A group of over 40 welding students were positively sizing up of their future career prospects thanks to a recent tour of Sizewell.
The learners – all studying on courses at Suffolk New College in Ipswich – got a behind the scenes look at the nuclear plant that operates next to the site for the UK’s next new nuclear power station to be built, Sizewell C.
During the three-hour visit, two groups got to meet employees and find out about the different roles on offer at one of the region’s largest employers.
Logan Perez-Gray, 17, from Thorpeness, is on a level two fabrication and welding course. Logan said: “We walked around the whole of Sizewell B. Experiencing it through this tour, you get to realise how huge this place is. Coming here has made me want to work for them and get an apprenticeship as soon as possible.”
Harley Jackaman, 17, from Ipswich is on the same course as Logan. Harley said: “Bringing us here has been a great opportunity. You know it exists but you don’t know what really goes on behind the scenes – so this trip really opened it up for all the possible welding related roles that exist here. Getting to come here has been amazing. You get loads of opportunities with the college.”
Sarah Osbourne is the Sizewell visitor centre coordinator. Sarah said: “As a company we will have thousands of opportunities for many years so it’s important we get young people here to understand the careers that are available. Some of the students (from Suffolk New College) seemed keen to work here and that was music to my ears.”
Simon Mullan is a welding lecturer at the college who helped set up the visit. Simon said: “The industry is growing, Sizewell is on the doorstep and our students could come here and get a job for life. It’s been a real eye-opener and thanks to EDF for supporting us.”
Other welding collaborations that have taken place between the college and external partners other than this visit include the creation of some brackets for Ipswich Boxing Club and a link-up with Sutton Hoo that saw learners make some Anglo
Saxon-style lamps. Last year, former welding student – Cleo Thompson – secured an apprenticeship with Altrad Babcock who works closely with EDF on a regular basis.