Find out more about the construction and operation of this huge infrastructure project on the East Suffolk coast, and the exciting opportunities that will be available to work there.
What is Sizewell C?
Sizewell C is a new 3.2 gigawatt nuclear power station being built in Suffolk, next to the existing Sizewell B. The UK government confirmed its financial backing of the project in the summer of 2025, and construction of Sizewell C is due to take between 10-12 years.
Key facts about Sizewell C
Sizewell C is one of the largest energy infrastructure projects ever planned in the UK.
- When Sizewell C is operational, the electricity it will generate will power 6 million homes
- The two European Pressurized Reactors (EPR) will have a lifetime of 60 years
- 70,000 jobs will be created through the construction of Sizewell C
- 9 million tonnes of carbon will be saved per year through Sizewell C’s generation of clean energy
- 70% of project contracts will be awarded to UK companies
- Project costs are expected to be £38 billion
How Sizewell C contributes to the UK’s energy and infrastructure strategy
Sizewell C is a cornerstone of the UK’s low carbon energy policy, along with another major nuclear power project at Hinkley Point C in Somerset. This marks a significant shift for the UK away from fossil fuels as the primary generator of domestic electricity. Around 40% of the country’s energy is also supplied by gas and oil imported from overseas. The UK government wants to become more self-sufficient in the energy it uses, as well as increasing the amount of renewable sources (such as solar and wind) in its energy mix. 11 new nuclear reactors are expected to be built by 2050 in order to meet 25% of the country’s electricity demand.
Projects like Sizewell C also have a significant economic impact, offering job opportunities to local people, securing contracts for UK firms and promoting careers and skills that the UK needs for its long term economic prosperity, such as in engineering.
How is Sizewell C being built
Although it’s not possible to establish exact timeframes, the Sizewell C construction project is likely to follow a similar plan to that for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, which has been under construction since 2018.
Major construction phases and timelines
2024-2025: Groundworks, site access, logistics, archaeology
Preparation of the site for buildings and infrastructure, building of bridges, road and railway access. During archaeological excavations on the site in 2025 a major hoard of 11th-century coins was discovered.
2025-2027: Marine works
Construction of a permanent beach landing facility, marine bulk import facility, intake and outfall tunnels.
2027-2035: Core phase, including reactor building
Construction of the reactor, cooling towers, reactor infrastructure and containment building.
Innovations and technology powering the build
Sizewell C will see a number of innovations during the construction phase, such as:
- Using recycled concrete from Sizewell A for aggregate materials, reducing landfill and emissions
- Protecting marine species by employing advanced light and sound systems to divert fish away from intake tunnels
- Delivering building materials by rail and sea to reduce reliance on road traffic
The twin EPR reactor system
Sizewell C will be an almost identical nuclear power station to Hinkley Point C, using the twin EPR system. EPR’s are the most modern form of reactor technology, an evolution of Pressurised Water Reactors, with enhanced safety features. EPR’s function more efficiently than previous generations of reactor designs. They are a proven technology and the UK EPR reactor design has been approved by the UK’s nuclear regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation.
What is the impact of Sizewell C?
One of the key benchmarks of Sizewell C is the impact it is expected to have on jobs and career opportunities in the construction sector, particularly for young people, graduates and apprentices. It also forms part of the UK government’s 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy, which sets ambitious targets for increasing the number of skilled workers.
Growing the UK’s construction workforce
It is estimated that Sizewell C will support 70,000 jobs in the UK, and directly employ 7,900 people at its peak during construction. Many of these opportunities will be in areas where the UK is experiencing a major skills shortage, such as engineering and STEM roles. But there will also be a boost to jobs in areas like sustainability, project management and digital roles, as well as more traditional construction trades.
Projects like Sizewell C reflect the wider need to grow the number of skilled construction workers. CITB’s Construction Workforce Outlook report estimates that the UK needs to recruit 47,860 extra workers each year over the next five years to meet the demand for housing, infrastructure and maintenance.
Creating opportunities for local people and businesses
Beyond the advantages of clean energy, Sizewell C has pledged to bring wide reaching social and economic benefits to the local area.
With over £4bn already invested in the East of England, the project will have a major impact on the local economy. Of the 7,900 jobs it will create, Sizewell C has made a commitment that 2,600 of those will be for people from East Anglia. Sizewell C is engaging with schools, colleges and other education providers in Suffolk to deliver technical, vocational and academic pathways for people to work on the project both during the construction and operational phase.
The Sizewell C Skills Charter
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is one of the partners that has developed the Sizewell C Skills Charter, an initiative ensuring that local people have the right skills and can access the opportunities provided by Sizewell C. Alongside Sizewell C, local councils in Suffolk and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), CITB has pledged a number of commitments within the Charter. These include delivering a range of training programmes to upskill existing workers, establishing centres of excellence for long term skills development, and engaging with under-represented members of the local community.
Inspiring future talent through Young SZC
Sizewell C is not just about building a nuclear power station – because it is such a large infrastructure project, it has the power to change the lives and career prospects of a generation of children and young people. There are two pillars to the Young SZC STEM educational programme for Sizewell C:
- Power Up – aimed at inspiring children aged 7-15. These fun, hands-on activities delivered in schools focus on skills like coding, engineering and pneumatics
- YSZC – the gateway to Sizewell C careers for young people aged 16-21, through apprenticeships, industrial placements and graduate schemes
Sizewell C apprenticeships
One of the most exciting aspects of Sizewell C is the number of new apprenticeship opportunities it is offering.
Why choose an apprenticeship at Sizewell C?
Earning while you’re learning is always a key feature of an apprenticeship, but doing so while working at a project like Sizewell C can’t be overestimated. It means that the skills you are learning as you work towards your apprenticeship qualification are directly contributing to a 60-year legacy of clean energy for the UK. What a thing to be able to put on your CV!
What apprenticeships are available at Sizewell C?
There are a range of modular apprenticeship programmes being offered by Sizewell C, including:
- Civil Engineering
- Cyber Security
- Facilities Management
- Nuclear Engineering
- Project Management
- Radiation Protection
- Environmental Sustainability
- Estate Land Management
How much can you earn on a Sizewell C apprenticeship?
Employers are legally obliged to pay the minimum wage for apprentices in the UK, details of which you will find here. But many employers will pay apprentices more than the basic salary, and as the UK government announced in the 2025 Budget, major infrastructure projects like Sizewell C are part of a national plan for growth, and so it is reasonable to expect higher than average apprentice earnings at Sizewell C.
As some of Sizewell C’s apprenticeships are degree apprenticeships, salaries will be higher for these programmes. Salaries will increase as apprentices develop their skills and progress into the later years of their vocational training.
How to apply for a Sizewell C apprenticeship
Keep updated with the latest Sizewell C apprenticeship opportunities, and register for the Young SZC programme. You will then be contacted whenever application windows are due to open, so that you can get your CV and cover letter ready.
Build a career that powers the UK. Learn about nuclear construction roles with Go Construct
If you’re interested in working at Sizewell C, find out more about the many different types of jobs that might be available, from Go Construct’s job profiles.