Breaking barriers: hundreds attend Sizewell C’s inaugural Women in Construction jobs fair

• More than 300 people explore the wide range of career opportunities available
• Around 35 contractors from Sizewell C’s supply chain were on hand to answer questions and offer support
• Landmark event is part of Sizewell C’s commitment to building a diverse workforce

More than 300 people attended Sizewell C’s first‑ever Women in Construction jobs fair, reflecting the growing ambition among women to be part of one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects.

The landmark event, held on Wednesday at the Sizewell Sports and Social Club in Leiston, brought together around 35 of Sizewell C’s supply chain partners alongside inspiring women already working on the project.

Designed to attract a new generation of women into construction, engineering, and STEM careers, the fair focused on building confidence, challenging outdated perceptions, and showcasing the wide range of opportunities available across the nuclear sector.

The fair is part of Sizewell C’s wider commitment to building a diverse workforce and supporting improved gender balance across the construction and infrastructure sectors. With thousands of roles to be created during construction of the power station on the Suffolk coast, the project aims to ensure women are represented and supported at every level.

Madeleine Phillips, 21, a University of Essex creative writing student from Knodishall, said: “When I saw this event advertised, I expected it to be full of men in high-viz vests, but it’s quite the opposite. I’m really impressed by the sheer number of opportunities on offer and how friendly everyone has been. My cousin already works on site, and the industry feels very welcoming for women.”

Danni Lee, 30, a plumbing and heating apprentice at Suffolk New College, added: “For women looking to join the industry, it’s about having the confidence to put yourself out there. That’s why events like this are so valuable – they showcase the wide range of opportunities available and the abundance of well‑paid jobs.”

Attendees learnt about the growing range of opportunities available spanning hands-on, site-based delivery positions through to engineering, planning, and commercial careers – as well as essential supporting roles including administration, catering, and driving.

The event was open to everyone – from women considering a return to work, to those looking to progress their careers, or just starting out.

Uvonne Molloy, a dump truck driver at Blackwell Earthmoving, who exhibited at the event, and has a 21% female workforce, said: “Construction has traditionally been seen as a man’s world, but we want to show the next generation that it’s for everyone. I’ve got two young daughters and I want them to grow up thinking, if mum can do it, so can I. Living in Leiston means a job here could be for life, and right on your doorstep.”

Sizewell C wants to lead the way in creating a diverse workforce. It’s leadership team already has 63% female representation, and its apprenticeship programme – launched in 2021 – has an ambition to be 50% female.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board, women make up just 15% of the UK construction workforce, while an additional 251,500 workers will be needed by 2028 to meet housing targets and expected demand.

Siu Mun Li, a Director at Women in Construction Anglia, which connects people across the industry in the East of England, said: “When I started in construction, I was the only woman on site and one of just three women on my university course. Now, I’m seeing far more women coming into the industry, which is absolutely fantastic. Events like this highlight just how far we’ve come, and it’s great to see local people wanting to work locally on what will be the UK’s largest construction project.”

The Sizewell C Women in Construction Community group was established last year. It works with other stakeholders to celebrate and support women working across the project and wider industry.

Damian Leydon, Site Delivery Director, Sizewell C, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled by the success of this event. It’s a real testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone who made it happen – particularly Hayley Critchley, Chair of the Women in Construction Community Group, and Stuart Allsopp, our Jobs Service Lead, who put in so much effort. And of course, a huge thanks to the women who took the time to attend and show their support.

“Seeing people from such a wide range of backgrounds come together, connect with our supply chain partners, and discover new opportunities within our industry was truly inspiring. From the very beginning, our goal was to make this project accessible to all – and this event showed that we’re delivering on that commitment.”

At peak construction, almost 8,000 people will work at Sizewell C. Once operational, the power station will generate 3.2GW of low-carbon electricity – enough to power six million homes – and will reduce UK carbon emissions by around nine million tonnes each year. The project will also create at least 1,500 apprenticeships, with around a third reserved for local people in Suffolk.

Last year, Sizewell C hosted a series of careers fairs in Leiston, Lowestoft, and Ipswich which welcomed more than 1,500 attendees. A similar programme of events will be held this year.

Images can be downloaded here.