A 19-YEAR-OLD apprentice got to speak at a nuclear industry conference after he suggested to his bosses that the event organisers might be missing a trick.

Martin Hall, from Croft, heard about the Nuclear Industry Association’s annual conference in London while working at Sellafield at Birchwood Park.

Speaking roles at the event are usually reserved for senior leaders from the industry but Martin argued that one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry is engagement with young people.

He said: "To me it seemed a wasted opportunity to have such a prestigious conference where all the major players in the industry are represented and not have someone offering a view from the perspective of the next generation of nuclear workers.”

George Beveridge, deputy managing director at Sellafield, agreed.

He added: “One of the most important challenges being faced in nuclear is ensuring that we have the right people coming through the development pipeline to take the industry forward as it continues to grow – and of course who better to offer an opinion on that than someone who is starting out."