The LSIP low carbon and manufacturing working group meetings in early 2024, were attended by 3T, an independent learning provider specialising in the energy sector.

As a result of the meetings 3T were introduced to Thorn Cross prison, Progressive Energy, the organisation leading the Hynet project, as well as local Jobcentre Plus (JCP) and college contacts.

Since the working group 3T has deepened the relationship with Progressive Energy, resulting in Progressive Energy and some of the HyNet stakeholders visiting 3T’s existing training centre in Manchester to understand the training they can offer to meet the construction and low carbon skills needs of the HyNet employers.

LSIP are continuing to link 3T into the local Cheshire and Warrington process to access Bootcamp funding and with local colleges with AEB funding. The plan is for 3T to bring a mobile training unit into the Cheshire and Warrington area to facilitate training in Engineering Construction training such as Plating, Welding, Pipefitting and Rigging & Slinging into Thorn Cross prison as well as into locations identified by JCP to allow access to training with Hynet job outcomes for ex-offenders, unemployed and economically inactive individuals. 3T’s sister company, Utility & Construction Training, specialises in the utilities sector and will provide Hydrogen Safety training as well as Carbon Capture training.