The theme of the seminar was “Together is Better: Collaboration for a Nuclear Future”. Highly skilled jobs for local people was a pivotal part of the discussion, with Virginia noting the success of the recent Anglesey Skills Day in Westminster. Virginia’s thoughts resonated strongly with the YGN’s own in terms of the strong desire to provide opportunities for young people to shape the future of the nuclear industry.
As part of her keynote, Virgina noted what an exciting time it is for nuclear with UK Government support becoming stronger over recent years following Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, the announcement of funding through the Future Nuclear Enabling Fund (FNEF) and the formation of Great British Nuclear following the publication of the British Energy Security Strategy. On brand with the theme of the seminar, Virginia stressed that industry and Government must work closely to deliver energy security for the UK.
On accepting the opportunity to deliver the keynote address, Virginia said, “It is vital we give young people from Ynys Môn the very best chance to stay on the island and secure well-paid, high-quality jobs.
“For too long too many have had to leave Anglesey in search of just those jobs. My Dad had to leave Wales to find work. A new generation of nuclear power stations here on Ynys Môn will give our new generation of young people hope and security.
“It means they can stay here, buy a home and lead a productive life in the place they were born. I am working so hard to make this the norm not the exception. We owe it to future generations here on the island to make it happen.”
Saralyn Thomas, Chair of the YGN, born and bred in South Wales, noted “The YGN run this seminar every year in a different location; being Welsh, I am ecstatic to bring this event to Wales for the first time to highlight the opportunities in Wales for nuclear. Virginia is such an enthusiastic champion for the YGN and nuclear in Wales and I am so grateful she was able to take the time to speak to our young audience of nuclear professionals”.
About the Nuclear Institute Young Generation Network
The Nuclear Institute is the professional body and learned society for the UK nuclear industry. Representing over 3,000 professionals at all levels across the industry, the Nuclear Institute sets the standards for nuclear professionalism. The Young Generation Network is the young member’s branch of the Nuclear Institute.
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