Developing the talent to power the Humber's future

Representatives from National Grid, BAM and Balfour Beatty promote careers in energy and engineering through the Eastern Green Link 2 project at Bishop Burton College’s Apprenticeship Fair.

FOR businesses across the Humber, the challenge is a familiar one. Demand is growing for engineers, technicians, project managers, environmental specialists, digital professionals and skilled construction workers, while employers across multiple sectors continue to compete for talent.

Creating opportunities for young people and helping them understand the careers available locally is an important part of addressing that challenge.

That was the focus when teams from the Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project joined thousands of young people, parents and educators at the Hull and East Riding Apprenticeship Fair at Bishop Burton College, alongside employers, training providers and industry partners from across the region.

The event gave attendees the chance to explore different career pathways, learn about apprenticeships and speak directly with organisations involved in major infrastructure and energy projects. For National Grid, it was an opportunity to showcase the wide range of roles that contribute to building and maintaining the electricity network, from engineering and construction through to environmental management, communications and professional services.

These conversations are becoming increasingly valuable as the Humber continues to attract significant energy investment. Projects already under construction, such as EGL2, alongside proposed developments including North Humber to High Marnham, reflect the scale of infrastructure needed to connect new sources of electricity and support growing demand in the years ahead.

Alongside the infrastructure itself comes the potential to deliver lasting benefits for local communities through skills development, training and employment.

The event also gave the team an opportunity to encourage students to consider the wide range of careers involved in delivering major infrastructure projects. Neil Lyons, National Grid Project Director for EGL2, said: “The Humber has a proud industrial heritage and an important role to play in the country's energy future. Delivering the infrastructure needed for that transition will require skilled people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.

“Events like this are invaluable because they give young people the chance to see first-hand the variety of careers available and to speak directly with people already working in the industry. Whether their interests lie in engineering, construction, environmental management, digital technology or project delivery, there are many different routes into the sector.

“The enthusiasm and quality of conversations the team had throughout the day were hugely encouraging. As investment in the energy network continues, creating opportunities for local people to develop new skills, access training and build rewarding careers will be an important part of ensuring the Humber benefits from that growth.”

National Grid attended the fair alongside delivery partners BAM and Balfour Beatty, demonstrating the collaborative nature of major infrastructure projects and the variety of career opportunities available through apprenticeships, training programmes and vocational routes.

As investment continues across the Humber and neighbouring regions, collaboration between employers, education providers and industry will be essential to ensuring local people are equipped with the skills needed to benefit from the opportunities being created across the region.

By engaging with young people today, organisations across the region are helping build the workforce that will support economic growth, deliver critical infrastructure and help power the Humber's future.