A new Mechanical Training Rig at Hinkley Point C’s (HPC) Mechanical Centre of Excellence (MCoE) will increase productivity during construction of the new nuclear power station by enabling workers to rehearse the techniques needed for complex installs and manoeuvring of equipment.
The rig simulates the live construction environment, such as galleries on site, and provides a realistic learning experience for pipefitting, lifting and rigging.
Hinkley Support Operative (HSO) Silver and Bronze Programmes delivered at Mechanical Centres of Excellence
Co-funded by the ECITB with a grant of £350K, the MCoE in Cannington is one of three Centres of Excellence at the site and opened in 2022.
The MCoE is used to deliver the Hinkley Support Operative (HSO) Silver and Bronze Programmes.
HSO Bronze uses the suite of ECITB short courses, together with the CNSG Safety Passport, to train operatives new to working on a site. These courses combine knowledge theory and practical activities in the workshop, and include abrasive wheels, firewatcher, confined space (medium risk), manual handling, working at height, HSO regulations, safe systems of work and working safely with hand and power tools.
Adrian Wookey, ECITB’s Head of New Entrants, Training Pathways and Further Education Strategy, was at the launch of the new rig, which saw Rigging Apprentices performing a lift and fleet of pipework from ground level to first level through a narrow hatch in the floor whilst observing safe working at height and manual handling procedures.
Photo courtesy of HPC: Rigging Apprentices using the new Mechanical Training Rig
“It is really heartening to see the progress that has been made at the Centres of Excellence and how many lives have been, and will be, positively impacted by the opportunities that are available as a result.”
Adrian Wookey
ECITB’s Head of New Entrants, Training Pathways and Further Education Strategy
“HPC has delivered over 1,500 apprenticeships to date, and our three Centres of Excellence have been pivotal in that. This new investment is a fantastic demonstration of HPC’s ongoing commitment to skills in nuclear, skills in Somerset and skills across the engineering construction sector that will continue to reinforce that the UK is at the cutting edge of nuclear new build.
“As a former apprentice, I am delighted to see the next generation of talent entering the industry and look forward to seeing their journeys continue”
Simon Lafferty
MEH Programme Director
