The six industrial clusters are the Black Country, East Coast (comprising Teesside and Humber), Northwest England, Scotland, South Wales and the Solent.

Andrew Hockey, ECITB chief executive, said: “We know that over the next few years, the UK will need in excess of 25,000 extra workers for major engineering construction projects, including those that contribute to the country’s net zero goals.

“In addition to building new renewable and nuclear energy capacity, we must also ensure that our existing industries undergo substantive decarbonisation. This will need many more skilled workers.

“This investment will address the skills shortages by supporting training and assessment capacity-building projects in the UK’s industrial heartlands that will directly increase the flow of workers into the industry.

“We are looking to support projects focused on enhancing training and skills provision in the six major industrial cluster regions, as well as other major ECI projects within a defined geographical footprint.”

Major projects are underway that will deploy a combination of energy efficiency measures, hydrogen production, carbon capture, use and storage technologies, and fuel switching including electrification to decarbonise industrial assets in these regions.

Mr Hockey explained: “The twin goals of energy security and net zero are mission-critical so we’re keen to work with clients, contractors and training providers in the industrial cluster regions to invest in growing the number of skilled engineers and craftspersons we need now and in the future.

“Without a pipeline of trained, skilled people, all this risks not being achieved.”

Grants of between £50,000 and £500,000K will be awarded to eligible projects that meet set criteria. This includes:

• Forecast capacity building should be at least 25% increase against current output.
• Projects will need to match ECITB grant funding from industry partners.
• Training and assessment activity must be delivered against recognised industry standards.
• Projects must feature a lead role for at least one ECITB-approved training provider.

The grants can be used to support either capital or operational expenditure. Capital expenditure may include upgrading training equipment or facilities. Operational expenditure may include curriculum development, training for staff, industry secondments and engagement of SMEs to support training development.

The industry-led training and skills body now wants to talk directly to providers and their industry partners to discuss potential projects.