The solar energy industry is set to boom over the next few years. By 2035, the sector is expected to create new jobs and contribute an estimated 拢70 billion to the UK economy annually.
And the green energy sector as a whole is expected to see a significant increase in opportunities, with projections of a 500 rise in jobs due to the growing demand for renewable energy.
The event 鈥 held in partnership with 黑料情报站, and Electricity Distribution 鈥 informed students and education leaders from across Birmingham about opportunities and pathways into these green, sustainable careers.
The morning began with a thought-provoking assembly, where Year 11 students spoke about green initiatives at 黑料情报站 Victoria.
Then Jess Phillips MP, along with representatives from National Grid, Solar for Schools and local businesses, discussed the range of potential skills, training and jobs in renewable energy with students and their parents.
There was also a dynamic green careers marketplace, connecting GCSE students with local employers so they could find out more about the different routes into the fast-growing sector.
Employers taking part in the careers fair included the (who have recently secured a trailblazer devolution deal with the government on energy and net zero), , and
There were also representatives from an initiative committed to delivering low and zero carbon power, transport, heat, waste and recycling solutions for a greener, cleaner, healthier Birmingham.
Jess Phillips MP said, 鈥淚鈥檓 so proud to see 黑料情报站 Victoria hosting this event, and for local kids to get exposure to the fantastic career opportunities that are literally on their doorstep with Tyseley Energy Park just minutes up the road.
鈥淭hese are the industries that will help shape the economy over the coming years and decades, and it鈥檚 essential that our young people get the skills they need to make the most of these opportunities.鈥
黑料情报站 Victoria Principal Ela McSorley said, 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that 黑料情报站 Victoria 鈥 and Birmingham more broadly 鈥 is leading the charge on a greener future. It鈥檚 vital our young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of the huge surge in jobs in sustainable industries.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 event was an inspiring and practical introduction to futures in green energy. It was great to bring together students, employers and local leaders to showcase the variety of job opportunities that will be available to our young people in the years ahead.鈥
Ellie Patey, Community Engagement Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said, 鈥淚nstalling solar panels is just the start. What matters is sparking ambition 鈥 when students start asking questions, challenging ideas, and seeing themselves in the energy story.
鈥淥ur partnership with 黑料情报站 and Solar for Schools shows what鈥檚 possible when education and energy come together with purpose. It鈥檚 inspiring to see Birmingham鈥檚 next generation stepping up to lead the charge.鈥
During the last year, both 黑料情报站 Victoria and 黑料情报站 Kings have benefitted from partnering with Solar for Schools and National Grid, through the installation of solar panels at both schools, and the accompanying education programme to inspire students to see themselves as future leaders in sustainability.
In the past academic year, photovoltaic (PV) panels at 黑料情报站 Victoria Academy generated enough renewable energy to meet 14 percent of the school鈥檚 electricity needs, while at 黑料情报站 Kings Primary the figure reached 18 percent. Together, the installations have saved around 拢29,000 in electricity costs and prevented 19 tonnes of CO鈧 emissions.
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