• Beyond Boundaries aims to break cycles of poverty and support talented young people into sustained careers
• Programme delivered by Sizewell C’s social partner, ISCRE
• Sizewell C’s outreach strategy to create opportunities and support growth

Sizewell C is funding a pioneering initiative designed to transform the lives of young people from underrepresented communities across Suffolk.  

The Beyond Boundaries Programme, delivered by Sizewell C’s social partner, Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE), aims to help 15–21-year-olds unlock their potential and access well-paid and sustained careers. 

The two-year pilot scheme focuses on confidence building, skills development, coaching, and mentorship, while actively addressing the inequalities that often limit access to training and employment.  

By preparing young people for apprenticeships, further education, and job opportunities, Beyond Boundaries hopes to break cycles of poverty, and foster a more inclusive society. 

Chelsy,18, from Ipswich, who’s among the 25 young people currently taking part in the initiative, said: “I feel like a lot of people in our community get lost because they attend such big schools and colleges. I think the one-to-one meetings and mentoring we’ll get as part of this programme will really help build our confidence and prepare us for the workplace.” 

Lynn, 19, from Ipswich, added: “I’m hoping to get an accounting apprenticeship, and I’ve realised that schools only really promote university instead of things like apprenticeships. Programmes like Beyond Boundaries will help us learn things that we’re not taught in school, like applying for jobs and having more self-belief.” 

The Beyond Boundaries Programme was officially launched at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town Football Club. About 140 people attended the event, where guest speakers included those taking part in the programme and current apprentices at Sizewell C. 

Phanuel Mutumburi, Director, ISCRE, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Sizewell C for funding this important programme. This is a significant initiative which will result in young people attaining greater personal enrichment and improved life chances by getting into well-paid, lifelong careers in their desired industries.” 

Sizewell C, the new nuclear power station being built on the Suffolk coast, cemented its commitment to social impact through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, outlining its pledges and partnerships. 

The Beyond Boundaries programme is part of Sizewell C’s wider outreach strategy, which brings together local councils, education providers, charities, community groups, and businesses to create opportunities, support regional growth, and protect Suffolk’s unique environment. 

The initiative aims to help young people secure roles at Sizewell and within its supply chain, while also playing a vital role in raising aspirations, enhancing employability, and guiding them through a broad range of career pathways. 

Jack Raven, Senior Regional Sustainability Project Manager at Sizewell C, said: “I’m delighted we’re working with ISCRE on such an important programme, which is linked to our Young SZC forum. At Sizewell C, we’re committed to creating life-changing opportunities for people in Suffolk, particularly those from marginalised communities, and Beyond Boundaries supports our values and goals. We’re looking forward to seeing how the programme develops, and the success stories it’s set to create.” 

Sizewell C’s other social partners include Inspire, Access Community Trust, Community Action Suffolk, Project 21, Outreach Youth, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

ISCRE, a registered charity established in 1977, has a long history of advocating for racial equality and social justice. Through culturally-informed interventions, it supports individuals and organisations across sectors to understand and address inequality in areas such as criminal justice, housing, employment, education, and healthcare.