Young people across Suffolk will gain first-hand experience of workplaces, employers and future careers through a renewed two-year partnership between Inspire and Sizewell C.
As major projects create new employment opportunities across the county, many young people still lack the connections, experience or confidence to understand where they could fit. Inspire and Sizewell C are working together to bring those opportunities within reach.
The partnership combines Inspire’s trusted relationships with young people with Sizewell C’s workplaces, people and extensive supply chain. It will give young people the chance to meet employers, explore different industries and experience working environments for themselves.
This will include enhancing the work-related experiences available to young people taking part in Team, The King’s Trust’s 12-week personal development programme delivered locally by Inspire.
Around 150 young people aged 16 to 25 are expected to take part in Team across Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds over the next year.
When participants reach the parts of the programme focused on work experience and employer engagement, Sizewell C and its supply chain partners will help Inspire provide meaningful placements, workplace visits and contact with industry professionals.
Rather than simply hearing about potential careers, young people will be able to see different working environments, understand the range of roles available and discover how their own interests and strengths could translate into employment.
Inspire CEO Andy Crump said: “It is difficult for a young person to picture themselves in a career if they have never seen that workplace, met someone doing the job or been given the chance to show what they can do.
“Our partnership with Sizewell C is about making those experiences more accessible. Through Team, young people already receive intensive support to build their confidence and skills. Sizewell C and its supply chain can add another dimension by giving them meaningful contact with employers and the real world of work.”
Team Programme participant, Leo Long explains: “Getting to meet new people and experience things I didn’t know about is making me feel more excited for what else is going to happen.”
The renewed partnership will also reach younger students through work funded by Sizewell C at Alde Valley Academy and Ipswich Academy.
Inspire will deliver sessions for Year 9 students focused on skills for work and life, helping them explore future pathways, grow in confidence and remain positively engaged with their education.
Together, these two strands will reach young people at different stages: introducing school students to the possibilities ahead of them and giving those approaching employment the experience, connections and practical support to take their next step.
Jack Raven, Sizewell C’s Senior Regional Sustainability Project Manager, said: “Sizewell C are delighted our partnership with Inspire has taken this direction and we’re pleased to support more young people into work through investment in Inspire. We’re acutely aware of the challenges many young people are facing accessing and securing work, particularly in Suffolk, so we’re hopeful this programme, and activity like it, can make a difference.”
Sizewell C has worked with Inspire since 2017 to help young people across Suffolk overcome barriers and build brighter futures. The renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing local talent while ensuring more young people can benefit from the opportunities being created around them.
