Letty Smith, Data Technician

Learn all about...

What I do

I work at Hinkley Point C, a brand-new nuclear power station that is being built in Somerset.

My job is all about helping the project run smoothly – I use data to look after things like cost, schedule, risk and changes and make sure the project stays on track and that the right people have the right information to make decisions.

When Hinkley Point C is finished, it will be the biggest nuclear power station in the UK, generating enough electricity to run around six million homes.

Data Technician Letty sat at a table with a laptop, chatting and laughing with someone sat across from her.

How I became a technician

At school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. For my GCSEs, I chose subjects I enjoyed – business studies, geography, history and French.

After Year 11, I applied to sixth forms and colleges, but I wasn’t excited about staying in the classroom and doing more exams.

How I became a technician

My mum suggested I looked into apprenticeships, so I searched online and found one at EDF.

I already knew about Hinkley Point C and I thought it sounded interesting, so I applied.

How I became a technician

I loved the idea of working, learning and earning money at the same time, but I didn’t really expect I’d get it.

I got through the application process though, and was offered a Level 3 apprenticeship as a Project Controls Technician. I completed it, and now I work full time as a Project Controls Engineer.

Want to explore the world of technicians?

Meet more technicians to find out what they do and the path they took to become a technician.

Meet the technicians

A typical day in my working life

I usually work from 9am to 5pm, but it’s flexible. I work in the office most days, with the option to work from home sometimes.

My day normally starts with a cup of tea, checking emails and looking at what meetings I’ve got.

A typical day in my working life

A big part of my job is meetings – I have weekly meetings with five different teams and others with my project controls team.

Sometimes I visit the construction site, which is really exciting because I can see the project coming to life.

A typical day in my working life

I work as a change coordinator, which means I manage project changes.

For example, if something changes in the schedule or the work being done, it has to be tracked and approved. I collect that information, make sure it’s correct, and help get it signed off.

A typical day in my working life

I use data analysis software like spreadsheets and Power BI, which turn data into visual charts and dashboards.

I also spend time preparing presentations and making sure all the information is accurate.

Could you be a technician?

There are 100s of technician roles out there. Take the quiz to find the perfect role for you.

Take the quiz

Data Technician Letty stood with colleagues on site, dressed in hi-vis overalls, hard hats and safety glasses.

What I love about my job

My favourite part is the people. I get to speak to lots of different people across the project, from project managers to senior leaders.

I’m quite chatty, so I enjoy learning about their roles and how they got there. I also like that I understand the processes really well and can help others. Being able to support people and guide them through how things work is something I really enjoy.

The skills I use most

Attention to detail is really important. I work with numbers and reports, and even a small mistake like missing a zero could have a big impact because we’re dealing with huge amounts of money.

Communication is another key skill. I speak to lots of different teams and need to make sure everyone understands what’s happening.

I also need confidence to ask questions. If I don’t understand something, it’s always better to ask than guess. That helps me do my job properly and keeps everything running smoothly.

I get to speak to lots of different people across the project. I’m quite chatty, so I enjoy learning about their roles and how they got there.

I need confidence to ask questions. If I don’t understand something, it’s always better to ask than guess.

Don’t be afraid to change your mind. What you choose now doesn’t have to be what you do forever – just give things a go and see what works for you.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

I love working in a team. We’re always talking, helping each other and working towards the same goal. It feels like a really supportive environment.

You spend a lot of time with your team, so it’s nice to build strong relationships. There’s a real sense of teamwork and everyone wants each other to succeed.

My favourite piece of equipment

One of the most interesting tools we use is called Primavera P6. It’s a planning tool that shows all the activities in a project and when they need to happen. It creates something called a Gantt chart – a visual timeline with coloured bars showing each task.

I like it because it makes complex projects easier to understand and lets you zoom in or out to see different levels of detail.

What I like to do in my spare time

I’m quite outdoorsy – I like running and walking, and I ran a half marathon last year.

I also enjoy cooking and baking. My favourite things to make are mini egg brownies and Biscoff cake. I spend a lot of time with friends too, and I’m currently studying for a degree alongside work.

My school days

At school, I enjoyed business-related activities. I took part in a competition where I created a fudge-making business with a friend. We made and sold the product, then presented our work – and we won.

I also played hockey, which helped me learn teamwork and communication skills that I still use today.

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

I was awarded Rising Star of the Year in 2025 at Hinkley Point C. It felt amazing to be recognised, especially knowing how many people work on the project.

I’d also previously won Project Controls Apprentice of the Year, so both achievements made me really proud of how far I’ve come.

A surprising fact about my job

Risk in my job can mean anything – not just safety. It could be weather, traffic or delayed deliveries.

Anything that might slow the project down is considered a risk and needs to be managed.

The next steps in my career journey

I’d like to move into a leadership role in the future or specialise in planning, which I find really interesting.

There are lots of opportunities to grow within EDF, so I’m excited to keep learning and progressing.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Give 100% to whatever you choose to do – you get out what you put in.

Also, don’t be afraid to change your mind. What you choose now doesn’t have to be what you do forever, so just give things a go and see what works for you.