'I had no motivation' – how one scheme changed two teens' lives

Why it matters: The pair are among 25 young people from underrepresented communities who have completed the programme, which launched in October as a two-year pilot backed by Sizewell C.

What they're saying: Chelsy, from Ipswich, secured an internship at Sizewell C. "I feel like I've grown so much and I'm much more confident about my abilities," she said. "I'm excited to be starting my internship and learning from those around me. When I look back, I've come so far, and I'm very proud of what I've achieved."

Jay, also from Ipswich, said the programme turned his life around. "Before the Beyond Boundaries programme, I had no motivation. I was bored every day, and I didn't know what direction to take," he said. "Since taking part in the programme, I've secured a full-time role as a games designer. I'm now full of motivation and living a great life."

The details: Beyond Boundaries is delivered by Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE), Sizewell C's social partner, at its hub in Ipswich. It helps 15 to 21-year-olds build the skills, confidence and connections needed for sustainable, well-paid careers through coaching, mentoring and tailored skills development.

The first cohort's results include:

• Two full-time roles, including one with Sizewell C as a recruitment administrator
• One paid summer internship with Sizewell C's regional external affairs department
• One apprenticeship with a local company
• Two university places
• Several further applications awaiting decisions

Participants also reported improved personal and social skills, greater confidence and a clearer sense of their long-term goals.

By the numbers: The programme delivered 64 hours of mentoring and 128 one-to-one sessions, with 21 guest speakers and visitors contributing, including representatives from Sizewell C's supply chain partners. Participants also took part in seven educational and career-focused visits, including a trip to Sizewell C's London office.

The bigger picture: A graduation event at Venue 16 in Ipswich marked the end of the first cohort. Aleksandra Kasinska, ISCRE's project lead for Beyond Boundaries, said: "The celebration event left audiences inspired as young people shared powerful stories of personal growth, increased confidence, and their achievements throughout the programme.

"Recognising a gap in accessible support, ISCRE created the programme to help remove barriers, build resilience, and open new opportunities. The success of the first cohort demonstrates the positive impact of empowering young people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential."

Chris Young, head of Sizewell C's employment affairs unit, said: "This type of collaboration is incredibly important, particularly in light of the Milburn Report and the growing NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) challenge facing the UK. Strong partnerships are what make this kind of success possible.

"At Sizewell C, we are absolutely committed to working collaboratively to create as many pathways as possible into our project, while also helping to open up wider employment opportunities within the local community, of which we are very much a part."

What's next: A second cohort of Beyond Boundaries participants is due to begin the programme later this year.

The bottom line: For Chelsy and Jay, the scheme has helped them move into work they're enthusiastic about – and a second group of young people in Ipswich will get the chance to take part later this year.

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