Jade Fernandez,
Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs, SSE Thermal and Director, Humber Energy Board
The Humber region stands at the forefront of the UK’s energy transition. With its strategic coastal location, unique geology, established industrial base, and world-class port infrastructure, the Humber has become a focus for renewable energy, decarbonisation, energy security and clean growth initiatives.
However, whilst technology and investment are crucial, it is collaboration between industry, education, local authorities and communities that will ultimately determine whether the region can deliver the skills required to realise its potential. New industries such as offshore wind, hydrogen technologies, carbon capture and storage and sustainable fuels require a workforce equipped with both specialised and transferable skills, and through private sector investment it’s estimated this transition could create over 20,000 new jobs. No single organisation can meet this demand alone. Employers, training providers universities, colleges and local government must work together to design responsive, future-focused education and training pathways that match real world job opportunities.
Across the Humber, examples of effective collaboration are already visible, and the Humber Energy Board is proud to play its part. From supporting partnerships with CATCH, a key skills provider in the region, and investing in its expansion; through to individual companies establishing partnerships with schools and colleges to offer skills placement, industry days, and mentoring, we’re raising awareness of the opportunities in this region, and working to inspire the next generation of talent.
Crucially, UK Government has a key role to play in unlocking these opportunities. Providing line of sight to investment will be the catalyst required for organisations to drive forward the skills agenda and deliver the associated economic growth benefits.
This collaborative approach must focus on inclusive growth. The energy transition presents an opportunity not only to reduce emissions, but to reshape the regional economy in a way that benefits everyone. For young people growing up in the Humber, it offers the possibility of meaningful, well-paid and future-proofed careers.
We are working hard to address barriers to participation by engaging schools early, raising awareness of opportunities across industry, providing clear progression pathways, and ensuring that apprenticeships, internships and training programmes are accessible to young people from all backgrounds.
Inclusive growth also requires support for those who may be transitioning from traditional high-carbon industries. Retraining, reskilling and lifelong learning must be built into the collaborative approach, ensuring that nobody is left behind as the region evolves. By working with our Local and Combined Authorities, our Mayors, and National Government, including unlocking skills initiatives such as the Clean Energy Skills Pilot in Lincolnshire, we can act as a catalyst, attracting investment, supporting employers and creating accessible learning routes into careers in the Humber.
It was inspiring to join the Green Skills Conference in Hull earlier this year and hear directly from young people who are invested in and motivated by the transition to jobs in energy and industry and want to play their part supporting the transition to turn the Humber into a clean
energy hub. But it was also clear that we need to do more, to share the opportunities and set out a vision that young people in our region can understand and importantly, shape.
The Humber’s strength lies in our collective ambition, and by aligning strategy, investment, education and community engagement the region can create a resilient skills ecosystem that supports economic growth and creates opportunities for all. Collaboration can and must be the foundation upon which success is build, and the Humber Energy Board stands ready to play our part.
This article first appeared in The Yorkshire Post on 8th January 2026.