Global energy giant bp has agreed a partnership with Redcar & Cleveland College to develop a range of programmes to equip people across Teesside with vital new career skills.

As part of the arrangement, bp, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the college, will provide £50,000 in funding for the development of the new Clean Energy Education Hub at the College and help develop a careers pathway plan based on skills demand for the proposed projects in the region.

Louise Kingham, bp’s UK head of country and senior vice president of Europe, said: “bp is backing Teesside. It is perfectly placed to become a world-class, low carbon energy hub, creating thousands of jobs in the region.

Read more: Commitment to Teesside as energy giant bp outlines major projects

"We are committed to social and community investment in Britain, and local partnerships, such as those we are announcing today, which will be crucial in turning our vision for the region into reality.”

Principal of Redcar and Cleveland College, Jason Faulkner said: “We welcome the commitment bp has made not just to Teesside and its potential to lead the charge in the development of the clean energy and renewable sector, but also to inspire and motivate our communities and young people ready for the green career opportunities ahead. Through our Clean Energy Education Hub we will be able to equip school leavers and adults, of all ages, with the skills and training to build high quality meaningful careers in the Tees Valley. Having the support and expertise of employers such as bp is essential to that.”

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “It is superb to see businesses like bp leading the way in helping to make sure that people have the skills they need for the green careers of the future. Employers working closely with communities in this way helps people get the training they need to get on in sought-after industries in their local area.”

Teesside is uniquely placed to become the heartland of the UK’s energy transition with a number of game-changing bp projects.

NZT Power, which is a joint venture with Equinor, and the H2Teesside projects have the potential to create significant economic value (£3.5 billion) and thousands of jobs in the region.

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NZT Power could support more than 3,000 jobs during construction and over 1,000 jobs once operations begin. H2Teesside could also provide more than 600 operational jobs and another 1,200 construction jobs by 2027.

bp, a partner in the Echo's Level Up campaign, has also expanded its collaboration with the Skills Builder Partnership to support schools in Teesside in improving essential skills and supporting teachers in delivering these skills.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “bp is fast becoming one of the biggest supporters of our region and this new MOU shows how it’s going even further to support people into the cleaner, safer and healthier industries of the future, investing in our institutions and talent for years to come.”

bp will also support the University of York’s Centre for Industry Education Collaboration to help young people to experience science in an industrial context working with bp volunteers.

 

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