Mayor backs major green skills boost

A Newcastle-based college is set to expand to meet growing demand for green energy skills. 

Newcastle College Energy Academy, in Wallsend, is creating a new building, which will double floorspace and triple student capacity. 

The move has been backed by North East mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Combined Authority cabinet, which has approved an £8.48 million investment.

Mayor McGuinness, who recently toured the Energy Academy alongside North Tyneside mayor Karen Clark, says the expansion will support the region’s growing offshore renewable energy sector, which is expected to create 4500 jobs on the River Tyne over the next decade.

She said: “This £8.48 million investment will prepare young people for careers in the renewables and offshore sector – strengthening our commitment to making our region the home of the green energy revolution.

“The expansion will mean three times more people can study here, which is brilliant. 

“This is such an exciting project for the future of young people in our region.”

North East mayor Kim McGuinness talks to students during her visit to Newcastle College Energy Academy

The project is part of the wider Investment Zone skills programme, aligned with the North East Local Growth Plan to strengthen renewable energy skills in the region.

Mayor Clark added: “It is incredibly exciting to see such a significant investment taking place in North Tyneside. 

“Expanding the Energy Academy not only opens the door to enhanced training and skills for our residents, and especially our young people, but it strengthens our position in the rapidly growing engineering and offshore energy sector.  

“This is a catalyst for wider growth along the economic corridor of the River Tyne, as well as supporting our regeneration of Wallsend town centre.” 

Jon Ridley, principal of Newcastle College, added: “It was fantastic to welcome the mayors to our Energy Academy to show them the real potential of this investment.”

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