A landmark £1 million training initiative has officially launched, marking a major step forward in preparing local people for careers in the industries of the future.
The Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship will train individuals for high-demand roles such as welding, pipefitting, and civil operations. Middlesbrough College will deliver training in electrical engineering and instrumentation. The programme is financially supported by Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership, and is one of the first outputs from the Tees Valley Regional Skills Consortium.
Training is being delivered in collaboration with leading local further education providers and the Teesworks Skills Academy, funded through the National 16–19 programme.
To celebrate the launch, a welcome ceremony was held at Middlesbrough College, where trainees were officially inducted into the programme. Scholars met industry leaders and received branded personal protective equipment (PPE), symbolising their entry into the region’s industrial workforce.
Speaking at the event, industry representatives highlighted the importance of skilled workers to the region’s clean energy future.
The scholarship provides £100 per week during term time to support trainees financially as they complete up to two years of training. Scholars will graduate with industry-recognised qualifications and hands-on experience, ready to contribute to multi-billion-pound clean energy projects across the Tees Valley.
As the region experiences unprecedented growth in carbon capture, hydrogen, and offshore wind, Middlesbrough College is proud to be at the forefront of ensuring local people are first in line for the opportunities this transformation will bring.
