In an inspiring initiative aimed at amplifying youth voices in East Suffolk, students from Alde Valley Academy have joined the Sizewell C Youth Council to provide critical insights for the nuclear power project. Ranging from Years 7 to 11, the students will meet regularly with Sizewell C’s joint managing director, Julia Pyke, along with other project leaders, to discuss local needs, aspirations, and updates on the project’s progress. This youth council provides a unique opportunity for young people to share their perspectives on a major infrastructure project that will affect their community for years to come.

Julia Pyke, Sizewell C’s joint managing director, underscored the importance of including youth voices in the decision-making process, noting that feedback for large infrastructure projects is often skewed towards older demographics. “We’re really keen to keep talking to young people as we develop Sizewell C,” she stated, highlighting the project’s commitment to fostering a generationally inclusive approach.

The students recently had the chance to meet with the project team and experience a tour of Wild Aldhurst, Sizewell C’s designated nature reserve. This immersive visit provided the students with a close look at the project's environmental commitments alongside its infrastructural goals.

Rosie, a Year 11 student and youth council member, voiced her enthusiasm: “I think it’s really important to give young people a voice.” The engagement of these students signifies a meaningful step for Sizewell C, which is expected to bring thousands of jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities to the East Suffolk area.

Dan Mayhew, director of community and partnerships at Kingfisher Schools Trust, commended the collaboration, saying, “The collaboration between the school council and the Sizewell C senior team gives young people a unique opportunity to have their views heard and to have an input into the project.”

As Sizewell C moves forward, the insights provided by these young students will play a valuable role in shaping the project to better align with the future they envision for East Suffolk. This engagement sets a positive precedent for youth-involved planning in local infrastructure projects, making them true stakeholders in their community's development.