build. Decommissioning older sites, running existing stations and developing new technology all need people too.
What Kinds of Nuclear Jobs Are There?
- Civil and construction roles: engineers, site managers, steel fixers, formworkers and concrete specialists
- Mechanical, electrical, and control and instrumentation engineers
- Welders and pipefitters, often with high-integrity coded welding
- Quality, safety and nuclear safety case specialists
- Project controls, planners and commercial staff
Many of these jobs use the same skills you would find on other big infrastructure projects. Nuclear adds extra requirements around quality, documentation and security clearance.
Getting Into Nuclear Jobs
If you have experience on major projects, oil and gas, defence or heavy industry, you are likely to have transferable skills. Expect background checks and, for some roles, security clearance. If you are starting out, an apprenticeship on a nuclear project is one of the best training routes there is.
You can find energy and engineering roles on our vacancies page and read more about the sector on our energy jobs hub.
Nuclear Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How many people work at Sizewell C?
Sizewell C said in January 2026 that more than 2,000 people were working on site each day, and it expects around 8,000 at peak construction.
How many people work in UK nuclear?
According to the Nuclear Industry Association, as cited by Sizewell C, the UK civil nuclear sector has a record 98,000 workers.
Does Sizewell C offer apprenticeships?
Yes. The project has committed to 1,500 apprenticeships over construction.
Do nuclear jobs need security clearance?
Many do. Expect background checks for most roles, and formal security clearance for some.
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