Suffolk New College shook hands on a deal with Sizewell C that will offer more educational and job opportunities for people of all ages in Suffolk and beyond.
By creating a memorandum of understanding (MOU), the two organisations set out plans to officially work together on a number of new projects linked to the new nuclear power station under construction on the Suffolk coast.
The document includes updates on the creation of a new Suffolk New College-on-the-Coast facility in Leiston.
To celebrate the partnership, the Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, Alan Pease, and the CEO of Sizewell C, Nigel Cann, met up to formally agree on this arrangement.
Mr Pease was delighted with the news. He said: “This will help connect our college (and education more generally) to a national infrastructure project. This will help create well paid jobs for people of all ages, and this in turn will have a positive impact on the local and national economy. This formal agreement now means we are working very closely with one of the largest employers in the region – and the signing of the deal will mean our plans are moving from a place of ambition to reality. And we can’t wait to get started on all of these incredibly exciting projects.”
Projects within the (MOU) include:
- The establishment of a Suffolk New College-on-the-Coast campus in Leiston within eye shot of Sizewell C, which will provide project and non-project qualifications and apprenticeships to local young people and adults.
- A commitment to ensure that the local community in and around Leiston and Halesworth has access to construction engineering and non-engineering courses.
- The development of a Civil Engineering Campus, the development of a Materials Lab and a Construction Centre of Excellence
- A new Driver Academy will be set up at the Suffolk Rural Campus in Otley.
- Other plans include the enhancement of digital skills provision for young people and adults across Suffolk New College’s four sites – and new apprenticeship areas will also be explored.
At peak construction, it is estimated that about 7,900 people will work at Sizewell C, of which a third will come from the local area.
The project has committed to providing at least 1,500 apprenticeships, with 540 earmarked for those living in Suffolk.
Nigel Cann, CEO of Sizewell C, said: “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding marks an exciting step in our shared commitment to developing local talent. Together, we’re creating new training routes and job opportunities that will equip people with the skills needed for Sizewell C and beyond. This partnership strengthens the long-term skills legacy we’re building for Suffolk and the wider region, ensuring young communities benefit for generations to come.”