At TEP Birmingham we have always recognised the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities they need for employment, entrepreneurship and future success.
This is especially important today. As the world of work continues to evolve, the renewable energy sector is facing a growing skills challenge. Across the UK, the green energy sector needs more people with the technical expertise, practical experience and problem-solving abilities needed to build a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Meeting this challenge starts with preparing young people to contribute confidently to the opportunities ahead. For Birmingham, a city shaped by young people, innovation and change, this presents a powerful opportunity. At TEP, we are proud to play our part by connecting the next generation with the skills, experiences and inspiration they need to contribute to a greener future.
From Classroom to Clean Energy
We understand the importance of engaging young people beyond the classroom. Earlier this year we welcomed 45 students from Years 5 and 9 at Ark Victoria Academy for a learning and discovery visit, which you can read more about here. Students witnessed clean technology and rare earth magnet recycling in action, exploring how innovation can support a more sustainable future.
From Key Stage 2 topics such as materials and forces to GCSE-level learning around electromagnetism and energy, the visit helped students connect classroom theory with real-world application.
By opening our doors to young people, TEP Birmingham is helping them explore how STEM skills can support clean technology and sustainability, while making future careers in clean energy feel more visible and achievable.
This is what future skills development looks like in practice – giving the next generation the opportunity to see how their learning connects to real industries, challenges and solutions.
Opportunities for Future Leaders
Our role in supporting future skills also extends to higher education and early careers. In 2025 we worked with the University of Birmingham to offer students work experience opportunities, helping them bridge the gap between academic learning and future career pathways. For those looking to enter the clean energy sector, this kind of experience can provide an important first step towards building confidence, skills and industry awareness. This was part of our wider work with future talent throughout 2025, which is explored in more detail here.
One opportunity included a summer internship focused on a project surrounding the future of waste processing technologies in the West Midlands – a crucial issue, which sits at the heart of the circular economy. By giving students these kinds of opportunities, TEP Birmingham helps them apply their knowledge to practical regional challenges, giving them insight into the innovation needed to build a cleaner society and a more resource-efficient future.
We are also building connections with external organisations across the wider energy sector. In 2025, NESO’s graduate scheme intake visited our state-of-the-art facilities, where they toured the site and took part in a session with Voltempo, a member here at TEP Birmingham, exploring the future of electric vehicle charging technology. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to showcase the innovation taking place across our ecosystem, while helping graduates develop a greater understanding of the technologies and partners driving clean-tech innovation.
Looking Ahead
At TEP Birmingham, we recognise the important role we can play in empowering the next generation. The future will not be driven by technology alone, but by skilled, curious and passionate individuals who are prepared to respond to a changing world.
We’re proud to be opening up the clean energy sector to students, graduates and future leaders. As the green skills gap continues to shape the transition to net zero, it’s vital that young people understand both the challenges ahead and the opportunities available to them.
By inspiring the next generation and supporting access to future-facing skills, TEP Birmingham is helping to create shared future that young people can see themselves being a part of.
To discover more about the work our on-site members are doing at TEP Birmingham, click here.
