A landmark £1million training initiative to power our region’s transition to the industries of the future has officially begun, with the first cohort of trainees starting their journey through the Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship.
The Scholarship will train 141 individuals in high-demand roles including welding, instrumentation, pipefitting, electrical engineering, and civil operations, including 23 scholars following pathways in pipefitting and electrical at NETA Training. It is an early output from the Tees Valley Regional Skills Consortium and financially supported by Net Zero Teesside Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership
Training is being delivered in partnership with leading local providers – the Education Training Collective (Etc.) through NETA Training and Redcar and Cleveland College, Middlesbrough College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, and Darlington College – supported by Teesworks Skills Academy, with training funded through the National 16-19 programme.
To mark the start of the scholarship, five welcome ceremonies have been held across the colleges this week, celebrating the first intake of trainees.
At each event, scholars were welcomed into the programme, met industry leaders, and received their branded personal protective equipment (PPE), symbolising their entry into the region’s industrial workforce.
At NETA Training, scholars were joined by employers from Balfour Beatty and Technip Energies, who outlined future developments and underlined the importance of skilled workers.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. The launch of the Industry Scholarship is more than just the start of a training programme – it’s the beginning of hundreds of careers that will help drive our region’s growth and support local people for generations to come.
“Seeing trainees receive their PPE was a powerful reminder of what we have worked for over the past 8 years - good quality jobs for local people, giving them the money to get on with their lives.
”Teessiders built the world once. And now we will do it again.”
Mark Lewis, NZT Power and NEP Construction Manager, added: “The scale of opportunity in the Tees Valley is immense, but so too is the demand for skilled workers.
“By working hand in hand with local colleges, we are ensuring that local people are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver Net Zero Teesside Power and the carbon capture and storage infrastructure of the Northern Endurance Partnership.
“The inauguration events showed the enthusiasm and dedication of the first group of trainees, and it’s clear they are ready to rise to the challenge.”
The scholarship provides £100 per week during term time to help trainees financially as they complete up to two years of training.
Graduates will leave with industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience, ensuring they are ready to play their part in multi-billion-pound clean energy projects across the Tees Valley.
The programme comes as industry in the region experiences unprecedented growth, with major investment in carbon capture, hydrogen and offshore wind and The Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship is ensuring that local people are first in line for the opportunities this growth will bring.
Original news release issued on behalf of Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Click here to find out more about engineering study opportunities at NETA Training or visit our open event tomorrow (Tuesday 14th October 2025) from 5-7pm.
