More than 170 school pupils and college students from across South Yorkshire gathered at Barnsley College this week to explore future careers in clean energy, as

the region prepares for a major jobs boom over the next decade.

The Clean Energy Jobs Fair, held on Thursday 12 February during National Apprenticeship Week, brought together young people with employers, colleges and universities working at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy transition. The event was co-hosted by the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband attended alongside Industry Minister Chris McDonald and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, highlighting the government’s ambition to train and recruit the workforce needed to deliver its Clean Energy Jobs Plan.

The fair showcased the scale of opportunity opening up across Yorkshire and the Humber. The region is already home to the UK’s largest clean tech cluster, with pioneering work under way in small modular nuclear reactors, hydrogen technologies and sustainable aviation fuel.

Sheffield is expected to play a key role in the development of Rolls-Royce SMR nuclear plants, with the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre supporting the reactor design. Once completed, the plants could generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around three million homes.

Local education providers are also stepping up to meet demand. Barnsley College opened its new Clean Energy Training Centre in December, designed to equip students with the specialist skills needed for high-value roles in the sector.

According to government figures, the wider Yorkshire and Humber region could see around 35,000 clean energy jobs by 2030 — up to 20,000 more than in 2023. Many of these roles offer salaries above the national average, with jobs in wind, nuclear and electricity networks advertising average pay of more than £50,000.

Ministers say these opportunities will be particularly important for post-industrial communities, allowing young people to build skilled, well-paid careers without leaving their hometowns. Five new Technical Excellence Colleges are also planned nationwide as part of a wider push to increase higher-level learning.

Speaking at the event, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the clean energy transition was opening doors for a new generation. He said young people could now “seize opportunities to work in South Yorkshire’s booming clean energy sector” and build strong careers locally.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted the role of apprenticeships, saying they were vital to ensuring young people had the skills employers need. He pointed to the government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to expand opportunities to earn while learning.

Students at the fair met representatives from major employers including Rolls-Royce SMR, RWE, Octopus Energy, ITM Power, Equans, GeoPura and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. Current and former apprentices were also on hand to offer practical advice on routes into the industry.

The Barnsley event follows the first Clean Energy Jobs Fair held in South Shields in December and is the second in a series planned across the UK. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister announced plans for a new clearing-style service to match applicants with unfilled apprenticeship vacancies, alongside a single online portal offering information on pay, progression and career pathways.

Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said:  “South Yorkshire is at the cutting edge of the UK’s new nuclear, hydrogen and sustainable aviation sectors, and we’re proud to be home to the largest clean tech cluster in the country. Those industries will shape the future of our economy, and of our young people too. 

I refuse to accept a situation where young people growing up in South Yorkshire can’t access the opportunities on their doorstep that will allow them to stay near and go far. 

There is extraordinary talent in every one of our communities. But it’s only by connecting that talent with the jobs and industries of the future that we give our young people the chance to live up to their full potential. 

By working together - with the government, employers, educators and our communities - we’re building a cleaner, greener, wealthier and healthier South Yorkshire for everyone”.

David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, said: 

“Barnsley College is leading the way in preparing our region for the jobs of tomorrow. 

Through our Clean Energy Training Centre, we’re giving young people and adult learners the practical skills they need to thrive in industries like retrofit, renewable technologies and sustainable construction, using the same kit they’ll find on site when they start work. 

These sectors are evolving and our students are perfectly placed to take advantage of new, emerging career paths that are well paid and highly skilled. By investing in upskilling and retraining now, we’re making sure our students are first in line for the opportunities that come with the transition to net zero”.

Dave Pike, Regional Secretary of TUC North East, Yorkshire and Humber, said: 

“The government’s commitment to supporting thousands of modern, long-term jobs in the clean energy sectors right here in Yorkshire is very welcome.  

Workers must be at the very heart of the clean energy revolution. This must be a good jobs revolution, from the tutors training the next generation of clean energy engineers, to the welders, electricians, and plumbers upgrading networks, homes, and factories across the country.  

Particularly during Heart Unions Week, where we celebrate the positive impacts that our trade unions make to communities nationwide, we look forward to continuing to work closely with the government to ensure that all clean energy jobs are good jobs”.

Clare Sandman, People Director at Rolls‑Royce SMR, said:  

“South Yorkshire is at the heart of the UK’s clean energy future and today’s event shows just how much talent and ambition exists in this region. The journey to deploy Rolls‑Royce Small Modular Reactors will create thousands of highly skilled jobs and long-term careers.  

For young people exploring their next steps, the opportunities in clean energy are real, growing and incredibly exciting. We’re proud to work alongside our local partners and government to help build the skilled workforce that will deliver the next generation of low‑carbon power for the UK”.

Dennis Schulz, CEO of ITM Power, said: 

“Apprentices at ITM have shown an eagerness to learn and a passion for green technology, rapidly developing into core team members. This new talent is ready to grow Yorkshire’s clean energy hub and drive the hydrogen economy forward, embodying the very innovative spirit of ITM”.

Olivia Wray, Global Head of Talent at Octopus Energy, said:  

“The clean energy sector is dedicated to cutting bills and creating jobs. At Octopus, we work tirelessly to spread the green message across the country - encouraging young people to get involved, do their bit, and build rewarding careers in the green energy revolution”.

Lewis Webb, People Specialist at RWE, said:  

“We’re delighted to be attending the Clean Energy Jobs Fair and meeting the next generation of talent driving the UK’s energy transition. RWE recently announced 31 new apprenticeship opportunities across key parts of the business, reflecting RWE’s commitment to developing skilled talent and flexible career pathway.  

The shift to a low-carbon future isn’t just about technology — it’s about people. From engineering and project delivery to digital innovation and commercial strategy, we’re building careers that will shape a more secure, sustainable energy system for decades to come”.  

Andrew Cunningham, Founder and CEO of GeoPura, said: 

“Young people play a vital role in the UK’s clean energy future. At GeoPura, we produce low carbon hydrogen in South Yorkshire and across the UK, deploying it to replace fossil fuels and support grid constrained sites in the UK and Europe. This creates skilled jobs and long-term value locally, while events like this connect young people with real, sustainable career opportunities. 

As a fast-growing clean energy company, we rely on local talent to scale and support the government’s plans through apprenticeships, graduate roles and on the job training, placing young people at the centre of clean energy delivery”.

Steve Batty, Director of Sustainability at Equans, said:  

“Events like this are really important when it comes to inspiring the next generation to consider careers in green industries – including roles in the low carbon construction sector.  

As we work towards the UK’s net zero ambitions, the demand for highly-skilled, environmentally aware professionals continues to grow, and it’s vital that we act now to develop talent in this area.  

People at the start of their careers bring new ideas, fresh energy and new perspectives and, by engaging them early, we can help close green skills gaps and build a workforce that can deliver a sustainable future for us all”.

Lisa Sellers, School Engagement Lead at the University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre, said: 

“The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre is pleased to take part in the Clean Energy careers event and meet the engineers of tomorrow”. Photo by ChicXulub, Wikimedia commons.