Regional skills: Green opportunities in Yorkshire and Humberside

Yorkshire and the Humber, an illustrious region in the United Kingdom has been a vibrant contributor to the country’s industrial tapestry for centuries. In this piece, we delve into the traditional skills that have been the cornerstone of the region’s growth, the key engineering and manufacturing employers, and how the region plans to reinvent itself for the renewable energy era.

Traditionally, Yorkshire and the Humber have been known for the coal mining, steel production, and textile manufacturing industries. During the Industrial Revolution, the region’s coal mines and steel mills thrived, laying the foundation for a strong skills base in metallurgy, engineering, and craftsmanship. Alongside this, the textile mills in West Yorkshire developed a workforce skilled in spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Companies such as Tata Steel Europe, Forgemasters, and Croda have been key employers in the region.

As we move forward into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Yorkshire and the Humber have eagerly embraced the transition towards renewable energy, with a particular focus on offshore wind power. The region’s coastlines along the North Sea offer a highly conducive environment for the establishment of offshore wind farms. Notable examples include Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Hull and Ørsted’s East Coast Hub in Grimsby, both of which have transformed the region into a thriving hub for offshore wind energy. This shift towards renewable sources marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards a sustainable future.