- Beyond Boundaries helps young people secure jobs, apprenticeships and university places
- Innovative programme delivered by Sizewell C’s social partner, ISCRE
- Second cohort to start later this year
A pioneering programme backed by Sizewell C has helped young people from underrepresented communities transform their futures, with participants securing jobs, apprenticeships and university places.
The Beyond Boundaries Programme, delivered by Sizewell C’s social partner Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE), launched in October as a two-year pilot to help 15 to 21-year-olds build the skills, confidence and connections needed to access sustainable, well-paid careers.
Through coaching, mentoring and tailored skills development at ISCRE’s hub in Ipswich, the programme has supported young people to overcome barriers to employment, education and training, while raising aspirations and unlocking new opportunities.
The first cohort of 25 participants has already delivered significant results, including:
- Two full-time roles, including a position with Sizewell C as a Recruitment Administrator
- One paid summer internship with Sizewell C’s Regional External Affairs Department
- One apprenticeship with a local company
- Two university places
- Several additional applications currently awaiting decisions
Participants also reported significant improvements in their personal and social skills, alongside greater confidence and a clearer understanding of how to achieve their longer-term goals.
Chelsy, 18, from Ipswich, who took part in the programme, and secured an internship at Sizewell C, said: “I feel like I’ve grown so much and I’m much more confident about my abilities. I’m excited to be starting my internship and learning from those around me. When I look back, I’ve come so far, and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Jay, 18, from Ipswich, added: “Before the Beyond Boundaries programme I had no motivation. I was bored every day, and I didn’t know what direction to take. Since taking part in the programme, I’ve secured a full-time role as a games designer. I’m now full of motivation and living a great life.”
The programme offered extensive support through 64 hours of mentoring, 128 one-to-one sessions, and contributions from 21 guest speakers and visitors, including representatives from Sizewell C supply chain partners. Participants also took part in seven educational and career-focused visits, including a trip to Sizewell C’s London office, helping them gain valuable insights into future career opportunities.
A graduation event was held at Venue 16 in Ipswich to celebrate the achievements of those involved.
Aleksandra Kasinska, ISCRE’s Project Lead for Beyond Boundaries, said: “The celebration event left audiences inspired as young people shared powerful stories of personal growth, increased confidence, and their achievements throughout the programme.
“Recognising a gap in accessible support, ISCRE created the programme to help remove barriers, build resilience, and open new opportunities. The success of the first cohort demonstrates the positive impact of empowering young people to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.”
Funding Beyond Boundaries is part of Sizewell C’s commitment to creating opportunities for local people and ensuring the project delivers lasting benefits across Suffolk. Through its wider outreach programme, Sizewell C works with local authorities, education providers, businesses, charities and community organisations to support regional growth, develop skills and create long-term opportunities for local communities.
Chris Young, Head of Sizewell C’s Employment Affairs Unit, said: “This type of collaboration is incredibly important, particularly in light of the Milburn Report and the growing NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) challenge facing the UK. Strong partnerships are what make this kind of success possible.
“At Sizewell C, we are absolutely committed to working collaboratively to create as many pathways as possible into our project, while also helping to open-up wider employment opportunities within the local community, of which we are very much a part.”
A second cohort of Beyond Boundaries participants is due to begin the programme later this year, continuing efforts to ensure more young people can access the skills, support and opportunities needed to succeed.
Photos by Liz Read – SizewellC