Recently, Carrington West collaborated with the Nuclear Industry Association’s Young Generation Network (NIA YGN) to host an engaging virtual session aimed at supporting early-career professionals in the nuclear sector. Hosted by YGN’s Elizabeth Reed, the webinar focused on building effective CVs and developing soft skills, with input from expert recruiters who work daily with employers across the nuclear industry.

Simon Gardiner, Director at Carrington West, opened the session by setting the tone for a discussion on how to stand out in a competitive and fast-growing job market. He outlined Carrington West’s commitment to supporting the careers of professionals working in the built environment, including the nuclear sector, and encouraged attendees to take a proactive approach to their personal development.

Chloe Mogridge, Nuclear Recruitment Consultant, gave an insightful overview of the current UK nuclear job market. She highlighted how growing government investment and long-term strategies are already translating into job creation across projects such as Hinkley Point C, Sizewell C and the Rolls-Royce SMR programme. With the National Nuclear Strategy aiming to recruit 40,000 new roles by 2030 and double the number of apprenticeships, opportunities in the sector are increasing now, not just in the future. The “Destination Nuclear” campaign is also helping to bring in candidates with transferable skills from other industries, widening access to roles at all levels.

The session then turned to the core theme of the webinar: helping attendees build impactful CVs. Kent Streek, Department Manager at Carrington West, delivered practical guidance on how to create a CV that communicates value clearly and professionally. His advice centred around simplicity and relevance, focusing on key achievements, avoiding over-designed layouts, and tailoring content to mirror job descriptions. Kent pointed out that while AI can support formatting and grammar, a CV should always reflect the individual’s authentic experience and personality.

Simon then delved into the area of soft skills, the importance of which are often overlooked by candidates. Drawing from insights gathered from hiring managers, he shared that communication, adaptability and leadership are frequently more influential in hiring decisions than technical ability alone. Attendees were encouraged to actively develop these skills through volunteering, stepping outside their comfort zones, and building strong professional networks. He introduced the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) as an effective framework for demonstrating soft skills in interviews, particularly when providing examples that show growth, resilience or initiative.

The interactive Q&A that followed gave attendees the chance to explore a number of real-world topics in more depth. For those wondering how to make themselves stand out in a competitive field, the panel recommended focusing on what lies outside of formal education or experience. Extracurricular activities, sports, and community involvement were all highlighted as ways to demonstrate character, commitment and a proactive mindset.

There was also thoughtful discussion around neurodiversity and communication. Rather than suggesting individuals change who they are, the speakers emphasised the importance of awareness and adaptability when interacting with others, especially in professional environments where clear communication and collaboration are essential.

As the session came to a close, the presenters encouraged attendees to keep their CVs up to date, even when not actively job hunting. Career progression often happens when least expected, and having a ready-to-go CV makes it easier to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Attendees were also invited to connect with Carrington West consultants for tailored advice and CV support.

Thank you to the NIA YGN for hosting the session. For any questions or further information please contact us.