The Hinkley Point C project is to create 3,000 new jobs in the next 18 months as construction work peaks at the Somerset site.

As work ramps up, around 15,000 people are expected to be involved with building the new power station.

Hinkley Point C has also announced the number of apprentices trained has passed a new milestone of 1,500 - 500 more than the original target - with more to come. Some 70% of them are from the South-west.

Many of the new jobs at Hinkley Point C will support the fit-out of the power station with miles of pipes and cables and equipment. Other roles will be created supporting the workforce, among a wide variety of jobs on offer.

Hinkley Point C has established three training Centres of Excellence in Bridgwater and Cannington to help local people join the project.

More than 8,000 people have already been trained in welding, electrical, and mechanical skills.

The National College for Nuclear in Cannington is training a new workforce for Britain’s nuclear industry.

Many of the new apprentices started their careers as part of the project’s Somerset-based Young HPC programme. Jobs and careers support is provided by the Hinkley Point C Jobs Service based in Bridgwater.

Hinkley Point C has been working closely with local authorities to assess the effects of the expanding workforce, with increased funding of mitigation measures to be put in place as the workforce grows.

The new support will build on successful initiatives like the £9m accommodation fund to help deliver new affordable housing, with 4,000 additional bed spaces in local towns.

Hinkley Point C’s Community Fund has now provided more than £16m to local projects and community groups. Funding and support for other initiatives like community safety, local policing, and tourism will increase.

Stuart Crooks, managing director of Hinkley Point C, said: “As a former apprentice, I know the impact that training can have in transforming lives for the better.

“I am determined that we will provide as many opportunities as possible to help people from Somerset and the South-west benefit from our project.”