Why Hinkley Point C Jobs Are Paying More in 2025

The UK engineering sector is thriving, contributing around £280 billion to the economy each year. At the centre of this growth is Hinkley Point C, one of the country’s most ambitious nuclear construction projects. With Brexit behind us and construction expected to span more than a decade, concerns about a skills shortage in engineering are growing.

The good news for engineers is that pay rates for Hinkley Point C jobs are rising. A new deal backed by the Unite and GMB unions means skilled workers can now earn over £18 an hour. For civil engineers, annual earnings could climb to as much as £70,000, with improved holiday pay, overtime, and pension contributions also included in the package.

Peter Hughes, Regional Secretary at Unite, commented:

“This is a landmark agreement which will now set the benchmark for pay rates on flagship construction projects throughout the UK. The pay rates agreed at Hinkley Point will provide a significant boost to the local economy and, together with the ambitious apprenticeship programme on the project, will generate much-needed skills and investment in the South West region.”

Thousands of UK engineering jobs on offer

Hinkley Point C is expected to create around 25,000 job opportunities during its construction phase. Employers are addressing skill shortages by upskilling engineers from other industries and investing heavily in graduate engineering roles and apprenticeships in the South West.

Bridging the skills gap is not straightforward, but attracting new talent into engineering is vital. Our Voice of the Workforce research shows how important it is to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM and engineering. National initiatives, including the UK’s Year of Engineering campaign, are helping to position engineering as an attractive and future-proof career choice.

A career-defining opportunity in nuclear engineering

For many engineers, Hinkley Point C is a game-changing opportunity. With pay benchmarks rising, the project is drawing interest from professionals in Quality, Planning, and Project Management who are considering a move into the nuclear sector.

Brad Taylor, Recruitment Consultant at Matchtech, explains:

“The buzz around Hinkley Point C is deserved. It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about setting a new standard. Engineers are seeing a chance to get involved in a project that’s reshaping the future of nuclear construction in the UK.”

Explore Hinkley Point C engineering jobs

With thousands of roles on offer, competitive pay, and long-term opportunities, Hinkley Point C is one of the most exciting places to build a career in UK engineering. Whether you’re looking for civil engineering jobs in the South West or graduate positions in nuclear construction, there has never been a better time to join. Explore Hinkley Point C Opportunities