More than 100 school pupils and students took part in the inaugural event on Thursday 11 December, co-hosted by the North East Mayor, the Port of Tyne and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Staged in the wake of the government’s Clean Energy Jobs Plan – the first national strategy to train and recruit the workforce needed for the clean power mission – the fair is intended to kick off a series of events across the country. Organisers showcased thousands of potential roles and pointed to forecasts of up to 15,000 additional clean energy jobs in the North East over the next five years.

The region is already a key centre for low-carbon industries: Blyth pioneered the UK’s offshore wind sector 25 years ago, while the East Coast carbon capture cluster is expected to directly support 2,000 jobs locally.

Training pipelines are expanding through collaboration between industry and further education. Newcastle College’s Energy Academy provides subsea and renewable energy training, and Middlesbrough College has partnered with BP to prepare operators for roles in carbon capture and hydrogen.

On the same day, Great British Energy opened a £300 million supply chain fund to support domestic manufacturing of critical offshore wind components – including blades, turbines and transmission cables – underpinning jobs across Britain.

Minister for Industry Chris McDonald said: "Young people in the North East will benefit from the career opportunities of a lifetime in our fast-growing clean energy industry, without needing to leave their home."

"From engineering to research and construction roles – I could see businesses and local colleges and training providers come together to highlight these jobs of the future."

North East Mayor, Kim McGuiness said: "We are making the North East the home of the green energy revolution so we’re delighted to welcome the Energy Secretary and Minister for Industry to our region today so they can see our work in action."

"We’ve brought together students with skills providers and employers, showing the wide range of green energy opportunities available here in the North East. We’re funding innovation, infrastructure and skills right across the region to provide thousands more jobs in green energy – up to 24,000 by 2035."

"We have seen today that young people are excited about their future in this thriving sector – there’s a buzz in the air which is great to see."

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Ashley Nicholson MBE, Chief Business Officer at the Port of Tyne said: "We’re proud to showcase the North East’s growing renewables cluster and the opportunities it offers to young people and those looking to retrain."

"The Port of Tyne is driving the region’s green energy revolution through the 230-acre Tyne Clean Energy Park, backed by over £150 million of investment in world-class infrastructure and a strong track record of project delivery."

"This momentum is creating a powerful platform for offshore renewables, innovation and new jobs, cementing the North East as a centre of excellence for clean energy."

Earlier this year the government announced five new Technical Excellence Colleges to train the next generation of clean energy workers, contributing to the ambition for two-thirds of young people to be in higher-level learning.

Backed by record public and private investment in renewables and nuclear, demand for skilled industrial roles is rising across the UK. Thirty-one priority occupations – including plumbers, electricians and welders – are particularly sought after, and entry-level roles in most clean energy occupations pay, on average, 23% more than equivalent jobs in other sectors.

Darren Davidson, UK Vice President for Siemens Energy said: "Siemens Energy is proud to support the Clean Energy Jobs Fair and help inspire the next generation of talent. Building skills for the energy transition is vital, and events like this show the exciting opportunities ahead. I first began my own journey in the energy sector, as an engineering apprentice, in Newcastle. Today, there’s never been a more exciting time to work in the industry."

Jamie Lindsay, Senior People Services Manager at RWE said: "RWE is proud to support the first Clean Energy Jobs Fair and highlight the range of opportunities across the North East’s growing clean energy economy."

"We’re creating long-term, high-quality jobs across the UK - from wind technicians operating off the Grimsby Coast to the apprentices, engineers and project teams driving clean energy growth across the UK."

"Everything we do is powered by our people, and inspiring the next generation to pursue clean energy and STEM careers is essential to our sector’s success."

"Today’s event is a valuable chance to help young people understand the route to these rewarding careers and showcase the skills and opportunities shaping the workforce of tomorrow."

Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Northumbria University, and Chair of Universities for North East England (UNEE) said: "The North East has a proud industrial heritage and is now leading the way in clean energy innovation."

"Across Universities for North East England, we’re committed to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to seize the exciting opportunities in the sector."

"By working closely with industry partners, we’re ensuring our graduates are ready to drive forward the region’s clean energy sector and build successful careers in these vital, well-paid jobs that will power our future."

James Young, Chief Strategy and Compliance Officer at JDR Cables said: "JDR Cable Systems were delighted to attend the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Clean Energy Jobs Fair at the Port of Tyne."

"JDR have a proud history of supporting careers in our sector through Apprenticeship and Graduate Programs to help shape the skilled workforce required for the energy infrastructure of the future."

Charles Shepherd, Managing Director at Shepherd Offshore said: "Shepherd Offshore was proud to attend the Clean Energy Job Fair at the Port of Tyne. It was another excellent chance for us to meet young people in the region looking to learn about a possible future career in the offshore and renewable energy industries."

"This event aligns with our company values of development and ensuring that future generations in our region can look forward to employment opportunities along the River Tyne Corridor."

Michael James, Head of Operations & Maintenance, North Sea Link at National Grid said: "Apprenticeships are a significant part of building a skilled workforce for the future. We offer hands-on experience, technical training, and a clear pathway into a rewarding career as part of National Grid."

"From working at our North Sea Link interconnector to today at the Clean Energy Jobs Fair, we see first-hand how our apprentices bring fresh ideas and energy to the team while gaining invaluable expertise."

"Investing in apprenticeships is good for business, vital for the communities we serve and a key part to realising the aims of the Clean Energy Jobs Plan."