The highly-skilled next generation that will take Teesside forward as the UK capital of green energy has been given a huge boost with the addition of 20 new Teesside Clean Energy Technician students at Redcar and Cleveland College.
The college is working with bp to give school leavers the training and inspiration to access future quality jobs in renewable and low carbon industries and at the same time encourage more females to consider careers in engineering.
The group of 20 new students, including 10 female scholars, were presented with branded overalls and personal protective equipment from the energy company at an official presentation at the college.
“These students are embarking on a flagship programme, developing invaluable skills in engineering that will open doors to in-demand careers and educational opportunities,” said the college’s head of construction, engineering and service industries, Emma Booth.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to welcome an equally mixed group, going some way, in our own small part, to tackle gender imbalances in the sector.
“The opportunities afforded to all the scholars cannot be overestimated in terms of knowledge, experience and making industry links, all at the very earliest point in their future career.
“We are confident our scholars, will become competitive assets in the job market, well prepared for future challenges in the sector.”
- READ MORE: An important new phase for bp
First launched with 21 scholars last year, the Teesside Clean Energy Technician scholarship is primarily aimed at school leavers aged 16 to 18 and delivered from Redcar and Cleveland College’s Clean Energy Education Hub.
Evie Lodge, 18 of Middlesbrough, is among those joining the programme. She said: “This is a great opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge. I am particularly looking forward to getting to know exactly how a carbon capture plant process works.”
Freya Dickens, 16, of Middlesbrough, added: “Renewable energy is important for the future and so to have an opportunity like this, is certainly something to be proud of.”
Phoebe Greetham, 17, said: “I chose the scholarship because, as a young woman, I strive to make a difference in the world.”
Thomas Thayer, UK skills partnership manager at bp, said: “We’re excited to continue supporting the Clean Energy Technician scholarship programme, and to welcome this year’s cohort after the brilliant progress of last year’s intake. The programme builds on our ongoing support for Redcar and Cleveland College and will help young Teessiders learn low carbon skills to prepare them for future career opportunities.”
Opened in 2023, Redcar and Cleveland College’s Clean Energy Education Hub was primarily funded by the UK Government’s Towns Fund, as part of Levelling Up plans, to equip people with skills needed for quality jobs now and in the future.
Speaking to the Echo after the event, Freya said: “I’m really glad I got the position because there were so many other people competing. There are many girls on the course and we’re fitting in really well. Everyone makes you feel welcome.”
Student Harry Lorains told us: “I’m proud of everything that Teesside as a whole is doing towards clean energy and it’s amazing to see big companies like bp coming into those sectors and bringing in these new projects. Ever since I chose engineering as a GCSE subject, I always thought that the clean energy sector was interesting and I saw this course and the opportunities it could bring.”
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