Assystem sponsors Young Generation Network Awards 2019
12/11/2019 Assystem
Key industry event unites the best and brightest young UK nuclear professionalsYesterday hundreds of young industry voices gathered to celebrate the opportunities and challenges of the UK's nuclear industry at the Nuclear Institute's annual Young Generation Network (YGN) Awards in Bristol. Sponsored by Assystem, the world's third largest nuclear engineering company with UK headquarters in Blackburn. The YGN conference is a major event in the nuclear industry's calendar which aims to recognise and champion the contribution made by the next generation of industry professionals.
Assystem's participation in and platinum sponsorship of this year's event was organised by Fanny Fouin, Senior Mechanical Engineer, and Chair of the Nuclear Institute's North East branch. Following the theme of 'transition', the awards celebrated the evolution of the UK's nuclear engineering sector and its future. As the country moves towards net zero, the contribution made by nuclear power to the UK's energy mix will become increasingly important. However, as the industry grows, it must address the skills shortage by attracting new - something the YGN Annual Awards seeks to remedy.
David Price, Business Unit Director at Assystem said, "YGN is a key network supporting the industry's next generation and makes sure their ideas and views are being heard. The nuclear industry is changing. There are some excellent opportunities for young people and we need to make sure that not only are we encouraging those still in education to consider careers in nuclear, but that we're offering rewarding careers to those already working in the industry."
Nicholas Morris, EDF NNB Key Account Manager, who spoke on behalf of Assystem on the night, has worked in the nuclear industry for over a decade and is now the company's Nuclear New Build Commercial Lead. He is passionate about mentoring and supporting those who are just beginning their careers or considering taking a job in the nuclear sector.
Commenting on the event, Nicholas Morris said, "At Assystem, we empower our team right from the beginning and invest in the employee's development. We are thrilled to be supporting aspiring professionals to come and make their mark in the industry."
"Also, with conversations shifting around increasing use of nuclear energy to decrease carbon emissions, it is crucial we amplify dialogue with aspiring professionals. Assystem wholeheartedly supports this endeavour as we believe that engineers are the architects of tomorrow, leading the way with their daring, their expertise and their ability to push boundaries.
Mike Roberts, Chair of YGN said, "Each year we aim to acknowledge the inspiring young minds in the nuclear energy sector, celebrating their achievements, professionalism and drive to make a mark in the industry. It is an exciting time for the industry with the government's increased emphasis on the use of nuclear. We hope this encourages young professionals to not just grow themselves but also set an example for other people looking to make a career in the nuclear energy sector."
With the aim of encouraging young talent, Assystem advocates strongly for educating aspiring professionals about the benefits of building a career in the industry. Assystem's #INCREDIBLENGINEERS and #INCREDIBLEWOMAN programmes are the company's commitment to nurturing and developing a diverse workforce that reflects the society we live in and provides rewarding careers to its employees right from the beginning.
The company conducted a mass recruitment drive this spring where it opened 400 positions across the entire range of jobs and opportunities at Hinkley Point C, Somerset and another is planned for early 2020. Roles being recruited will focus on areas such as quality assurance, quality lead, project administration, doc control, and audit programme co-ordination among others.
As well as in the UK, Assystem is present in the main countries that are currently developing nuclear such as Egypt, Turkey, Finland, France, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, presenting many opportunities for those looking to work in the international market.
This year, the YGN Annual Awards supported the social enterprise OTR, a Bristol-based social enterprise that supports young people (11-25 years) across Bristol and Gloucestershire access the support and services they need.
For more information, please visit: www.assystem.com
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