Suffolk reaps the socioeconomic benefits of Sizewell C early works

Over £25 million has been awarded to local companies supporting early works to prepare for the start of construction of Sizewell C and dozens of early apprenticeships and training opportunities created.

The news comes just as sister project Hinkley Point C shows the massive positive impact nuclear projects deliver to the local area. At Sizewell C, the project has already funded over 20 apprenticeships and 50 work placements and committed in excess of £385,000 as part of the Apprentice Levy transfer scheme which sees other local firms benefiting from funding. This is all in advance of the release of the £24 million skills-related support Sizewell C will provide within a £250m package of funding for local communities as part of the Development Consent Order.

Local work on the project has involved moving some of the Sizewell B buildings to make room for Suffolk’s new power station which will deliver thousands of local jobs, 1,500 apprenticeships and a massive boost to local firms and families. As of today, we have 2,407 companies signed up on the Sizewell C supply chain portal, of which 508 are based in East Suffolk – all keen to work with us to deliver the project.

Ipswich family firm Barnes Construction is currently working on the site with a number of other local companies, such as Tru7 Group, supporting the preparatory works.

At times more than 250 archaeologists have been carrying out work on several Suffolk sites for the project and have already uncovered some special finds, such as the spoke of a Roman chariot, which will be held in Suffolk archives and shared with local communities. The project is enabling more of Suffolk’s rich heritage to be recovered.

Julia Pyke, Sizewell C Joint MD said: “This is great news for Suffolk, we are determined that even before full construction starts on the project, local people benefit, whether that’s through early apprenticeships or contracts to support the preparatory work.”

Nigel Cann, Sizewell C Joint MD said: “I was privileged to work on the delivery of the construction of Hinkley Point C and look forward to sharing these learnings at Sizewell C so we can build the best possible project for Suffolk.”

The news comes on the day that Hinkley Point C has released its annual update showing six years into the build programme spending in the South West has topped £5.3billion.

The Hinkley Point C nuclear project will offer 30,000 new training places between now and completion, helping local people to join the project as it hits peak construction activity. Trainees will be able to upgrade their skills and earning potential by joining the work to fit miles of pipes, cables, equipment and control systems. The opportunity has been made possible by Hinkley Point C’s £24 million investment into education, skills and employment, including at three new Centres for Excellence in welding, electrical and mechanical skills.

Today’s figure was released in Hinkley Point C’s 2023 Socio-Economic Impact report. Key points include:

• HPC will offer 30,000 new training places between now and completion – a massive boost to British industrial capacity
• More than 1,100 apprentices employed so far (against an original target of 1,000). At Sizewell, our target is 1,500
• The local spend (in the South West) is three times the original target and has now reached £5.3bn