Green Port Hull’s Pathway to Employment programme has been crowned winner of the ‘Excellence in Renewables Skills & Training’ award at the Humber Renewables Awards.
Now in its sixth year, the annual event hosted by the Hull Daily Mail, in partnership with Siemens, brings together some of the area’s most innovative ‘green’ organisations to celebrate their achievements.
Since its launch in early 2016, the Pathway to Employment programme, which is delivered through Hull City Council, Jobcentre Plus and Unity Training, has had a positive impact on local businesses and is bringing benefits to the local economy and employment market.
As renewables projects in the Humber region take off, more skilled workers are needed. The Pathway to Employment programme is preparing a whole new cohort of manufacturing and engineering trainees, by giving the long-term unemployed the skills set, training and work experience to gain employment in these sectors.
Last year, the scheme engaged with 70 participants, 48 of them gaining jobs as a result. The project has been extended to create another 80 places for trainees.
Commenting on the Pathway to Employment scheme, the judges said:
“This is a great programme and is ensuring that, while there is a boom in the renewables industry, it is getting the long-term unemployed up to speed so they can take advantage of these opportunities.”
Representatives from 24 businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes had been shortlisted across eight categories at the Humber Renewables Awards. In addition to the win for the Pathway to Employment programme, Green Port Hull’s Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) initiative was a finalist in the Community Project (Engaging the Community) category.
There was also a special accolade, Renewables Champion, which was awarded to Tim Rix, Chair of the Green Port Growth Programme.
Tim commented:
“It was a real honour to be recognised for my work in this emerging sector. With the significant renewable energy investment in our region, it’s been a real passion of mine to make sure our business community capitalises on this and to help drive forward the opportunities it brings. I’m also delighted that the work and achievements of Green Port Hull were also noted at the ceremony.”
The full list of winners at the Humber Renewables Awards can be found at http://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/humber-renewables-awards-2017-winners-revealed/story-30192338-detail/story.html
