A Focus on Clean Energy and Future Opportunities
Luke Myer MP and Anna Turley MP recently visited Redcar and Cleveland College, to explore the college’s new Clean Energy Hub and its extensive range of educational programmes. The visit highlighted the college’s crucial role in preparing students for the emerging green industrial renaissance on Teesside, an initiative strongly supported by the new Labour government.
The MPs met with Principal Jason Faulkner and CEO of the Education Training Collective Grant Glendinning, and were shown various facilities, including state-of-the-art labs and training areas dedicated to green technologies.
Both MPs have longstanding partnerships with the College, with Luke having worked with Jason as Cabinet Member for Children in Redcar & Cleveland, and Anna having worked closely with the College during her time as MP from 2015-19.
The college has been proactive in establishing partnerships with local businesses and industries to ensure that the curriculum reflects the latest developments and demands in the job market. This approach helps students gain practical experience and relevant qualifications, enhancing their employability in a rapidly evolving sector.
During the visit, discussions also centred on the broader implications for the local and regional economy. The development of green industries in the Tees Valley is expected to create job opportunities, and the college’s efforts to prepare students for these roles are seen as integral to ensuring that local residents can benefit from this growth.
Both MPs emphasised the importance of continued investment in education and skills as part of a wider strategy to support the region’s economic development and transition to a greener economy. They highlighted the college’s role in providing essential skills and driving forward the local economy through innovation and industrial collaboration. Luke recently raised the issue of vocational education and its importance for local manufacturing in Parliament.
Commenting on the visit, Luke Myer MP said: “There’s a tremendous opportunity in the green jobs of the future, but to realise that potential, we must ensure that local people acquire the skills necessary to enter these fields. Whether it’s through attracting inward investment from foreign companies or supporting the growth of local businesses, it’s essential that our community benefits from these opportunities. Redcar and Cleveland College is a prime example of how we can prepare our workforce for this future, and we are excited to work with them to help make this vision a reality.”
Anna Turley MP said: “Our meeting was a fantastic opportunity to explore the new Clean Energy Hub and witness firsthand the incredible range of courses and support the college offers to students. The development in this region holds immense potential, and it’s inspiring to see how the college is ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to capitalise on the forthcoming green industrial revolution. This is a crucial aspect of the Labour government’s commitment to advancing our new green industries.”
The visit underscored the shared commitment of both MPs to supporting local educational institutions and ensuring that regional developments translate into real opportunities for the local population. With the college playing a crucial role in equipping students with relevant skills, Luke Myer and Anna Turley are dedicated to advocating for continued support and investment in education as the Tees Valley embraces a new era of green industry and economic growth.
If you’d like to stay up to date on Luke’s work and receive email updates, please sign up here: lukemyer.uk.
