Sizewell C targets women builders as site work begins

The Suffolk nuclear project at Leiston has a workforce which is currently more than 40% female. That includes 55% women in its leadership team - and apprenticeship recruitment which has been 50% female since the programme began in 2021.

It has partnered up with Women into Construction (WiC) to help bring in more women - and tackle barriers which might prevent them from gaining access to roles in the nuclear industry.

The new partnership – announced on International Women’s Day – involves the two organisations working together to broaden access to Sizewell C through work experience placements, job application support, work placements, progression support, and other opportunities to show the breadth of roles available.

Women into Construction was originally developed on the Olympic Park to address the gender imbalance in construction and is seen as part of the legacy of the 2012 Olympics.

Sizewell C site delivery director Damian Leydon was construction director for the Athletes’ Village for the London 2012 Olympics.

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact that Women into Construction had at the Olympic Park, and I know they’ll make a significant difference for the Sizewell C project, enabling us to build the best team possible through direct access to a talent pool of potential female employees," he said.

“We know that there are barriers that prevent women from moving into construction roles like the ones on offer at Sizewell C.

"It’s an issue not only facing our project, but many others in the nuclear industry and across construction.

"Through this partnership, however, we can tackle those barriers head on, and it really signals our intent to engage more women in the project, especially in areas where they are currently underrepresented.”

Women into Construction is a not-for-profit organisation providing advice and guidance, training, work placements and jobs to women interested in entering the construction industry.

It also helps contractors and stakeholders to address skills shortages in construction and create a more diverse workforce.

Its business development director Jacqui Wordsworth pointed out that just 16% of the entire UK construction workforce is female.

“We are delighted to be working with Sizewell C to help inspire and encourage women to consider a career in construction in the East Anglia region," she said.

"We are looking forward to working with Sizewell C to provide women in the region with the opportunity to gain valuable insights and experience into what we believe is an exciting sector and company.”

The Sizewell C recently appointed Tilly Spencer as technical director and Hayley Critchley as head of compliance on the construction team.

Hayley  said it was "a really welcoming environment" for women.

"I feel like I have a voice here already and my needs as a woman in construction have been thought through and catered for," she said.

“It’s clear that Sizewell C has put in place the policies, the processes, and the support networks to make it a truly diverse and gender-balanced place to work.

"But it really is hard to get ladies to apply for construction roles - there are so many perceived blockers in the construction industry.

"WiC can make a difference there - I love what they are doing and the services and ongoing support that they offer. I think they’ll open up the amazing opportunities at Sizewell C to even more women in the region.”