Sizewell C is finding unique ways to develop the regional skills needed to join the low-carbon energy project.
Engineering students from across Suffolk and Norfolk got the chance to experience the real-life demands of a large-scale construction project, as part of a five-day hands-on project organised by Sizewell C.
In collaboration with Constructionarium, a not-for-profit organisation based in North Norfolk, 12 Engineering Foundation students from colleges across the region – including College of West Anglia, City College Norwich and Suffolk New College – had to construct a mini version of The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe, London).
The students were responsible for all parts of the build, including construction methodology, scheduling, budget control and assembly.
READ MORE: How Sizewell C is building the future of carbon capture
Taking on the responsibilities of the main contractor and site operatives, each of the students was assigned a flexible role to ensure they were able to pick up a range of new skills and practical experiences to support their classroom learning.
The result was an impressive 12m, three-storey replica constructed using seven levels of prefabricated steel on a concrete base, topped with a dome lifted into place by mobile crane.
“Every part of this immersive experience replicates the real-life challenges of delivering a complex construction project,” said Elliott Murphy, skills development manager at Sizewell C.
“The students had to be on the site early, understand a challenging brief, order materials, pour concrete and manage a mobile crane. They really had to work together to get this done successfully – and it was brilliant to see them picking up new skills so well and so quickly.”
Constructionarium provides a range of unique learning experiences for students studying built environment courses, allowing them to apply the theoretical knowledge in a safe practical setting. Its courses enable students to gain technical, personal and employability skills to replicate iconic structures from around the world.
“It was a delight to host such a fantastic group of learners,” said Julia Stevens, Constructionarium chief executive. “They all accepted the challenge and worked hard as a team to deliver the project to ‘the client’ on time, in a safe manner.
"We are delighted that this is the first in a series of educational collaborations with Sizewell C.”
With more than 1,500 apprenticeship opportunities available during the construction period, Sizewell C is offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for young people in the region, offering the chance to develop valuable skills, higher earning potential and improved life chances.
READ MORE: How Sizewell C is creating a team to build a power station
“Many of the students on this project wanted to find out how they could work at Sizewell C,” Elliott said.
“By giving them the chance to develop key real-world construction skills that we’d need on the project, this experience gives them a great opportunity to carry that forward – whether that’s in apprenticeship positions, mechanical, electrical, heating (MEH) and operative roles, or permanent positions once the station is built.
"It also gives them the skills and experience needed to open up other opportunities across the region – the sky’s the limit.”
Sizewell C is working closely with further education providers in Suffolk and Norfolk to ensure that there is the necessary skills development to work with the project. Many of these skills will be transferrable to other projects in the East of England, providing long-term stability to those who acquire them – regardless of occupation.
To further support getting young people into work, the project has also established Young Sizewell C: individuals aged 16 to 21 and living in Suffolk or Norfolk can register with the programme, which helps connect them to in-demand career and apprenticeship opportunities as they begin to emerge with the project.
To find out more, visit sizewellc.com/jobs
This article is part of the EADT's Clean & Green campaign, which aims to promote our region as the biggest in the UK and Europe for all forms of renewable energy.
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