A leader in the nuclear industry who started his 40-year career at Heysham 2 has returned to the power station ahead of his retirement.
Stuart Crooks CBE visited the site as he reflected on a career that began as a 16-year-old electrical apprentice, then when he joined the nuclear industry at Heysham 2 where he worked on the installation and commissioning of the main computer control and protection systems.
At the time, civil nuclear power was still a relatively young industry in the UK, creating opportunities for a new generation of engineers.
Over the next four decades, Stuart built a career spanning technical, engineering and leadership roles at power stations across the country including Dungeness, Hartlepool and Heysham.
His journey ultimately led him to become CEO of Hinkley Point C in Somerset, Europe's largest construction project and Britain's first new nuclear power station in a generation.
In recognition of his long-term contribution to the industry, Stuart was awarded a CBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to nuclear energy.
"It's always special to come back to Heysham," he said.
"Over the course of my career, I've worked at several sites across the country, but my early years here played a huge part in shaping the engineer and leader I became.
"When I started work as a young apprentice, I could never have imagined where that journey would take me. The nuclear industry opened doors, gave me opportunities to learn from fantastic people and allowed me to work on projects that make a real difference to people's lives.
"As I prepare for retirement, one of the things I'm most passionate about is encouraging the next generation to consider careers in engineering and energy. The industry continues to offer incredible opportunities to those willing to learn and challenge themselves and I hope my own journey shows what's possible."
During the visit, Stuart took the opportunity to tour the stations one final time, visiting the reactor buildings and turbine halls where he began his career in the nuclear industry, bringing his professional journey full circle.
While on site, Stuart spoke with employees from across both Heysham stations about his career, retirement plans and the lessons he has learned over four decades in the sector. He also highlighted the important role apprenticeships continue to play in developing future industry leaders.
"Everything started with my apprenticeship," he said.
"It's something I've never forgotten and it's why I've always been such a strong supporter of apprenticeship provisions, skills development and creating opportunities for young people.
"The nuclear industry has given me an incredible career and I'm proud to see stations like Heysham continuing to invest in the people who will shape its future.”
Although stepping down from his executive role, Stuart will remain closely involved in the UK nuclear sector as a Non-Executive Board Member for Sizewell C in Suffolk and EDF's Nuclear Operations business, and as an advisor to the Cottam Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Nottinghamshire.
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