Scholarship helps drive future skills pipeline

A skills programme in Teesside is helping prepare the next generation of workers for jobs linked to the region’s growing clean energy and industrial sectors.

The Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship is supporting more than 140 students training in high-demand roles including welding, instrumentation, pipefitting, electrical engineering and civil operations.

Scholars from five colleges and training providers have visited the Teesworks site to see the scale of opportunities emerging across the development.

Backed by Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership, the £1 million initiative provides students with £100 per week during term time while they complete up to two years of training.

Mohammed Fadil Hussain, 17, who is taking on a scholarship with Middlesbrough College, said: “I just want to help the planet in any way possible, as without it, humans would no longer exist. 

“This is why I am interested in the NZT Power project as it is set to capture up to two millions tonnes of CO2 from getting into the atmosphere each year.”

Guisborough’s Fionn Kandel, 17, who is taking on a two-year scholarship at NETA Training to gain a Level 3 Electric Engineering BTEC, added: “I found out about the scholarship through social media – to do a course and get paid doing it is a no-brainer really.

“It’s been brilliant meeting new people. 

“How the site has been knocked down and built up is really interesting.

“After finishing the two-year course, I want to find an apprenticeship as there are lots of opportunities locally.”

Mark Lewis, NZT Power and NEP construction manager, added: "The scale of opportunity across the Tees Valley is huge but meeting that opportunity depends on having a skilled local workforce ready to deliver it.   

“By working closely with colleges and training providers, we are helping to provide local people with the expertise needed to build careers in the clean energy sector.

“Visits like this bring the opportunity to life. 

“The scholars can see the projects taking shape and understand the part they could play. 

“We look forward to welcoming more of them back in the coming weeks to see how progress is unfolding.” 

Delivery partners include Redcar and Cleveland College and NETA Training through the Education Training Collective, alongside Middlesbrough College’s TTE, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Darlington College.

Graduates leave the programme with industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience supporting Tees Valley’s growing clean energy projects.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s always brilliant to see so many young people standing on Teesworks and seeing for themselves the scale of what is happening here. 

“These scholars are gaining the skills we know are in rising demand – and they will be the ones building, operating and maintaining the industries that will drive our region forward.

“This is the beginning of hundreds of careers that will help power growth in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool for generations to come. 

“It’s providing good quality jobs for local people, giving them the skills and the wages to build strong futures for themselves and their families.”

Councillor Lisa Evans, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for education, employment and skills and leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “We are seeing real growth across our region, with major investment in carbon capture, clean energy and offshore wind creating new and exciting career pathways.

“This scholarship is making sure local people are first in line to take up those opportunities with the help of our brilliant colleges.

“By combining financial support with high quality training and direct engagement with industry, it’s helping young people gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to secure long term, well-paid employment for years to come.”

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