Sizewell C project is supporting dozens of apprenticeships in Suffolk and Norfolk through levy transfer

The Sizewell C project is supporting dozens of apprenticeships in Suffolk and Norfolk by transferring funds raised through the apprenticeship levy to local businesses.

A variety of apprenticeships are being created, from teacher training through to carpentry and joinery and bricklaying.  The training for the first wave of apprentices will take place in East Coast College later this year.

The unique way that apprenticeships are funded in England means that EDF can transfer its apprenticeship levy to other businesses enabling them to take on extra employees and offer training to workers to help them progress their career.

Julia Pyke, Sizewell C Director, said: “By passing on our levy fund we can support companies across the region to recruit and train local people.  We want to help the region get back on its feet following the pandemic and this is one of the ways we can do this now whilst we continue the planning process for Sizewell C which will be another route to employment for thousands of local people.”

One firm to benefit from the levy transfer is Suffolk and Essex based Seeco Roofing, introduced to the scheme by New Anglia LEP.  They have been able to take on 2 new apprentices who start their induction with the firm this week.

Steve Greenwood, Seeco MD, said: “Thanks to this scheme we have two apprentices starting with us in November who will learn the roofing trade from some of our most experienced employees.  Without the levy we would have been unlikely to recruit new apprentices so this scheme has made a positive difference to our business and those we will now be able to offer training to.”

Rachel Bunn, Assistant Principal, East Coast College, said: “Apprenticeships are vital for the wellbeing of the region by offering people an opportunity to learn new skills and hopefully start a rewarding career.  The training we are going to provide through this support from Sizewell C will target some of the most affected areas during the pandemic, such as teaching and construction.”

The East of England is an important region for EDF as it is home to Sizewell B where 800 local people work and Sizewell C the new power station which is currently going through the planning process. The apprenticeship levy will be prioritised on training in critical skills needed for Sizewell C.

Apprenticeships with Sizewell C

The Sizewell C project aims to create 1,500 apprenticeships from conventional to degree level if construction of the new nuclear power station goes ahead.

Apprentices will be trained in a wide variety of construction and mechanical roles including degree-level engineering, digital engineering, welding, project management, and steel-fixing.

There will also be apprenticeships in many site support services including project management, operations management, leadership, logistics, environment, health and safety, security, and accountancy.

Sizewell C is the low carbon nuclear power station being proposed for Suffolk to help the UK reach net zero emissions by 2050. The application to build Sizewell C is currently being considered by the Planning Inspectorate.

Young Sizewell C

Young Sizewell C is designed to introduce 16-21-year olds living in Suffolk and Norfolk to some of the jobs the project could offer. This will be used alongside a future Jobs Service to identify as many opportunities as possible for young people living in the East of England.