Green sector scholarship creates 'quite a buzz'

A college has seen more than 100 expressions of interest within a week of the launch of a scholarship to help people find jobs in the green energy sector.

The Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship opened at the start of the week and offers paid-training for up to two years.

The £1m programme is delivered by Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Darlington Colleges, and Neta Training of Stockton.

Zoe Lewis, principal of Middlesbrough College Group, said the scholarship had "created quite a buzz".

"It is tremendous for students to be able to see the rapidly expanding number of opportunities in the renewable and low-carbon energy sector right on their doorstep," she said.

The scholarship is open to people aged 16 and above, with 141 places available, teaching skills including welding, pipe fitting, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Jason Faulkner, deputy chief executive officer of the Education Training Collective, which incorporates Redcar and Cleveland College and NETA Training, said demand among school leavers and young people was "clear".

"This is an incredible opportunity for learners looking to equip themselves with the skills needed to access the future quality jobs that major developments in the Tees Valley's renewable and low carbon industries are set to deliver, " he said.

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