Ground broken on £13.6 million Blyth Energy Central Learning Hub

Work has officially started on a £13.6 million training base bosses say will help “lead the UK’s clean energy revolution”.

The Energy Central Learning Hub will provide STEM, vocational and work-based training across the green sector.

Set for land at Port of Blyth, the development has been described as an “epicentre of learning”, nurturing future workforces that are capable of meeting existing and future industry skills needs.

The project forms part of the £90 million Energising Blyth Programme, which is backed by the Government alongside Northumberland County Council and North of Tyne Combined Authority.

To mark the official start of work on the venture, Port of Blyth chief executive Martin Lawlor, North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll and Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, turned the first spades of land in a celebrational ceremony.

• Port of Blyth chief executive Martin Lawlor, left, with North of Tyne mayor Jamie Driscoll and Councillor Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council

The event was attended by local authority, industry and education representatives, and included students from Bede Academy, who will be the first cohort to study T-levels at the hub in September 2024.

Martin said: “Blyth has a proud heritage in the energy sector and is a fitting location to house a clean energy skills, education and training facility.”

Mayor Driscoll said: “Residents of Blyth and further afield should be very proud of this development.

“It will be an epicentre of learning and will make a huge difference to the town.”

Councillor Sanderson added: “This will help put young people on a pathway to working in the clean energy sector or help people retrain and upskill to move into the rapidly growing industry.”