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
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.
