YOUNG adults across Northumberland are being encouraged to take up a career in the heating sector.

The call follows a recent report by the National Grid which revealed 400,000 energy related jobs will need to be filled to create a workforce fit to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

According to the findings, 260,000 of the roles will be new, including skilled technicians, engineers and other specialists, while 140,000 will replace those who have left the sector.

Research by YouGov confirms that over two thirds (81 per cent) of young adults aged 18 to 24 think it is important to play a role in the UK’s journey to net zero.

OFTEC, the trade association for the oil heating industry, says a career in the sector would help provide a greener future for the 23,000 homes in Northumberland currently heated by oil.

David Knipe, training manager explained: “The industry is currently developing a sustainable low carbon liquid fuel alternative to heating oil which could see all oil heated homes running on a 100 per cent liquid biofuel by 2035. This means there is a strong future ahead for liquid fuels and all those involved in its production and supply.”