Sizewell C signs final education partnership at Ipswich college

Why it matters: The deal completes a coordinated regional approach to training the workforce needed for the nuclear project, which Sizewell C says will employ almost 8,000 people at peak construction and create at least 1,500 apprenticeships – around a third of which are reserved for local people in Suffolk.

The details: The refreshed MoU with Eastern Education Group (EEG) follows earlier agreements signed this year with East Coast College and Suffolk New College.

According to Sizewell C, the partnership will deliver:

• Support for construction training in disciplines including civils, groundworks, steel fixing and formwork
• Endorsement of the West Suffolk College CTEC designation
• Potential funding of projects
• Use of EEG's XR laboratory
• Development of real-world training
• Financial support for STEM-related initiatives and apprenticeships

EEG currently supports over 15,000 students across three colleges, a university centre and four learning centres in Suffolk, alongside developments in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, plus SEND and primary schools across East Anglia.

What they're saying: Phil Stittle, Executive Director for Business and Growth at Eastern Education Group, said: "Today is really important to re-align our partnership with Sizewell C, look at what we have done in the past few years, and what our priorities need to be moving forward so that both organisations can benefit."

Chris Young, Head of Employment Affairs at Sizewell C, said: "Our refreshed MOU reinforces the importance of further education in the skills system for us as an organisation.

"We want to continue to work with EEG to make sure the learners they support have the skills that they need to access careers with us and other employers and projects. And with EEG being the CTEC of the East it puts them in a prominent position to impact the delivery of construction and infrastructure skills across the region – so, we are delighted to be connected with them, and our other local education partners, not just now, but for generations to come."

For context: Previous work between Sizewell C and EEG includes an immersive virtual experience exploring the journey of an atom, which is now featured at the Sizewell C visitor centre and Sizewell B power station.

West Suffolk College was awarded CTEC status through a £100m government initiative, which Sizewell C says places it at the forefront of UK construction training.

The bigger picture: Sizewell C's partnership with Suffolk New College includes supporting the establishment of a new permanent post-16 College on the Coast on the edge of Leiston, alongside plans for a new Civil Engineering Campus, a Construction Centre of Excellence and a Driver Academy.

Alan Pease, Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, said: "The MOU will help connect our college (and education more generally) to a national infrastructure project. It will also help to create well-paid jobs for people of all ages, and this in turn will have a positive impact on the local and national economy."

What students say: Students at the signing event in Ipswich welcomed the initiative.

Sebastian, 18, from Ipswich, said: "I think the MOU signing is great news for young people. It will create so many jobs and help keep young people in the area. It's great for Suffolk and East Anglia in general."

Lydia, 18, from Flowton, added: "It's incredible – particularly for students who have a STEM focus for a career. It gives opportunities here – and will bring people to Suffolk."

What's next: Sizewell C is also expected to sign an MoU with its higher education partner, the University of Suffolk.

The bottom line: With the EEG agreement now signed, Sizewell C has established a regional education framework spanning further education providers across Suffolk, intended to equip local people with the skills needed for the project and the wider energy and infrastructure sectors.

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