Net Zero Scholarship underway in Tees Valley

A Tees Valley-based training initiative is preparing local people for the industries of the future.

The £1 million Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship has officially begun, welcoming its first cohort of 141 trainees into high-demand roles including welding, instrumentation, pipefitting, electrical engineering and civil operations. 

The programme is an early output of the Tees Valley Regional Skills Consortium and is financially supported by Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership.

Training is delivered in partnership with local providers, including Redcar and Cleveland College, NETA Training, Middlesbrough College, Hartlepool College of Further Educatio, and Darlington College, with support from Teesworks Skills Academy and funding through the National 16–19 programme.

Five welcome ceremonies were held across the colleges last week, where trainees received branded PPE and met industry leaders, marking their formal entry into the regional industrial workforce.

Mark Lewis, NZT Power and NEP construction manager, said: “The scale of opportunity in the Tees Valley is immense, but so too is the demand for skilled workers.

“By working hand in hand with local colleges, we are ensuring that local people are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver Net Zero Teesside Power and the carbon capture and storage infrastructure of the Northern Endurance Partnership.

“The inauguration events showed the enthusiasm and dedication of the first group of trainees, and it’s clear they are ready to rise to the challenge.”

Leon Kretowicz is among the scholars now studying pipefitting at Redcar and Cleveland College.

The 16-year-old from Redcar, said: “I chose the scholarship as it seems a good opportunity for my future career, and it will help me to progress.

“Pipefitting sounded like something I would possibly be interested in, and so far, the course has been great, and I can’t wait to learn more.

“It’s wonderful to hear about the developments coming to the area. 

“For me, the scholarship is a great opportunity that secures my future and will lead to good jobs.”

Trainees will receive £100 per week during term time as they complete up to two years of training. 

Graduates will leave the programme with industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience, ready to contribute to multi-billion-pound clean energy projects across the Tees Valley.

The scholarship comes amid unprecedented industrial growth in the region, driven by investment in carbon capture, hydrogen and offshore wind. 

By equipping local people with the skills required for net-zero industries, officials say the programme ensures the region’s workforce is ready to take advantage of the opportunities this expanding sector presents. 

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is an incredibly proud moment for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. 

“The launch of the Industry Scholarship is more than just the start of a training programme – it’s the beginning of hundreds of careers that will help drive our region’s growth and support local people for generations to come.

“Seeing trainees receive their PPE was a powerful reminder of what we have worked for over the past 8 years – good quality jobs for local people, giving them the money to get on with their lives.

“Teessiders built the world once. And now we will do it again.”

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