Thousands of students met with businesses working in offshore wind, at an event designed to help fill the industry’s skills gap.

The Festival of Knowledge, a Norfolk Chambers of Commerce event, replaced the Norfolk skills and careers festival, showcasing opportunities for students, job seekers, and people considering a career change.

Eastwind, the region’s offshore wind cluster, said it brought together developers, supply chain businesses, and education providers, including East Coast College and City College Norwich.

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With forecasts predicting the industry will need 104,000 additional workers by 2030, organisers said it was crucial to engage with potential employees, and convince young people to train in relevant subjects.

Zoe Keeton, RWE’s UK head of stakeholders and local markets, said: “Events like this are such a great way for us to showcase what the region has to offer in terms of education, skills and long-term roles within offshore wind. 

“The Eastwind Zone at the festival demonstrates the variety of opportunities available now and in the future within an industry that is only growing in East Anglia, and RWE are delighted to be a part of this.”