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Sizewell C launches skills charter to create 2,600 local jobs

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A new skills charter launched by Sizewell C aims to create at least 2,600 jobs for East Anglian workers during the nuclear power station's construction. The charter, developed with industry and local authorities, promises to prioritise local recruitment and training.

The big picture: The Sizewell C Skills Charter represents a partnership between the nuclear power project, construction industry training boards, and local councils to ensure Suffolk residents benefit from the massive infrastructure development.

Why it matters: The project will need 7,900 workers at peak construction, with at least a third of these roles – approximately 2,600 jobs – promised to people from East Anglia. This includes specific pledges of:

  • 500 jobs for Ipswich residents

  • 500 jobs for Lowestoft residents

  • 1,500 apprenticeships overall, with at least 540 reserved for Suffolk

The Sizewell C Skills Charter signing
The Sizewell C Skills Charter signingSizewell C

Key commitments The charter outlines several practical steps:

  • Pre-employment training programmes targeting local residents

  • Upskilling opportunities for existing workers

  • New training centres across Suffolk and East England

  • Focus on including underrepresented groups

What they're saying Chris Young, Head of Employment Affairs Unit at Sizewell C, said: "The Sizewell C Skills Charter exemplifies our commitment to creating a highly skilled and inclusive workforce, not just for the construction of Sizewell C but for the long-term benefit of the East of England."

Progress so far The project has already:

  • Opened a new employability hub called Nucleus with East Coast College

  • Launched regional job fairs with the Department for Work and Pensions

  • Secured over 1,300 sign-ups to its Young Sizewell C initiative

  • Engaged 200 schools through its Power Up education resources

Supporting infrastructure To support these commitments, Sizewell C is providing:

  • £23m fund for local colleges and training providers

  • Dedicated Sizewell C Jobs Service

  • Partnerships with regional training boards

The bottom line: The Skills Charter marks a significant step in ensuring local communities benefit from one of the region's largest infrastructure projects, with clear commitments to local hiring and skills development.

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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