Apprentices kickstart clean energy careers at local Teesside firm
3 July 2026, Teesside – Five apprentices are progressing through a bespoke development pathway designed to prepare them for careers in the clean energy industry. Aidan Ramzan, Anya Larkin Noah Jimson, Owen Smith and Will James completed the two-year bp Clean Energy Scholarship programme at Redcar & Cleveland College in June 2025 before progressing onto a bespoke apprenticeship programme with Middlesbrough College in September 2025, developed in partnership with the bp Project Operations team.
Throughout the three-year apprenticeship programme, the apprentices are employed by Cogent and sponsored by bp. The first year of the programme was focused primarily on college-based learning, helping them build the technical knowledge and skills required for future operational roles.
Having now commenced the second year of their apprenticeship, the apprentices will spend the next 12 months gaining hands-on experience at live operational sites supported by px Group. This follows the award of the Operations, Engineering and Maintenance contract by NZT Power and the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP), under which px Group will provide an on-site operations team of around 100 people to support the safe and reliable operation of the facilities.
The apprentices will contribute to operations and maintenance activities throughout their development, gaining practical experience in the skills, systems and processes required to operate and maintain major energy infrastructure safely and effectively. This practical experience will help prepare them for the final year of their apprenticeship when they join the NZT Power and NEP facilities in July 2027.
During this final stage of the programme, the apprentices will have the unique opportunity to support the commissioning, start-up and early operation of the facilities, providing invaluable experience as they transition into long-term careers within the clean energy industry. The programme will help develop the next generation of local operations and maintenance professionals, supporting both the long-term success of the projects and wider efforts to decarbonise industry across Teesside.
The hires come at a pivotal moment for both projects, as construction activity continues to accelerate. NZT Power recently welcomed its first major equipment delivery via Redcar Bulk Terminal, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progression. At the same time, the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) has reached 30% completion, reflecting the strong momentum across the East Coast Cluster. These milestones are underpinned by significant upgrades to Redcar Bulk Terminal, enabling it to support large-scale infrastructure projects and reinforcing the region’s role in delivering the UK’s energy transition.
NZT Power is set to become the world’s first major gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage. NEP is developing the UK’s first commercial-scale carbon transport and storage network, which will serve NZT Power and future carbon capture projects across Teesside and the Humber. Together, the projects are on track source more than half of their construction content from UK suppliers and businesses, while creating and supporting more than 3,000 jobs during the construction phase. This month alone, NZT Power and NEP have awarded contracts to Cavendish Northern Limited and GR Potter Plant Hire, which between them will create approximately 130 new jobs in the region.
The placing of the apprentices with px Group is just one example of how NZT Power and NEP are offering young, local people real pathways to high-quality, clean energy jobs. The projects have together helped fund training of over 175 young people across Teesside, including 142 students via the Tees Valley Net Zero Industry Scholarship which has received £1m+ in funding from the two projects. All scholars have been given access to an additional enrichment programme, offering them masterclasses in personal branding, CV writing and tailored mentoring. NZT Power has also committed £450,000 to provide grants to local SMEs to encourage taking on graduating apprentices.
Ian Hunter, Managing Director, NZT Power said: “It was so great to meet the next generation of highly-skilled engineers just beginning their careers today, getting the chance to hear directly from the people that future infrastructure projects like ours will depend on. NZT Power is proud to be investing in the futures of local young people across Teesside and will continue to do so as the project progresses. We wish all the apprentices the best of luck on their journey.”
Rich Denny, Managing Director, Northern Endurance Partnership, said: “These projects are about creating opportunities for the communities around us. Seeing local apprentices move into high-quality, future-focused jobs is a powerful example of how Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) can deliver real benefits for people across the region. We’re proud to support programmes that help develop the skills, talent and workforce needed to secure Teesside’s position at the forefront of clean energy and industrial decarbonisation. By investing in local people today, we’re helping to build a lasting legacy that will benefit the region for generations to come.”
Geoff Holmes, CEO, px Group said: “px Group is always looking for ways to support local people and create opportunities across the region, which is why it is such a pleasure to welcome these talented apprentices as they begin their careers. These young people will gain essential skills through their work placements on px assets. The experience they acquire during this stage will be instrumental as they transition to contributing directly to the NZT Power and NEP projects, equipping them to take on increasingly significant responsibilities in the future. px Group will continue to invest in local talent and support its community as we work to deliver and support critical energy projects such as these.”