Siwan Jones-Griffith, Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician

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What I do

I work in instrumentation and control maintenance at Hinkley Point C – a new nuclear power station that is being built. That means I test, fix and check the systems and sensors that will keep the power station safe and running properly.

When Hinkley Point C is finished, it will be the biggest nuclear power station in the UK, creating zero-carbon electricity for around six million homes. My job helps make sure all the systems are safe and working correctly, so they’re ready to go when the station starts producing power.

Siwan wearing protective overalls, gloves, safety glasses and a hard hat, leaning against a rail next to pipes.

How I became a technician

I grew up in a small town in North Wales and didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was choosing my GCSEs. I chose subjects I enjoyed – design and technology: product design, art and RE. After GCSEs, I stayed on for sixth form and chose maths, chemistry, product design and public services, but I found it really hard.

After a year in sixth form, I realised I didn’t want to sit in a classroom anymore and I wanted to do something more practical.

How I became a technician

Someone came to my school to talk about apprenticeships at a nuclear power station in Wales, and I knew straight away it was what I wanted to do. I started a maintenance apprenticeship, but sadly the project was shut down and I was made redundant after four months.

Luckily, another company, EDF, took lots of us on to work on the development of a new nuclear power station in Somerset and I moved there to carry on my apprenticeship with them.

How I became a technician

I spent two years working at Hinkley Point C, the new power station, and also studying for my apprenticeship at the National College for Nuclear.

It was hard to move to a completely different area far from home, but I made lots of friends who were also staying in the student accommodation, and it was all paid for by EDF, which was a big help. After that, I moved into a shared house with some of the other apprentices, and I still live with one of them now.

How I became a technician

I’ve now finished my apprenticeship, qualified and became a full-time Maintenance Technician. It was a long journey, but it all worked out and now I have a job that I love and have made great friends too.

A typical day in my working life

I start work at 8am. The first thing I do is put on my PPE, that’s my personal protective equipment - overalls, boots, gloves, glasses and a hard hat.

Then we have a team meeting to talk about safety and any issues that we need to know about. After that we get given our tasks for the day, which could be checking equipment, doing tests or fixing things.

A typical day in my working life

Because the power station is still being built, a lot of my job is making sure the equipment doesn’t get damaged during construction.

I usually finish at 4:30pm, except on Fridays when we get to finish at lunchtime.

Siwan and a colleague, both wearing protective overalls, gloves, safety glasses, and hard hats, discussing the information on a piece of paper.

What I love about my job

The people. I moved away from my family when I was 19 to do this job, and I’ve made such good friends that it feels like I’ve found a new family here. We support each other at work and outside of it too. They made the move worthwhile.

I also enjoy how hands-on the job is. I couldn’t sit behind a desk all day, I like being active, learning how things work and solving problems. Every day is different and it keeps me on my toes.

The skills I use most

Communication is the skill I use the most. At EDF, we’ve got this great culture called a ‘questioning attitude’. This means we’re encouraged to ask questions and speak up if we’re not sure about something. It helps us avoid mistakes, keep people safe and never be criticised for bringing up any concerns around safety, which is so important when working with nuclear materials. If the site isn’t safe and you come into contact with nuclear radiation, it can cause very serious health problems.

Teamwork is also essential, we always help each other out and share knowledge. Problem solving is also a big part of what I do, especially when something’s not working and we need to figure out why.

I like being active, learning how things work and solving problems.

It was a long journey, but now I have a job that I love and have made great friends too.

Try things, look around and be open to different paths.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

There are 22 of us on the team right now, but that number will grow to nearly 90 once the power station is finished and running. We’ve got a good mix of people; some are just starting out, and others have been in the industry for 30 years. That means there’s always someone to learn from. No one makes you feel silly for checking things. It’s all about learning and keeping each other safe.

What I like to do in my spare time

I go to the gym and hang out with friends. A few of us recently started a community group to help other people who’ve moved to the area make friends. We’ve just planned our first event – gingerbread house decorating with hot chocolate. It’s a small thing but it helps people feel welcome and part of something when they arrive.

My school days

At school I spent lots of time with friends, but I also really liked art and making things. I was always sticking things together and making collages. Looking back, it’s pretty clear I was meant to do a practical, hands-on job. I just didn’t know this kind of role existed until someone came to talk about apprenticeships at school.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

I felt very proud when I finished my Higher National Certificate in electrical and electronic engineering. It took two years of going to college one day a week (all paid for by the company) alongside working. Another great moment was when I finished my apprenticeship, I had a meeting with my manager and he shook my hand congratulated me on becoming a technician, I was so proud, and after that I was treated like a technician, not an apprentice anymore.

I’ve also been to 10 Downing Street and met the Prime Minister with a group from Hinkley Point C. We were there to talk to them about the new power station and the work we do, I was nervous but it felt amazing to be chosen to go. That was another really proud moment.

A surprising fact about my job

When the power station is ready, we’ll be responsible for over 9,000 pieces of equipment! That’s things like sensors for temperature, pressure and flow. Even though the power station is still being built, we’re already maintaining some of that equipment, to make sure everything will work when it goes live. It’s going to be one of the biggest nuclear power stations in the UK, and I get to be part of making it happen.

The next steps in my career journey

Now I’ve finished my apprenticeship, I’m working full time as a technician. I’d like to keep learning and take on more responsibility over time. There will be lots of opportunities to grow as the station gets closer to opening, and I want to be ready to take them.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do yet. I didn’t either. Try things, look around and be open to different paths. All the hard work is worth it in the end - I’ve got a job I love, brilliant friends and a really exciting future.