Join the Education Training Collective to shape the future of clean energy skills development as the Regional Director of the north east’s Clean Energy Technical Excellence College.
In recognition of the extensive work delivered by the Education Training Collective (Etc.) across the north east to meet industry skills needs, tackle current and future work shortages and equip people with the skills they need to benefit from future opportunities, the Group was recently named as just one of five Clean Energy Technical Excellence Colleges (CETEC) by the Department for Education.
Following this announcement, Etc. has progressed with plans to further develop this vital area of their provision. To support their delivery, they now seek an exceptional Regional Director to lead this ambitious partnership to develop the skills, talent and workforce needed to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
Based at the Clean Energy Education Hub at Redcar & Cleveland College and working across the Tyne, Tees & Humber regions, CETEC brings together employers, education providers, universities and strategic partners to deliver innovative clean energy skills solutions and create lasting economic impact.
This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished leader from the clean energy, engineering or industrial decarbonisation sectors to shape a flagship regional programme and drive forward a nationally recognised centre of technical excellence. We are looking for an individual with strong industry credibility, experience of building strategic partnerships, and a passion for developing the workforce of the future.
The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership, champion curriculum innovation, engage influential stakeholders and ensure CETEC delivers measurable benefits for learners, employers and communities across the region.
Who we are
Education Training Collective (Etc.) is one of the North East’s largest and most influential education and skills groups, committed to transforming lives through learning and supporting the region’s economic growth. Through its network of colleges, training providers and employer partnerships, Etc. delivers high-quality education, technical training and workforce development aligned to the needs of industry and communities.
The Clean Energy Technical Excellence College (CETEC) represents a significant investment in the future workforce required to meet the challenges and opportunities of the UK’s transition to Net Zero. Bringing together employers, universities, training providers, local authorities and government agencies, CETEC is creating a coordinated, employer-led approach to developing the clean energy and industrial decarbonisation skills the region needs.
CETEC’s ambition is to become the leading regional partnership for clean energy skills and a nationally recognised Technical Excellence College. By driving innovation, collaboration and technical excellence, CETEC will help address critical skills shortages, improve productivity, support economic growth and create sustainable career opportunities for future generations.
About the role
As Regional Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the CETEC, helping to establish it as the leading regional partnership for clean energy skills and a nationally recognised centre of technical excellence. Working across a region which spans the Tyne, Tees and Humber areas, you will bring together employers, education providers, universities, local authorities and government agencies to ensure CETEC responds effectively to the workforce needs of the clean energy and industrial decarbonisation sectors.
The operational delivery of the CETEC is guided by the Department for Education’s programme objectives, which are:
- Objective 1: to boost skills provision in direct response to local and national employer needs
- Objective 2: to deliver high-quality teaching practice and curricula, including specialist continuous professional development for staff
- Objective 3: to leverage employer engagement and investment in sector skills provision
- Objective 4: to collaborate with a network of providers (via a hub and spoke model) to boost sector-specific skills provision and quality both locally and nationally
- Objective 5: to promote clear pathways for learners to progress into work in growth-driving industries or into higher-level relevant courses, including for those already in employment through upskilling or retraining
Reporting to Karl Johnson, Director of NETA Training and Etc. Assistant Principal, the successful candidate will lead the delivery of CETEC’s strategic objectives, ensuring programmes, partnerships and resources are aligned to achieve measurable outcomes and long-term impact. You will be responsible for strengthening existing relationships with employers whilst using your sector credibility to build new partnerships with other key stakeholders, driving collaboration across the region to create an employer-led approach to skills development.
Within this role, you will also be responsible for championing curriculum innovation and workforce planning, ensuring training provision responds to emerging industry demands and skills shortages. Alongside this, our new Regional Director will oversee governance, quality assurance, performance management, compliance and financial performance, ensuring CETEC operates effectively and delivers against its ambitions.
Acting as an ambassador for the partnership, you will represent CETEC regionally and nationally, enhancing our reputation, influencing key stakeholders and securing opportunities for future growth and investment. Through this work, you will play a pivotal role in supporting economic growth, developing the future workforce and contributing to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions.
The role comes with a range of additional benefits:
- Generous annual leave entitlement (34-43 days per annum, depending on role and length of service) and up to 5 additional days leave at Christmas.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with 14.2% Employer Contribution
- 2 Wellbeing days per year, paid days off that empower our employees to recharge, reflect or simply enjoy time as they choose- because your wellbeing matters.
- Access to a number of other employee benefits including a comprehensive Health and Wellbeing programme, 365-day access to a private Online GP service with NHS registered doctors, employee assistance programme, discounts at high street and online retailers, free on-site parking, plus many more.
- You will have the opportunity to work across our fantastic sites and make use of our modern facilities, including discounted or free access to one of our on-site gyms (depending on location).
- We also offer a pro-hybrid working model, giving you the flexibility to work from home for part of the week.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an accomplished and credible leader with significant experience in the clean energy, engineering or industrial decarbonisation sectors, combined with a genuine passion for workforce development and skills innovation. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the clean energy economy, alongside knowledge of how education, training and employer engagement can help address skills shortages and support long-term sector growth.
You will be comfortable operating at a strategic level, with the ability to translate ambitious objectives into practical, measurable outcomes. In addition to this strategic know-how, you will also be equally comfortable in taking a strategic plan and driving this through successful operational delivery on a day-to-day basis, through your own activity and leadership of your team.
The ideal candidate will bring technical credibility, commercial awareness and a proven track record of leading complex programmes, managing budgets and delivering results through collaboration and influence. Exceptional communication and relationship-management skills will enable you to engage confidently with senior stakeholders and act as a persuasive ambassador for CETEC at both regional and national levels.
We expect that your leadership will contribute to the tone and culture of CETEC. You’ll model the values and tone of voice of Etc., creating a positive, inclusive and innovative environment where colleagues feel empowered, supported and motivated to deliver their best. You’ll ensure that teams are clear about their objectives, that professional development is encouraged and embedded, and that quality improvement is understood as everyone’s responsibility.
Above all, you will be an innovative, inclusive and values-driven leader who is committed to developing the workforce of the future and helping drive the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
Peridot Partners and Education Training Collective are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Dan Baxter | dan@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07939 994524
About Etc.
The Education Training Collective (the Etc.) is a leading group of vibrant colleges and training providers offering high-quality education and training opportunities for learners, communities, and businesses in Teesside and across the UK. Incorporating Bede Sixth Form College, Innersummit, NETA Training, Redcar & Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College, we provide a full range of courses, training, and apprenticeship opportunities, as well as professional and commercial courses.
We create opportunities for our students, communities, and businesses by raising aspirations, equipping people with the skills they need to get into work and to build rewarding careers, and solving the skills needs of industry and key growth sectors. We are driven by the twin missions of empowering learners from all backgrounds and communities to achieve their full potential, and enabling employers to find and develop the workforce they need to succeed and grow.
Etc. is an abbreviation of et cetera, a Latin expression meaning “and similar” or “and so on.” Et cetera is future-facing, indicative of progress and what’s coming next.
In recent years, Etc. has made significant investment in improved student facilities, industry-standard equipment and services, and benefits from shared resources, best practice and expertise to create greater learning opportunities for students and ensure a cohesive and effective transition across the group.
A recent Ofsted report for the group praised the positive impact it is having on its students and local residents, raising aspirations and delivering the skills needed to achieve their ambitions and help them find work.
With a growing reputation, locally, regionally and nationally, for its successful emphasis on collaboration, Etc. actively builds relationships with partner organisations from the private, public and third sectors, with the ability to offer a flexible demand-led and responsive approach.
Learn more about Education Training Collective
Accessibility information
We understand that different members of the community have different access needs and have made some modifications to the way we do business to accommodate people from diverse communities and abilities.
We offer the following amenities:
- Step free access to the building, all key meeting rooms and bathrooms, and an accessible workstation
- Accessibility dogs are welcome
- Interviews can be held in meeting rooms that support hearing loops
- Papers and materials can be presented in different formats
- A sign language interpreter can be accessed for interview
- Working patterns and locations can be adjusted
To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Dan Baxter | dan@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07939 994524
Thank you for your interest in this role. Please download the Role Description and Person Specification.
To formally apply, please submit a CV and supporting statement (ideally a maximum of 2 sides of A4 each) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role against the criteria provided in the person specification, including your interest and motivation in applying for this position.
Please include your home address, contact email and mobile.
Please ensure that your application is emailed to response@peridotpartners.co.uk, inserting “Application: Education Training Collective (Etc.) — Regional Director: Clean Energy Technical Excellence College (CETEC)” into the subject field. You will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 2-3 days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact our admin team.
For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:
Dan Baxter | dan@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07939 994524
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Timetable
Closing date: Monday 14th September
We are in the process of confirming interview dates. Once confirmed, we will update the site and contact those who have applied.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring
Peridot and Education Training Collective (Etc.) are committed to promoting equality and diversity. To help us raise awareness and support a culture that is diverse and recognises and develops the potential of all, we need to appreciate the profile of candidates who apply for positions. We will send you an equality monitoring survey at the point of receiving your application and at the time of placement. This ensures that our processes remain inclusive and equitable throughout, and provides us with important data to help us showcase our impact.
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