Building on their collaborative work associated with the Energy Central Institute, The Low Carbon North: Sustainable Futures initiative is being delivered by the Careers and Enterprise teams at both universities and The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, the UK’s leading technology innovation and research centre for offshore renewable energy.

Funded through the Northern Net Zero Accelerator, the one-year programme will run from May 2026 until the end of April 2027.

The project aims to improve graduate retention in North East England while helping businesses build the skilled workforce needed for the transition to employment in the region’s flourishing low carbon economy.

It will also support long term regional growth by creating a model that could be expanded across the wider higher education sector.

Supporting regional growth

The programme will connect Durham and Newcastle students with businesses working across offshore wind, subsea industries and the wider low carbon sector.

Virtual, employer-led group projects will give students the chance to work on real industry challenges and gain valuable experience.

Students from a wide range of degree subjects, including Business, Finance and the Sciences are invited to take part.

The project builds on existing links with industry partners connected to the leading offshore energy sector here in North East England.  

This will help students gain a better understanding of the real-world opportunities available in the North East region.

Katie Wray, Associate Dean, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, Newcastle University, said: “The project provides industry connections for learners to contribute to real business challenges and engage with opportunities to make a difference across low carbon energy sectors.”

Abby Reeds, Learning Partnerships Manager, Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, Newcastle University, added: "The Learning Partnerships team has long recognised the importance of the offshore energy industry for our faculty's students and this region.

“It's exciting that through the Low Carbon North: Sustainable Futures project we can work with Durham University and both Careers Services to reach all our students, promoting the rewarding opportunities available, and helping graduates gain the skills and experience to boost their employability and support the industry and other low carbon technologies in this region and, potentially, beyond.”

Helping students explore low carbon careers

Alongside industry-based projects, the programme will include careers forums, employer panels and networking opportunities.

These events will help students learn more about careers in low carbon industries and the skills employers are looking for.

The partners want to challenge the idea that low carbon careers are only linked to STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

The sector needs people with a wide range of skills and experiences, from project management to communications and finance.

Student interns from both universities will help shape the programme to make sure activities reflect what students want and need.

Yvonne Chase, Director of Student Success, Newcastle University, said: “Through the activities of the project, we aim to equip our students with the skills, insight, and industry connections that will set them up for fulfilling and sustainable careers driving the transition to net zero. I am excited to see the impact the project will have on the local economy and our students’ lives."

Creating a lasting legacy

The project will also support university staff and careers advisers from across North East England.

Colleagues from five regional universities will be invited to take part in careers education events focused on the future of the low carbon sector.

By bringing together universities, employers and students, the partners hope to create stronger regional partnerships that continue beyond the life of the project.

The long-term goal is to create a tested model that improves graduate employability, supports business innovation and helps drive sustainable growth across North East England.

Find out more

• Learn more about our Careers Service.
• Read about the Northern Net Zero Accelerator
• Discover the courses on offer at Newcastle University.
• Read more about The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult.

If you would like to find out more about Newcastle University's work in the offshore energy and low carbon energy space, please visit: Offshore Wind | Newcastle Innovations | Newcastle University and Building the Energy Systems of Tomorrow | Newcastle Innovations | Newcastle University 

Press release adapted with thanks from Durham University.