Energy Minister Andrew Bowie is on a fact-finding visit to Suffolk where he found out about the job prospects at Sizewell C - but also heard the concerns of those opposed to the project.

Mr Bowie is minister of state at the new Department for Energy and Net Zero - responsible for maintaining the nation's power and moving to a greener economy.

He started his visit at Suffolk New College in Ipswich where he visited its Net Zero Skills Centre.

He and local MP Tom Hunt met with students and got to meet with some of the people participating in their apprenticeship program. The Net Zero Skills Centre aims to equip and train students with knowledge and experience of sustainable technologies.

They also saw their garage, where they work on electric vehicles, to get training with them. Where they saw how students can get relevant hands on experience with technology, and how they now have the facilities to acquire the skills required by employers such as Sizewell C.

Mr Hunt said: “It’s always great to show off to ministers the great achievements of the staff and students of Suffolk New College.

"This new Net Zero Centre will train thousands of local people to the gain the skills they need for the jobs of the future."

Mr Bowie later headed up the coast where he met groups and businesses concerned about the impact of Sizewell C on the area.

Alison Downes of Stop Sizewell C said: “We welcomed Mr Bowie to Theberton & Eastbridge Village Hall this afternoon.

"We reiterated our continued opposition to Sizewell C and our view that the East Suffolk Council election results amount to a rejection of his Government’s energy policies."

The meeting included Harry Young, Chair of the Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation and Nick Burfield, former Policy Director of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Adam Rowlands, Suffolk Area Manager of the RSPB, was also able to join the meeting at Stop Sizewell C’s invitation.

East Anglian Daily Times: Nigel Cann and Julia Pryke from Sizewell C with energy minister Andrew Bowie.Nigel Cann and Julia Pryke from Sizewell C with energy minister Andrew Bowie. (Image: Sizewell C)

Mr Bowie also visited the Sizewell C site. A spokeswoman for  the project said: "We were delighted to welcome Mr Bowie to Suffolk today to see progress being made on the advanced works for the project."

During the visit the Minister saw the progress of building the new Sizewell Visitor Centre, admin and training buildings, and the advanced work underway for the new power station. 

He was also given a tour of Wild Aldhurst the 67-hectare reserve the project has created which is already home to nesting marsh harrier.