Cheshire is set to receive £900k of government funding to upskill its clean energy sector workers.

A total of 150 clean energy sector workers will benefit from the funding, amid a collective ambition for the region to 'be the most sustainable, healthy, inclusive and growing economy in the UK'.

Last week, the government published a plan aimed at upskilling the next generation of clean energy workers across the country, forecasting that employment could double to 860,000 by 2030.

The plan sets clear workforce estimates for the first time, with the aim of helping industry, public sector and education providers deliver a strategy to invest in training for specific in-demand occupations.

Thirty-one occupations, which includes plumbers, electricians and welders, are particularly in demand, the government says.

Funded by the Department for Energy Security, and Net Zero's Office for Clean Energy Jobs, Cheshire's funding will also be used to support up to 15 apprentices.

It forms the next phase of an announcement made at the start of the year, which highlighted that west Cheshire had been selected as a pilot 'key growth region' for clean energy.

Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington will commission and oversee the delivery of the courses, which are available to anyone aged 18 or above who is a west Cheshire resident working in carbon-intensive industries.

It also applies to those working in a business based in west Chester that would benefit from training to let them access new clean energy opportunities. 

"Upskilling existing workers and ensuring the courses available at our local training providers are industry-led, will enable the clean energy sector to go from strength to strength - including attracting the local talent for the future," said Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

"We are thrilled that west Cheshire can contribute to the UK's broader goal of achieving clean power by 2030 and will look forward to working closely with the department and the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to ensure this next phase is a success."

Courses will be delivered by a range of local and national providers, typically lasting one to five days and delivered over a maximum of six weeks.

They are designed to upskill local people in a range of sector-critical areas such as electrical engineering, hydrogen skills, and construction.

"We're proud to have facilitated the first stage of the regional skills pilot," added James Johnson, head of regional programme at the North West Net Zero Hub, a delivery partner which helped secure the funding.

"The robust research delivered by Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington highlights a sharp rise in clean energy workforce demand.

"This further supports the findings of our recent Clean Power Paper - up to 35,000 roles needed by 2028 across the whole of the North West, particularly in nuclear, offshore wind, CCUS and hydrogen.

"This growth forecast is not just a challenge; it's a generational opportunity for communities across the North West.

"By acting together, we can unlock thousands of high-quality jobs, attract investment, and ensure the region leads the way in powering the UK's clean energy future."

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, said: "We're giving workers the skills needed for switch to clean energy, which is good for them, good for industry - and will drive growth across the nation. 

"Our new jobs plan will unlock real opportunities and ensure everyone has access to the training and support to secure the well-paid jobs that will power our country's future, as part of our Plan for Change."