Sizewell C funds programme for underrepresented youth

Why it matters: The Beyond Boundaries Programme, delivered by Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE), aims to help 15-21-year-olds access well-paid and sustained employment through confidence building, skills development, coaching and mentorship.

The details: Sizewell C says the pilot scheme actively addresses inequalities that often limit access to training and employment. The programme is designed to prepare young people for apprenticeships, further education and job opportunities.

Twenty-five young people are currently taking part in the initiative.

What they're saying: Chelsy, from Ipswich, said: "I feel like a lot of people in our community get lost because they attend such big schools and colleges. I think the one-to-one meetings and mentoring we'll get as part of this programme will really help build our confidence and prepare us for the workplace."

Lynn, from Ipswich, added: "I'm hoping to get an accounting apprenticeship, and I've realised that schools only really promote university instead of things like apprenticeships. Programmes like Beyond Boundaries will help us learn things that we're not taught in school, like applying for jobs and having more self-belief."

Phanuel Mutumburi, Director at ISCRE, said: "We're extremely grateful to Sizewell C for funding this important programme. This is a significant initiative which will result in young people attaining greater personal enrichment and improved life chances by getting into well-paid, lifelong careers in their desired industries."

The bigger picture: The programme was officially launched at Portman Road, with about 140 people attending the event. Guest speakers included participants in the programme and current apprentices at Sizewell C.

The initiative is part of Sizewell C's wider outreach strategy, which the organisation says brings together local councils, education providers, charities, community groups and businesses to create opportunities and support regional growth.

According to Sizewell C, while the programme does not directly lead to roles at the power station, it plays a role in raising aspirations, improving employability and guiding young people through career pathways.

Sizewell C

For context: Sizewell C, the new nuclear power station being built on the Suffolk coast, cemented its commitment to social impact through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, outlining its pledges and partnerships.

Jack Raven, Senior Regional Sustainability Project Manager at Sizewell C, said: "I'm delighted we're working with ISCRE on such an important programme, which is linked to our Young SZC forum. At Sizewell C, we're committed to creating life-changing opportunities for people in Suffolk, particularly those from marginalised communities, and Beyond Boundaries supports our values and goals."

Sizewell C's other social partners include Inspire, Access Community Trust, Community Action Suffolk, Project 21, Outreach Youth and the Department for Work and Pensions.

ISCRE, a registered charity established in 1977, has a history of advocating for racial equality and social justice. Through culturally-informed interventions, it supports individuals and organisations across sectors to understand and address inequality in areas such as criminal justice, housing, employment, education and healthcare.

The bottom line: Sizewell C says the Beyond Boundaries Programme aims to break cycles of poverty and foster a more inclusive society by supporting young people from underrepresented communities into sustained careers.