Jamie Stone underlines importance of high-quality jobs after nuclear industry event
Local MP Jamie Stone has underlined the importance of high-quality job opportunities in the far north after meeting a Dounreay trainee at a nuclear industry event in London.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross attended the Nuclear Skills and Apprenticeships Fair at the House of Commons on Tuesday.
Speaking afterwards, he said: "It was a real pleasure to attend the Nuclear Skills and Apprenticeships Fair – and it was an even bigger pleasure to meet Neave Anderson, who has secured a full-time trainee position at Dounreay and who is contributing towards the safe and secure clean-up of the nuclear site.
"This is the second time I have met Neave, the first being when I had the privilege of witnessing her not only make the grade but also win the Lachie Macmillan Cup for the apprentice showing most potential at the Dounreay awards evening late last year.
"Meeting these young people only reminds me how desperately important it is to secure high-quality employment opportunities for the future in the far north. This is very much the spur that lies behind much of what I say and do in Westminster."
Dounreay managing director Mark Rouse said he was proud of the depth of young talent at the site.
“It’s great to see young people from Dounreay taking part in events like this," Mr Rouse said. "Neave, along with all the other young people that represent the site, is a shining example of the depth of talent we have.
“We are very proud of them and continue to support apprentices and graduates that want to work in nuclear decommissioning.”
The Nuclear Skills and Apprenticeships Fair was billed as a chance to showcase to parliamentarians the opportunities the nuclear sector presents for jobs, skills and levelling up.
It was hosted by Charlotte Nichols, the Labour MP for Warrington North.
She said: “I’m a big supporter of the nuclear industry, including the decommissioning sector, which is a big employer in my constituency. It offers a great career including the opportunity to tackle ground-breaking work.
“I’ve met a number of apprentices over the past few years who work in the decommissioning sector, and I’m always struck by their passion for a career in the industry. This event is a real showcase for the future of the nuclear sector.”