North East Hosts Inaugural Clean Energy Jobs Fair
On Thursday, 11 December, the first Clean Energy Jobs Fair took place at the Port of Tyne, drawing over a hundred students and schoolchildren. Organised by the North East Mayor, the Port of Tyne, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the event showcases the region’s potential for creating up to 15,000 clean energy jobs over the next five years.
Government Initiatives to Boost Clean Energy Workforce
The fair is part of the government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, the first comprehensive strategy aimed at training and recruiting individuals for the clean energy sector. In attendance were notable figures such as Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Minister for Industry Chris McDonald, and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, emphasising the importance of industry collaboration to highlight the myriad of career options in this burgeoning field.
The North East has a rich history in clean energy, having been the launchpad for the UK’s offshore wind industry over 25 years ago. The region is now poised to support a significant number of jobs, including 2,000 directly related to the east coast carbon capture cluster.
Skills Development and Investment in Renewables
Local educational institutions are already collaborating with industries to train future workers. Newcastle College’s Energy Academy offers specialised training in subsea and renewable energy, while Middlesbrough College has partnered with BP to prepare students for roles in carbon capture and hydrogen technology.
Moreover, Great British Energy has inaugurated a £300 million supply chain fund, which aims to ensure that crucial components for offshore wind projects are manufactured in the UK, thereby fostering local employment.
Reactions from Leaders in the Sector
Minister for Industry Chris McDonald expressed optimism about local youth reaping the benefits of the clean energy industry’s growth without having to relocate. “Businesses are coming together with educational providers to showcase jobs of the future,” he noted.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness reiterated the region’s ambition to position itself at the forefront of the green energy movement by highlighting the collaboration between students, training providers, and employers, ultimately aiming to create up to 24,000 jobs by 2035.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Ashley Nicholson MBE, Chief Business Officer at the Port of Tyne, heralded the clean energy cluster’s expansion as vital for attracting young talent and retraining opportunities. The region is already home to the 230-acre Tyne Clean Energy Park, which is backed by more than £150 million in investment.
The event drew support from several organisations, including Siemens Energy and RWE, both of which underlined their commitments to fostering long-term, high-quality employment in clean energy across the UK. Siemens Energy’s UK Vice President, Darren Davidson, shared his journey from engineering apprentice to industry leader, underscoring the value of skill-building in the sector.
Background
Earlier this year, the government unveiled plans for five new Technical Excellence Colleges intended to prepare the next generation for careers in the clean energy sector. With record investments in renewables and nuclear power, the push for a clean energy economy is not only creating immediate job opportunities but also aiming to meet a growing demand for skilled workers across 31 key occupations, including electricians and welders. Entry-level positions in these fields typically offer 23% higher wages compared to similar roles in other sectors.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-clean-energy-jobs-fair-held-at-port-of-tyne
