Kent Streek, Department Manager for Nuclear at Carrington West, recently attended a high-impact event hosted by Women in Nuclear UK (WiN UK). As part of the Nuclear Industry Association's (NIA) "Nuclear Week in Parliament," this event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the nuclear sector. Kent walked away with valuable insights that highlight the industry's collaborative spirit and the work still needed to foster inclusivity and sustainability.

Reflecting on the discussions, Kent noted that efforts to promote careers in nuclear, spearheaded by groups like Destination Nuclear, are gaining momentum. "It’s great to see how hard they’re working to make nuclear an attractive and viable career path," he said. Initiatives such as the Non-Executive Director programme have also proven highly popular, offering a clear route to senior roles for those outside of the traditional career ladder.

Collaboration was another major theme, with several companies actively joining forces to improve industry practices. "The strong coaching programmes in place across most organisations were a highlight of the day. It was also clear that everyone in the room genuinely wanted to support change," Kent shared.

However, the event also highlighted challenges. Time and resource constraints were a recurring concern. Kent explained, "There are so many great initiatives, but it’s tough to allocate enough time and resources to support all of them. There’s ongoing debate about which areas deserve priority." Additionally, attendees raised concerns about senior leadership representation, highlighting that many senior roles continue to be filled by men. This issue underscores the ongoing need to tackle unconscious bias and open doors for diverse talent.

Overall, Kent's experience at Nuclear Week reinforced both optimism and a call to action. While the sector is making strides in improving collaboration and talent development, strategic investment and inclusive leadership are crucial to sustaining long-term growth. Events like these are vital for ensuring that all voices, particularly those of underrepresented groups, heard and empowered to shape the future of nuclear energy in the UK.

Stay tuned for more updates from Carrington West as we continue to support the growth and diversity of the nuclear industry.