News26th September 2025

Jess Phillips MP attends pioneering solar energy event at Ark Victoria

Ark Victoria Academy in Birmingham held an innovative solar energy showcase that informed students and school leaders about green careers, and was attended by Jess Phillips MP.

Ark Victoria Academy

The solar energy industry is set to boom over the next few years. By 2035, the sector is expected to create 43,000 new jobs and contribute an estimated £70 billion to the UK economy annually.

And the green energy sector as a whole is expected to see a significant increase in opportunities, with projections of a 500 percent rise in jobs due to the growing demand for renewable energy.

The event – held in partnership with Ark, Solar for Schools and National Grid Electricity Distribution – informed students and education leaders from across Birmingham about opportunities and pathways into these green, sustainable careers.

The morning began with a thought-provoking assembly, where Year 11 students spoke about green initiatives at Ark Victoria.

Then Jess Phillips MP, along with representatives from National Grid, Solar for Schools and local businesses, discussed the range of potential skills, training and jobs in renewable energy with students and their parents.

There was also a dynamic green careers marketplace, connecting GCSE students with local employers so they could find out more about the different routes into the fast-growing sector.

Employers taking part in the careers fair included the West Midlands Combined Authority (who have recently secured a trailblazer devolution deal with the government on energy and net zero), the University of Birmingham, HS2 and Network Rail.

There were also representatives from Tysley Energy Park, an initiative committed to delivering low and zero carbon power, transport, heat, waste and recycling solutions for a greener, cleaner, healthier Birmingham.

Jess Phillips MP said, “I’m so proud to see Ark Victoria hosting this event, and for local kids to get exposure to the fantastic career opportunities that are literally on their doorstep with Tyseley Energy Park just minutes up the road.

“These are the industries that will help shape the economy over the coming years and decades, and it’s essential that our young people get the skills they need to make the most of these opportunities.”

Ark Victoria Principal Ela McSorley said, “I’m delighted that Ark Victoria – and Birmingham more broadly – is leading the charge on a greener future. It’s vital our young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of the huge surge in jobs in sustainable industries.

“Today’s event was an inspiring and practical introduction to futures in green energy. It was great to bring together students, employers and local leaders to showcase the variety of job opportunities that will be available to our young people in the years ahead.”

Ellie Patey, Community Engagement Manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said, “Installing solar panels is just the start. What matters is sparking ambition – when students start asking questions, challenging ideas, and seeing themselves in the energy story.

“Our partnership with Ark and Solar for Schools shows what’s possible when education and energy come together with purpose. It’s inspiring to see Birmingham’s next generation stepping up to lead the charge.”

During the last year, both Ark Victoria and Ark Kings have benefitted from partnering with Solar for Schools and National Grid, through the installation of solar panels at both schools, and the accompanying education programme to inspire students to see themselves as future leaders in sustainability.

In the past academic year, photovoltaic (PV) panels at Ark Victoria Academy generated enough renewable energy to meet 14 percent of the school’s electricity needs, while at Ark Kings Primary the figure reached 18 percent. Together, the installations have saved around £29,000 in electricity costs and prevented 19 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.