We're launching a new regional project designed to strengthen the future workforce for North East England's growing low carbon and offshore wind industries.
The Low Carbon North: Sustainable Futures initiative is being delivered by our Careers and Enterprise team in partnership with Newcastle University and The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.
ORE Catapult is the UK's leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy.
Funded through the Northern Net Zero Accelerator, the one-year programme will run from May 2026 until the end of April 2027.
The project aims to improve graduate retention in North East England while helping businesses build the skilled workforce needed for the transition to employment in the region's flourishing low carbon economy.
It will also support long term regional growth by creating a model that could be expanded across the wider higher education sector.
Supporting regional growth
The programme will connect Durham and Newcastle students with businesses working across offshore wind, subsea industries and the wider low carbon sector.
Virtual, employer-led group projects will give students the chance to work on real industry challenges and gain valuable experience.
Students from a wide range of degree subjects, including Business, Finance and the Sciences are invited to take part.
The project builds on existing links with industry partners connected to the leading offshore energy sector here in North East England.
This will help students gain a better understanding of the real world opportunities available in the North East region.
Helping students explore low carbon careers
Alongside industry-based projects, the programme will include careers forums, employer panels and networking opportunities.
These events will help students learn more about careers in low carbon industries and the skills employers are looking for.
We also want to challenge the idea that low carbon careers are only linked to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
The sector needs people with a wide range of skills and experiences, from project management to communications and finance.
Student interns from both universities will help shape the programme to make sure activities reflect what students want and need.
Creating a lasting legacy
The project will also support university staff and careers advisers from across North East England.
Colleagues from five regional universities will be invited to take part in careers education events focused on the future of the low carbon sector.
By bringing together universities, employers and students, we hope to create stronger regional partnerships that continue beyond the life of the project.
The long-term goal is to create a tested model that improves graduate employability, supports business innovation and helps drive sustainable growth across North East England.
Main image shows an aerial view of the Dock90 wind farm, with a ship alongside. Image credit: Principle Power
