East Coast College is 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 has 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 be able to provide this important funding to the college. 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 seperate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with both colleges, outlining plans to work together on several exciting new projects.
Sizewell C has also supported the establishment of a thriving on-campus employability hub at East Coast College, recently welcoming its first full cohort of work experience students from Lowestoft to site.
As part of this grant, East Coast College will establish the Lound Civil Campus, a dynamic training hub in collaboration with regional employers, for new entrants, career changes and existing workers seeking to upskill.
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.”
Counciller 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.”
Councilor Caroline Topping, Leader of East 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 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.”