Suffolk New College signs agreement to prepare students for Sizewell C

Suffolk New College and Sizewell C have signed a memorandum of understanding to upskill local students so they can work on Suffolk's planned new nuclear power station. Agreements are in place now between Sizewell C and all Further Education Colleges in Suffolk, also including the University of Suffolk. 
 
The agreement signed by Viv Gillespie, Principal of Suffolk New College and Sarah Hancock, HR Director for Sizewell C, will see the following being rolled out:
 
Support for the development of a Civil Engineering Campus(es) at its 'College on the Coast' sites (Leiston and Halesworth), as a key site of the project's Civil Engineering Skills Centre.
 
Support for the development of a Sustainable Agri-food Skills Centre at Suffolk Rural (former Otley College), building on the College's existing strengths in agriculture, livestock management, horticulture, landscape construction, and land-based engineering. 
 
Work with the College to enhance its digital skills provision at key sites such as Suffolk Rural and College on the Coast building on the college's Tech Campus in Ipswich
 
Support the development of a Welding Centre, working with the College at Ipswich and exploring potential new facilities at Leiston and/or Halesworth,
 
Scope the development of an Electrical Engineering Centre, enhancing facilities available at Leiston and Ipswich for delivering new and upskilling existing electrical skills
 
Speaking about the agreement that was signed in Ipswich, Sarah Hancock, Sizewell C Director, said: "Sizewell C will boost skills, training and employment in Suffolk and we are committed to work with local education providers to ensure that the right skills are in place for local people to access the opportunities the project will deliver."
 
Viv Gillespie, Principal, Suffolk New College, said: "The college supports employers who require a locally sourced skilled workforce through the provision of technical, vocational and professional qualifications. The planned investments will benefit future local students and apprentices."
 
Sizewell C has already put in place – 

• Jobs Service that already with some workers starting with HPC before transferring to SZC
• An employment and training prospectus that provides a pathway from education and training through to jobs with the project
• An interactive careers platform to support Young Sizewell C subscribers keen to know more about the jobs on the project
• Early apprenticeships being placed in welding, pipe fitting, project controls, formwork carpentry, surveying