Ten local apprentices have recruited by developers behind the new small nuclear reactor (SMR) at Wylfa.

Rolls-Royce SMR will deliver the first three SMR units at the Gwyndod power station, after signing contracts with Great British Energy earlier this year.

The first group of apprentices, based at Coleg Menai in Llangefni, will develop their careers and skills as part of Rolls-Royce's safety and regulatory affairs team.

The company says they will play an important role in transforming the way nucelar projects are delivered through proven technology, modularisation and a "factory built" approach.

Among the apprentices is Cameron, whose father already works at the Wylfa site and is joining the project after completing his first year of A-Levels.

He said: "It's a really great opportunity and I'm excited to see what the project brings to the island. Being able to follow in my Dad's footsteps and be part of this opportunity is amazing."

Katie, a former leisure manager in Llanrwst, sees the scheme as a fresh start: "We don't get many opportunities like this around here, so it's good that they've brought something new to the island and given local young people lots of opportunities."

"This is a new course for me and it's going to be a very interesting and exciting journey."

Tara, who progressed from a Level 3 construction course at Coleg Menai, added: "I really enjoyed doing health and safety in my previous course and wanted to apply it in a future career. I'm looking forward to working in the nuclear industry here as it's local to me."

Another Coleg Menai graduate, Euron, said: "It was an opportunity to work for such a big company, get a wage whilst learning, gain new skills, and get into the industry. It's a really great place to start right here on my doorstep."

Gwenno, joining straight from A-Levels, added: "I was drawn to it because of the new plan for Wylfa. I'm looking forward to gaining new skills and starting this journey which is putting North Wales at the centre of the clean energy transition." 

So far, 51 apprentices have been recruited by Rolls-Royce SMR as part of the Gwyndod project, but eventually, more than 300 will be employed.

Among those leading the new cohort is Tommy Evans, himself a former apprentice on the aborted plans for a full-scale reactor at Wylfa Newydd, and now, an internal hazards engineer.

"Having started my own journey as an apprentice locally, I know firsthand how vital real opportunities are for this region," he said. "Developing talent right here on Ynys Môn gives these ambitious individuals a direct path into lifelong, highly skilled careers."

"By gaining hands-on experience in nuclear safety, risk management, and regulatory approval, they will directly support our wider clean-energy plans while keeping North Wales at the heart of the new nuclear era."

The apprentices will spend their first 12 months studying full time in Llangefni, backed by a Level 3 engineering qualification, before applying their learning skills through hands-on-experience with the SMR programme.  

Aled Jones-Griffith, chief executive for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, added: "Welcoming this first cohort of Rolls-Royce SMR apprentices to Coleg Menai is an exciting milestone for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and a clear sign of the Grŵp's readiness to ensure that an appropriately skilled and qualified workforce is available locally to meet the demand and to support the successful development of Gwyndod."

"By combining world-class technical education in Llangefni with hands-on experience on the SMR programme, we are giving local young people a direct pathway into high-skilled careers right on their doorstep."

"Helping our local communities gain the expertise needed to power major projects like Gwyndod is at the heart of our approach, and we look forward to supporting these apprentices as they begin their journey."