The main company backing the Bradwell B project is encouraging Essex graduates to consider a career in nuclear power as part of an international scholarship programme.

CGN (China General Nuclear Power Group), the main shareholder in Bradwell B, is supporting Beijing's Tsinghua University's search for applicants for a scholarship on their International Master's Program in Nuclear Engineering and Management.

One former graduate of the scholarship programme, Nils Sundstrom - who is currently working on the Bradwell B project - is hoping others will take inspiration from his story.

Nils, 24, applied for the scholarship when completing his undergraduate course in Chemical Engineering at Sheffield University.

He had planned to take his Masters course at Sheffield, but when he heard about the opportunity to learn at one of China's top universities he decided to apply.

Nils, who grew up in Bristol, said: "I would say to anyone thinking about it that all your fees and flights are paid for, you get to meet people from all over the world and receive a bursary that allows you to live very comfortably while you study."

The opportunity has also given Nils the chance to learn Chinese and, since graduating in 2019, he is still continuing with weekly lessons to help perfect his skills.

Nils added: "I love travelling and this has given me experience of so many different cultures. I met amazing people from all over the world. The scholarship has given me great personal and professional opportunities."

The two-year full scholarship master's programme, which includes paid tuition and accommodation fees,

involves industry internships on innovative nuclear projects.

Applications for the 2021 programme are open until 1 March 2021. The programme is exclusively for

international students and is supported by the three major nuclear power groups in China including CGN.

Alan Raymant, Bradwell B project's Chief Executive, said: "We want to encourage graduates in the UK, and

especially those who live or study in Essex, to apply for this opportunity. Building links with world-leading

nuclear programmes, such as at Tsinghua, is a great first step to developing a highly-skilled local workforce

for the delivery of Bradwell B and other UK new nuclear projects.

"Bradwell B will require tens of thousands of people during construction and 900 permanent jobs in

operation for over 60 years. We are identifying now the skills we will need to construct and operate Bradwell B, and we will work with schools and education providers to ensure local residents maximise the opportunities from the project."

Tsinghua University International Master's Programme in Nuclear Engineering and Management is supported

by the National Energy Administration of China, the Chinese Ministry of Education and the three major

nuclear power groups in China including CGN.

More information, including the programme application form, is available on Tsinghua University's website.