Wylfa SMR Jobs & Skills: UK Nuclear New Build Careers
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Britain has confirmed Wylfa on Anglesey as the site for its first small modular reactors (SMRs), with three Rolls-Royce SMR units expected to move toward a final investment decision around 2029 and first power generation in the mid-2030s.
For nuclear leaders, project teams, and employers, this decision shifts the UK SMR hiring landscape from long-term aspiration to active execution.
The question is no longer if SMRs will happen, but who moves first to secure the skilled professionals who will deliver them.
What has been confirmed about Wylfa being Britain’s first SMR
Great British Energy (Nuclear) is expected to formally announce Wylfa as the location for the first deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR technology this week, with Anglesey prioritised over the alternative Oldbury site in Gloucestershire.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe pressurised water reactor, capable of powering approximately one million homes and operating reliably for at least 60 years.
The technology was selected as the UK’s preferred SMR partner in June 2025 following a rigorous two-year competition, and is now advancing through the final stage of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), expected to complete in August 2026.
The UK government has committed over £2.5 billion to the overall SMR programme, with indicative timelines pointing to a final investment decision around 2029 and grid connection in the mid-2030s, likely by 2035.
At peak construction, the Wylfa SMR project could support up to 3,000 jobs, with around 900 full-time operational roles once the units are online.
The roles that move first
The transition from site selection to delivery unlocks hiring across multiple phases, each with distinct workforce needs and opportunities for candidates targeting nuclear careers in the UK.
Understanding which roles move when is essential for employers planning recruitment pipelines and for candidates positioning themselves strategically for the SMR programme.
Pre-FID and development (2026 to 2029)
- Project controls specialists, schedulers, cost engineers and estimators to build the business case and feed FID readiness
- Licensing specialists, safety case authors and regulatory affairs managers to support GDA completion and site-specific consenting
- Environmental scientists, geotechnical engineers and survey teams for site characterisation and enabling works planning
- Procurement and contract managers to establish supply chain frameworks and long-lead equipment orders
Early works and civils (2029 to 2031)
- Site managers, civils supervisors and quantity surveyors for ground preparation, access roads and laydown areas
- HV and grid connection engineers to design and deliver electrical infrastructure linking the site to the national grid
- Quality engineers, welding inspectors and materials specialists to establish on-site testing and verification protocols
Nuclear island and M&E (2031 to 2034)
- Mechanical, electrical and I&C engineers to oversee modular assembly and integration of factory-built components
- Commissioning engineers, operations readiness planners and maintenance engineers to prepare for handover and fuel load
- Cybersecurity specialists and digital infrastructure leads to safeguard control systems and operational technology
- Health physics, radiation protection and ALARP practitioners to ensure compliance during transition to active operations
The modular nature of SMR construction, with 90% of components factory-built and only 10% assembled on site, compresses traditional build timelines while increasing the importance of off-site manufacturing, logistics and precision scheduling.
Supply chain and regional impact
North Wales benefits from a rich nuclear heritage and an established skilled workforce, with Wylfa’s original reactors having operated from 1971 to 2015.
The SMR programme will drive demand across the wider UK supply chain, particularly in ports and fabrication facilities capable of handling modular components, transport and logistics providers managing factory-to-site delivery, and regional training providers preparing candidates for nuclear-specific roles.
Anglesey and surrounding areas will see increased pressure on accommodation, local services and infrastructure during peak construction, highlighting the need for early engagement with local authorities, Welsh language considerations, and community integration strategies.
The regional supply chain opportunity extends beyond Anglesey, with tier one and tier two contractors across the UK competing for packages including civils, mechanical works, electrical installation, and commissioning support.