A £1 million scholarship program has kicked off to train the next wave of skilled workers for Tees Valley’s booming low-carbon energy industry. The Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship, now accepting applications, aims to prepare individuals for critical roles like welding, instrumentation, pipefitting, electrical engineering, and civil operations—skills vital to the region’s net-zero goals. Backed by Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership, the initiative will arm recipients with the expertise needed to thrive in this fast-growing sector.
Training will be provided by a network of local institutions, including Education Training Collective (Redcar and Cleveland College and NETA), Middlesbrough College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, and Darlington College, alongside Teesworks Skills Academy.
Open to anyone 16 and older, the program welcomes young starters, career switchers, and those seeking to level up their skills. With 141 spots available, scholars will receive £100 weekly during term time for up to two years, easing financial pressures while they gear up for jobs in low-carbon energy.
Funding comes from two major Teesside energy projects: Net Zero Teesside Power, a pioneering gas-fired power station with carbon capture set to break ground mid-year, and Northern Endurance Partnership, which will build CO2 transport and storage systems for the plant and future ventures.
Mark Lewis, construction manager for both projects, said, “Building Net Zero Teesside Power and Northern Endurance Partnership will demand thousands of skilled workers. Partnering with Balfour Beatty and local colleges, we’ve crafted this scholarship to give Tees Valley residents the tools to fill these urgent roles and power the shift to cleaner energy.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen hailed the program, stating, “This is a brilliant move to ensure locals can seize the massive opportunities at Teesworks and across Teesside, Darlington, and Hartlepool. With billions pouring into our clean energy sector, we need a ready workforce. This scholarship delivers the training and support for people to land well-paid, quality jobs close to home.”
Chris Musgrave, chairman of Teesworks Ltd, added, “Teesworks isn’t just about reshaping the land or drawing investment—it’s about changing lives. Over 2,000 people have trained through the Teesworks Skills Academy, with 500 upskilled via local providers. This new program opens doors to a groundbreaking development.”
Tees Valley’s low-carbon industry is surging, fueled by projects in carbon capture, hydrogen, and offshore wind. The scholarship targets the region’s skills shortage, offering practical training and recognized qualifications to launch participants into these innovative fields.
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