East Midlands Freeport invests £2m in manufacturing and clean energy careers
A new training initiative funded by East Midlands Freeport aims to prepare students for careers in manufacturing and clean energy with an investment of over £2m.
The Freeport has chosen to allocate part of its £25m Seed Capital investment fund to a training program designed to develop the talent needed to seize opportunities in clean energy and industrial decarbonisation.
£2m will be invested in the Future Energy Skills Hub (FESH), a project spearheaded by the East Midlands Institute of Technology (East Midlands IoT).
It offers technical training and qualifications through a collaboration with Derby College Group, Loughborough College, the University of Derby, Loughborough University, and various business partners.
Starting in September 2025, East Midlands IoT will offer FESH courses designed to equip students with higher technical skills for manufacturing and clean energy sectors, as well as for businesses transitioning to clean energy practices.
The Freeport, which is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions to the regional economy, is focusing on its three tax sites: East Midlands Intermodal Park near Derby, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station in south Nottinghamshire and East Midlands Airport Gateway Industrial Cluster.
Tom Newman-Taylor, CEO of East Midlands Freeport, said: “We’re fully committed to delivering on the Government’s mission of increasing growth and creating new opportunities for people, communities and businesses in the process. So alongside our three sites, we are investing directly in technology projects which will help industry decarbonise and skills programmes which will ensure local people can access these new opportunities.”
“The Freeport is the biggest growth initiative in the East Midlands and we are delighted to be supporting a project which means the benefits of that growth will be felt by people and communities.”
