Students join Doncaster MP at clean energy jobs fair

Pupils from Doncaster College were in attendance at the Clean Energy Jobs Fair at Barnsley College during National Apprenticeship Week.

The event, co-hosted by the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, brought together students, employers, and training providers to showcase opportunities in the growing clean energy industry.

Students were joined by Doncaster North MP and Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, as well as South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.

Following the government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan, the first ever national plan to train and recruit workers needed for the clean energy mission, the jobs fair brought together local businesses including ITM Power, Rolls-Royce SMR and GeoPura to show students the opportunities available locally.  

The plan will bring up to 20,000 new jobs in clean energy industries between now and 2030 across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Recently, the Secretary of State for Education formally approved plans for a second University Technical College (UTC) in Doncaster.

The UTC will provide cutting-edge education in green technologies, helping young people into the jobs of the future without having to leave their communities to receive a top-quality education.

Energy Secretary and Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband said: “The Labour government is investing in the next generation of good jobs for communities across Doncaster.

“Young people in our area are enthusiastic about the opportunities on offer in clean energy industries, and that message was heard loud and clear today at the South Yorkshire Jobs Fair.

“With a new campus for Doncaster UTC on the way and so many brilliant businesses in our area, I am determined to deliver well-paid careers for people locally.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “The clean energy sector is creating thousands of well-paid jobs in communities across Britain, and we must make sure our young people have the skills to match. Apprenticeships are key to this.

“This National Apprenticeship Week I’ve seen countless examples of young people taking up the opportunities on their doorstep to earn while they learn, and our Youth Guarantee will expand these opportunities.”

Representatives from Rolls-Royce SMR, RWE, Octopus Energy, ITM Power, Equans, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and GeoPura were there to meet students and highlight opportunities for well-paid, clean energy careers in South Yorkshire and beyond.

Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “South Yorkshire is at the cutting edge of the UK’s new nuclear, hydrogen and sustainable aviation sectors, and we’re proud to be home to the largest clean tech cluster in the country. Those industries will shape the future of our economy, and of our young people too.

“I refuse to accept a situation where young people growing up in South Yorkshire can’t access the opportunities on their doorstep that will allow them to stay near and go far.

“There is extraordinary talent in every one of our communities. But it’s only by connecting that talent with the jobs and industries of the future that we give our young people the chance to live up to their full potential.

“By working together - with the Government, employers, educators and our communities - we’re building a cleaner, greener, wealthier and healthier South Yorkshire for everyone.”

David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, said: "Barnsley College is leading the way in preparing our region for the jobs of tomorrow.

“Through our Clean Energy Training Centre, we're giving young people and adult learners the practical skills they need to thrive in industries like retrofit, renewable technologies and sustainable construction, using the same kit they'll find on site when they start work.

“These sectors are evolving and our students are perfectly placed to take advantage of new, emerging career paths that are well paid and highly skilled. By investing in upskilling and retraining now, we're making sure our students are first in line for the opportunities that come with the transition to net zero."