Sizewell C has launched a jobs service and skills and employment prospectus to open up access to opportunities with the project.
The Jobs Service will provide information about the many different roles that could become available if Sizewell C gets the go-ahead. It will also help young people and those looking for new careers in the Suffolk region to find training and education so that they are well prepared when jobs on the project become available.
The Jobs Service originally served the Hinkley Point C project which is now four years into construction and has recruited 40% of its workforce from the local area against a target of 34%. Sizewell C aims to recruit at least a third of the workforce during construction from the local area and the jobs service and prospectus are key to achieving this. Over 2,500 people have already expressed an interest in joining the project.
Speaking about the launch, Humphrey Cadoux Hudson, Managing Director for Sizewell C, said: “This is another important milestone for Sizewell C. The jobs service will provide support for local people to secure long-term well-paid jobs with the project and the prospectus will guide those into the skills we need.”
Sizewell C is working closely with local training providers to ensure the right skills are in place locally for people to take part in the project. The proposed new power station will create thousands of jobs for local people in a diverse range of areas from project management through to welding – skills which are needed in a number of projects in the region ensuring the East is future proofing the workforce and preparing for decades of employment.
Colleges and training providers in the region have highlighted courses available to support work with Sizewell C and local developers.
Viv Gillespie, Principal, Suffolk New College, said: “We offer a wide range of apprenticeships and industry certified qualifications that are aligned to sector requirements and will support the Sizewell C project.”
Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO West Suffolk College, said: “Our colleges across Suffolk offer a wide range of courses, apprenticeships and industry certified qualifications that are developed to support industry requirements. We deliver outstanding education which supports the Sizewell C project and the fantastic opportunities it creates for our young people and their future.”
Stuart Rimmer, CEO East Coast College, said: ““East Coast College offers a range of courses that will ensure there are the required skills for jobs related to net zero targets.”
The launch follows the East of England MoU signed between the Sizewell C consortium, a group of 200 leading firms ready to build Sizewell C, with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and other stakeholders. The MoU based on independent research conducted by Ernst & Young found that Sizewell C could deliver a £2billion boost to Suffolk and £4.4bn to the wider East of England region.