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Clean Energy Jobs Fair Attracts Young Talent
On Thursday, 12 November, over 400 young individuals and jobseekers gathered at University College Birmingham for the third Clean Energy Jobs Fair, where they engaged with some of the UK’s leading clean energy employers. Among the attendees were Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh and Local Energy and Jobs Minister Martin McCluskey, who highlighted the emerging job opportunities in the clean energy sector as the UK strives towards a sustainable future.
Major companies such as National Grid, Centrica, and Octopus showcased the diverse roles and training pathways available as part of Britain’s ambitious clean energy agenda. This event coincides with the Prime Minister’s attendance at COP31, where a significant £12 billion investment was announced for two colossal offshore wind projects, projected to be the largest in UK history, thus powering millions of homes and generating thousands of jobs.
Supporting Young Jobseekers in the Energy Sector
As part of a concerted effort to support young people entering the workforce, around 400 students aged between 15 and 18 from local schools and colleges, including a group of 50 not currently in education, employment, or training (NEETs), had the opportunity to meet potential employers. These initiatives are crucial as the government collaborates with various organisations to facilitate pathways into clean energy careers, including National Grid’s £5 million fund aimed at upskilling NEETs into energy and infrastructure roles.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh remarked on the significant economic potential of the clean energy sector, stating, “Our clean power drive has already attracted over £110 billion in private investment, bringing new jobs to thousands across the country.” She emphasized the importance of enabling young people to take advantage of this burgeoning economic opportunity, which encompasses various roles from electricians and engineers to future technology specialists.
Future Prospects and Job Creation in the West Midlands
The Clean Energy Jobs Fair is part of a wider series of events, following the first fair held in the North East in 2025. These fairs are aligned with the government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, which outlines how the clean energy mission could generate thousands of additional jobs in the West Midlands by 2030. This region is already home to numerous clean energy initiatives, including Tyseley Energy Park and several demonstrator Net Zero Neighbourhoods.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, highlighted the region’s rapid transition to clean energy, which has already created over 20,000 jobs. He expects this number to more than double within the next decade, thanks to extensive energy upgrade programmes and initiatives to establish the area as a major hub for battery technology and manufacturing.
Education and Skills Development for the Clean Energy Transition
Professor Rosa Wells, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University College Birmingham, expressed pride in hosting the fair, which aims to unite government, industry, and educational institutions to facilitate skill development for the clean energy sector. She underscored the institution’s commitment to nurturing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of this energy transition.
Cordi O’Hara, Executive President at National Grid UK, remarked on the importance of such events in guiding young people as they consider their future careers in energy. She noted that applications for apprenticeship and graduate programmes were opening soon, with a focus on reaching those who face barriers to employment through targeted support initiatives.
Embracing Opportunities in the Energy Sector
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, reiterated the significance of the energy transition in generating meaningful employment across the nation. He highlighted the company’s commitment to recruiting 3,500 apprentices by 2030, ensuring that the next generation of skilled workers is adequately prepared to contribute to the evolving energy landscape.
Chris Drake, Country HR Manager at Hitachi Energy, emphasised the need for diverse talent to drive the transition to sustainable energy, noting that opportunities should be accessible and inclusive for individuals at various stages of their career journey. Similarly, Rachel McCrystal from Daikin UK pointed out the essential role of skilled individuals in achieving clean energy objectives and the importance of events like the Jobs Fair in providing clarity on potential career paths.
Guy Newey, CEO of Energy Systems Catapult, concluded by encouraging young attendees to consider entrepreneurship within the clean energy sector, positing that they could play pivotal roles in advancing cleaner energy solutions and addressing fuel poverty across the UK.
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