Suffolk colleges to expand training facilities thanks to Sizewell C funding

• East Coast College and Suffolk New College awarded grants to expand training and apprenticeship provision
• Investment to support construction of Sizewell C and other major infrastructure projects
• Training to cover groundworks, civil engineering and HGV driving

Sizewell C is investing in the expansion of training facilities at two local colleges to strengthen civil engineering and construction skills across the region.

East Coast College in Lowestoft and Suffolk New College in Ipswich have been awarded grants through the project’s Asset Skills Enhancement and Capability (ASEC) Fund.

The £7.8m fund – supported by East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council – aims to boost the supply of skills needed for Sizewell C, wider regional demand, and future projects. This includes expanding, upgrading, and developing local training provision, such as apprenticeships.

Suffolk and the wider East of England are home to a significant pipeline of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, including major developments in transport, offshore wind, and power infrastructure, as well as planned investment in onshore renewables and electric vehicle charging networks.

Many of these projects require the same civil engineering, construction, and technical skills as Sizewell C. The ASEC Fund is therefore designed to ensure local people can access the training and qualifications needed to support this collection of nationally important projects – both during the construction phase and for many years to come.

Chris Young, head of Sizewell C’s Employment Affairs Unit, said: “We’re delighted to able to provide this important funding to both colleges. It will not only help build the skilled workforce we need for the future but will also create high quality careers. It’s another example of how we’ll leave a lasting legacy for communities across Suffolk for generations to come.”

Sizewell C recently signed separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with both colleges, outlining plans to work together on several exciting new projects.

For Suffolk New College, this includes delivering College on the Coast, a new permanent post-16 education facility on the outskirts of Leiston.

Sizewell C has also supported the establishment of a thriving on-campus employability hub at East Coast College, and recently welcomed its first full cohort of work experience students from Lowestoft to site.

As part of receiving the grant, East Coast College will establish the Lound Civil Campus – a dynamic training hub in collaboration with regional employers, for new entrants, career changers, and existing workers seeking to up-skill.

Paul Padda, Principal and Chief Executive at East Coast College, said: “We’re delighted and grateful to have collaborated with Sizewell C, East Suffolk Council, and Suffolk County Council to secure funding for the further development of our civil engineering campus in Lound. This investment will enable us to expand our work with employers and deliver vital skills training linked to major infrastructure projects across sectors including plant operations, groundwork, formwork, water, rail, and housebuilding.

“The enhanced curriculum will create outstanding opportunities for people in our communities to gain new skills and progress into well-paid, long-term careers, supporting economic growth and prosperity for generations to come.”

Meanwhile, Suffolk New College will expand its offer with more high-quality training and education, in areas such as groundworks, civil engineering, technical higher educational skills needs, and driver training.

Emma Taylor, Director of Business Development and Major Projects at Suffolk New College, said: “Suffolk New College is delighted to receive this funding, which will support us in our mission to ensure that local people and businesses have the greatest possible opportunity to secure jobs in this important sector at a time of unprecedented opportunity.

“Therefore, we are very grateful to Sizewell C, East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council for their support via the ASEC Fund.”

Councillor Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Skills, said: “This funding is enabling long-term development of local skills in Suffolk. This will train and educate students to support the Sizewell C project, but will also have a significant and lasting benefit for the county’s civil engineering.

“These two local institutions are well-placed to deliver projects and will increase in the number of courses delivered and students completing those courses.”

Councillor Caroline Topping, Leader of Esat Suffolk Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Regeneration, added: “This funding will help improve skills and is about enabling our communities to thrive, both now and in the future. By investing in local skills and training, we are helping to create lasting opportunities for residents and supporting the long-term resilience of our economy.

“Strengthening our local training provision will help create clear pathways into skilled employment and support communities across the district.”