30-06-2025
New nuclear power station champions local education and training opportunities
As tens of thousands of teenagers across Suffolk eagerly await their exam results, Sizewell C is stepping up efforts to enhance local education and training opportunities for children and young people.
Last month, the project unveiled plans to establish a post-16 college for its host town of Leiston.
Delivered in partnership with Suffolk New College, the permanent facility will transform higher education access in an area where there are limited options for Further Education and specialist vocational training, creating a lasting skills legacy for the region.
The plans also include an Apprenticeship and Trainee Hub, which will support the 540 local apprenticeships that Sizewell C has pledged to deliver during the construction of the nuclear power station, as well as a purpose-built Centre of Excellence which will provide training in areas such as civils, mechanical, electrical and welding.
Alan Pease, principal and chief executive officer at Suffolk New College (Image: Simply C Photography) 'I'm very grateful to Sizewell C for their vision and collaboration on this further education college project,' said Alan Pease, principal and chief executive officer at Suffolk New College. 'Without their continued support, this opportunity wouldn't be possible.
'The collaboration will enable us to support the local community with post-16 education for young people and adults – not only related to skills required by Sizewell C, but also more generally.'
The college is expected to open in September 2027.
READ MORE: Meet the jobs matchmaker filling roles at Sizewell C
An employability hub called Nucleus has also been launched at East Coast College in Lowestoft, in partnership with Sizewell C.
The hub supports students in securing employment by offering help with CV writing, interview preparation and access to regional job opportunities.
In total, Sizewell C is investing more than £20m to improve skills in the area. This includes enhancing facilities and resources across local colleges, higher education institutions, and training providers.
An Apprenticeship and Trainee Hub will support 540 local apprenticeships (Image: Sizewell C) Its Young Sizewell C initiative, which connects those aged 14 to 21 in Suffolk and Norfolk with in-demand careers and apprenticeships, has already attracted over 1,700 sign-ups. A dedicated Young Sizewell C website offering access to job and training opportunities is set to launch later this year.
Meanwhile, more than 17,000 young people have engaged with Sizewell C's Power Up! programme, which has equipped over 200 schools with resources to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Volunteers from Sizewell C and its supply chain have also led school workshops, with 96% of surveyed teachers reporting they felt more confident teaching STEM subjects as a result.
Chris Young, head of the Employment Affairs Unit at Sizewell C (Image: Sizewell C) 'Young people today won't just help build the power station in future – they'll also operate and maintain it once it's switched on,' said Chris Young, head of the Employment Affairs Unit at Sizewell C.
'By opening their eyes to all the exciting careers available now, they'll hopefully consider a career in the energy sector once they finish their education. The industry has many incredible benefits, such as good salaries and transferrable skills.'
READ MORE: 'Home away from home' – Sizewell C builds new accommodation campus
Sizewell C is also funding a programme to enhance STEM education in more than a dozen local primary and secondary schools.
Led by the Kingfisher Schools Trust, the newly formed Leiston Education Partnership will build on the initiative to establish an engaging STEM curriculum across primary schools. This will ensure a smooth transition to secondary education and boost student aspiration and achievement – particularly in GCSE Science.
Dan Mayhew, director of community and partnerships at the Kingfisher Schools Trust (Image: Andrew Henry) As part of the same programme, Sizewell C has funded the appointment of a head of community arts engagement. This role supports local schools in building students' confidence and self-esteem through creative arts, with music performances scheduled in the coming weeks.
'We're already making a huge difference to the lives of young people in the area,' said Dan Mayhew, director of community and partnerships at the Kingfisher Schools Trust. 'Science lessons are becoming more engaging, and pupils, who may have never sung in front of each other before, are taking part in group singalongs.
"It's only right that young people benefit from the construction of Sizewell C, and we see this as a golden opportunity to raise aspirations and help fully prepare our students for all the opportunities the project may bring.'
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This article is part of the EADT's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
