A Suffolk college student has been hired as the 100th apprentice at Sizewell C – as the under-construction power station continues to reach new milestones.
Thomas Lee, a student at Suffolk New College from the village of Otley, has taken on the role as a Level 6 civil engineering apprentice.
Working on the multi-billion-pound nuclear plant will be his first foray into the industry.
He said: “Sizewell C is right on my doorstep, so it was an amazing opportunity to work on a mega project and an ideal place to start my civil engineer career.
“Working here has been an incredible experience so far, with a great balance of site and desk-based work. This is the first job I’ve had – so it was nerve-racking at first, but people on site are so welcoming, and everyone is so helpful and approachable.
“I’m hoping to build my professional career here, and gain valuable experience from the project that I will be able to keep with me and use for the rest of my civil engineering career and throughout my life.”
Thomas is one of the 1,500 apprentices Sizewell C has committed to hiring during the construction phase, 540 of whom will come from the local area.
A third of the peak total on-site construction workforce of 7,900 people will also be locals.
Thomas was presented with a certificate marking the milestone during a visit to the Sizewell C site from Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear.
Lord Vallance said: “By backing Sizewell C, we are supporting businesses and driving growth right across the UK as part of our golden age of nuclear.
“Sizewell C is also creating good jobs for local people and their 100th apprentice will – alongside thousands of other young people in Suffolk – help build a project that will provide our country with homegrown, clean power for over 60 years.”
Elsewhere on the project, planning permission for the new “College on the Coast” has now been granted, with the college expected to open its doors in September 2027.
Essex-based logistics firm Wilson James – which is also working at Hinkley Point C – has also been appointed to provide all aspects of logistics support for the project.
Nigel Cann, recently announced CEO of Sizewell C, said: “We’ve committed to spend at least £4.4bn in the East of England during construction of Sizewell C, and this latest contract reaffirms that pledge.
“This is a partnership that will create hundreds of new high-quality local jobs, open new pathways into STEM careers, and ensure the benefits of Sizewell C are felt for decades to come in this region.
“Wilson James have deep experience in major infrastructure projects – and they are expertly placed to deliver logistics sustainability, efficiently, and in a way that minimises impacts on local communities here in Suffolk.”
Gary Sullivan, Chairman and Co-Founder of Wilson James, said: “We’re immensely proud to be named Lead Logistics Partner for Sizewell C. As an organisation founded in the East of England, this project means a great deal to us, both in terms of national infrastructure and the opportunity it creates for local people and supply chains.
“Our colleagues will be working closely with the Sizewell C’s education campus and partners across the community to unlock new careers in logistics, transport, warehousing and digital, and to inspire the next generation to pursue nuclear career pathways.
“We believe in sustainable partnerships with best-in-class organisations such as Sizewell C. By combining our nuclear experience with Sizewell C’s long-term vision for low-carbon energy, we can build something that positively delivers for the East of England and across the UK.”
