T&T's welders for the UK £37 billion nuclear power program.
As Trinidad and Tobago’s welders face shrinking opportunities in the domestic energy sector, a growing pool of highly trained welders is being tapped for one of Europe’s most ambitious infrastructure builds—the United Kingdom’s £37 billion nuclear power program. Recruitment is now underway at Point Galeota, Guayaguayare, where combination welders are being trade-tested for work on a project expected to power millions of homes and anchor Britain’s transition to low-carbon energy.
The opportunity offers significantly higher earnings and international exposure, even as concerns linger about the potential loss of skilled labour at home. Brendon Smith, operations director at international recruitment firm Job Bridge Global, who came to Trinidad and Tobago last week for the recruitment process, said there was sufficient talent in Trinidad and Tobago to meet both local and overseas demand.
“We’re in Trinidad at the moment, trade testing combination welders,” Smith said. “Trinidadian skilled welders are some of the best in the world—UK opinion tested and proven already.” During an exclusive tour of the testing site, welders were working with specialized materials under strict conditions, reflecting the standards required for nuclear-grade construction. UK labour shortages driving demand: Smith said the recruitment push is being driven by acute labour shortages in the UK and across Europe.