For generations, a familiar narrative shaped career choices in Teesside; to succeed, you had to leave. Whether for university, training or work, progression often meant moving elsewhere. But that story is changing fast.

Now, Teesside has made its mark as a nationally significant hub for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and industrial innovation. Major developments here at Teesworks are creating thousands of skilled jobs, from construction and engineering to carbon capture and advanced technology, while also attracting global investment and reshaping the region’s economic future. With that growth comes a challenge: ensuring businesses have the skilled workforce to meet demand and local people have the capabilities to access those opportunities.

This National Apprenticeship Week, Teesworks celebrates the vital role apprenticeships play in bridging these skills gaps by keeping people in Teesside and enabling them to make the most of the region’s growth.

Delivering Teesside’s Clean Energy Capabilities

The transition to Net Zero, alongside rapid growth in clean energy and advanced manufacturing, is reshaping Teesside’s industrial landscape. Major developments at Teesworks, including NZT Power, Steel River Quay, Steel River Power and SeAH Wind’s XXL monopile manufacturing facility, are positioning the region as a key player in the sectors driving the UK’s clean energy future.

While this progress is critical to climate goals, it also places increased demand on businesses. These industries require a workforce with practical, job-ready skills: people who can step into roles and contribute to projects from day one. Nationally, skills shortages are widely recognised as one of the biggest barriers to industrial growth and Teesside is no exception.

What helps ease this pressure is a strong focus on apprenticeships. By combining structured training with real-world experience, apprenticeships give employers access to a developing talent pool, while enabling local people to build the skills needed to succeed in Teesside’s growing clean energy and industrial sectors.

Learn While You Build Your Career

Apprenticeships are a practical way to close skills gaps while creating clear routes into long-term careers. They are mutually beneficial for both the apprentice and the employer, combining paid employment with structured training. Apprentices earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience in real working environments, while employers can develop their workforce and train talent in the specific skills their business needs; ensuring skills are relevant, current and future-focused.

Crucially, apprenticeships support the shift from leaving to succeed to staying to succeed by enabling people to build meaningful careers without leaving Teesside.

Supporting Local Talent with The Teesworks Skills Academy

A key component of workforce development at Teesworks is Teesworks Skills Academy, which collaborates with over 30 private and FE training providers to give local people access to the growing number of jobs and opportunities on site.

By working closely with employers and industry partners, the Academy ensures training matches real workforce needs. From apprenticeships to intensive skills programmes, it equips trainees with practical skills for clean energy and industrial roles, creating a pipeline of talent that benefits both businesses and Teesside’s wider economy.

Shaping Teesside’s Workforce for the Future

Apprenticeships are not just for school leavers. In fact, in 2024/25, around 45-50% of all apprentices in the UK were aged 25 or older. This reflects a growing trend of adults seeking to retrain, upskill or change careers, proving that apprenticeships offer valuable opportunities at any stage of life. For people in Teesside, they provide a practical route to gain experience and build a future in the sectors that are shaping the region’s economic growth.

Upskilling local residents strengthens the workforce, supports inward investment and creates a more resilient local economy. It also changes perceptions, showing young people and career changers that Teesside offers viable, future-proof career paths.

As the clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors continue to expand, the demand for skilled workers will only increase. Apprenticeships provide a sustainable, long-term solution, ensuring growth is matched by opportunity.