Sizewell C set to drive long-term job creation across the East of England
East Anglia’s nuclear heritage dates back to Sizewell A’s construction over 60 years ago.
In the late 1980s, more than 20,000 jobs were created to build Sizewell B, and today, the project still employs hundreds of skilled workers and provides 3.1% of the UK's energy needs.
The region already has a dynamic supply chain presence, boasting industry giants like AtkinsRéalis and innovators such as Tetra Tech - and as we move forward, accelerating the UK’s new nuclear programme is believed to be vital for securing thousands of jobs and fuelling investment in the East of England.
This momentum is set to continue with Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, which is expected to deliver thousands of long-term jobs across the nuclear supply chain.
A project with potential
New research* by the Sizewell C Consortium, representing more than 250 UK-based nuclear supply chain companies, highlights this potential.
A striking 85% of businesses foresee job growth as a direct result of the project, with 65% anticipating the creation of new roles within the first year following a Final Investment Decision.
Additionally, 75% of respondents predict these jobs will provide stable employment for over four years, paving the way for immediate and long-lasting career opportunities in the industry.
Boosting British businesses
Breheny Civil Engineering, which has had an office in Huntingdon since 1990, is already helping build the visitor centre at Sizewell C, as well as constructing access roads for construction operations.
As a result, Breheny has been able to invest in growing and upskilling its workforce, offering advanced training programs to enhance team capabilities - elevating the skills of local employees and promoting economic growth in the region.
Steve Dighton, group business development manager, said: “We have 330 directly employed staff working for Breheny Civil Engineering, many of which live in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
"Sizewell C coming onboard will give opportunities for young people to come into the business and start afresh as apprentices and trainees, with the potential to work their way up through the business.”
Additionally, Select Plant Hire - part of the construction and engineering company Laing O’Rourke - has a depot and offices in Little Barford.
The company supplies a range of equipment and services to major construction projects, including electric plants, a range of green power solutions, and modular accommodation.
Peter Lyons, director of Laing O’Rourke, said: “Sizewell C represents a significant opportunity to create long-term employment opportunities within the nuclear sector and right through its supply chain – which we are proud to be part of.
"By applying everything we have learned at Hinkley Point C, we could make the UK a world leader in nuclear technologies and create jobs and prosperity across the country, including here in East Anglia, where we already have a skilled workforce.”
Sizewell C, set to secure a Final Investment Decision by spring 2025, aims to allocate 70% of its construction value to British businesses, a significant portion of which are located right here in the East of England.
This article was originally published in Cambridgeshire Live.
