Students from Newcastle College have taken part in the Government’s first-ever Clean Energy Jobs Fair at the Port of Tyne, placing the College at the heart of discussions around the future of energy and skills in the North East.
With around 15,000 new energy roles expected across the region by 2030, the event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to explore emerging career pathways and connect directly with employers leading the UK’s transition to clean energy.
The jobs fair brought together organisations from across the energy sector, giving students the chance to learn more about roles in renewables, engineering and energy infrastructure, and to understand the skills and training needed to succeed in the industry. Students from the College’s Energy Academy were able to speak directly with employers, ask questions about progression and gain insight into the real-world application of their studies.
Joshua Loveday, a Level 3 Renewable Engineering student at Newcastle College, said: "I'm really interested in a career in wind turbine maintenance, so it’s been great meeting all of the employers. It’s definitely given me a better idea of the job opportunities and who I might eventually work for."
The event comes at a significant time for Newcastle College, which has played a central role in skills training for the energy sector since the Energy Academy opened in 2012. Following the approval of £8.5m investment from the North East Combined Authority, the College will develop a new, extended Energy Campus in Wallsend, due to open in 2027. The expansion will place Newcastle College at the forefront of supporting the North East’s ambition to become the home of the green energy revolution, equipping even more learners with the specialist skills needed for the region’s rapidly growing clean energy sector.
Paul Turnbull, Head of Energy at Newcastle College, said: "It was fantastic to see our learners engaging with such an important and fast-growing sector. Events like this make a real difference in helping them understand the opportunities ahead and connect their skills to meaningful careers. It was a brilliant experience for everyone involved."
By combining industry engagement with significant investment in facilities and training, Newcastle College continues to play a leading role in preparing the workforce needed to support the North East’s clean energy ambitions.