Hunterston B power station’s latest recruits have joined the company to start their apprenticeship in the nuclear industry as the search starts for next year's intake.

The five new recruits for the North Ayrshire station, Holly Clarke (17) and Aaron Andrew (18) from Irvine, Jay Little (18) and Oliver Woods (20) from West Kilbride and Stacey Chisholm (19) from Kilmarnock were appointed after an exhaustive recruitment process.

The group started their careers with EDF Energy with a team-building week in the Lake District where they met other apprentices from power stations across the UK. The apprentices took part in a series of challenges which culminated in climbing Helvellyn.

Interim Station Director, Paul Forrest, said: “The group came to visit the station with their families before their trip to Ullswater. It was a pleasure to welcome them to site and they showed a great deal of enthusiasm for the learning they are about to undertake. I wish them well as they start their new engineering careers.”

With the outward bound course complete, the apprentices are now studying at HMS Sultan in Portsmouth where they will spend the next two years. The apprentices will learn basic engineering skills in their first year, before specialising into their trade in the second year.

Apprentice Coordinator, Craig McGhie, said: “The apprentices have started their training just as recruitment for next year’s intake begins. Applications open on 1 November and we always get a great response from the local area. We hope anyone who is interested will get in touch and book a place on one of our information days to find out more.”

The station is holding information sessions on 11th, 12th, 25th and 26th of November. Places are limited and can be booked by calling 01294 826000 between 8.30am and 4.30pm. There is also more information available on EDF Energy careers website: www.edfenergy.com/careers

The apprentice recruitment also supports EDF Energy’s national campaign #PrettyCurious to change teenage girls’ perceptions of science and inspire them to pursue science-based careers.