A clean energy careers fair held at Barnsley College, co-hosted by the Department for Energy Security and the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, attracted around 175 students.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Industry Minister Chris MacDonald and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard all attended the fair.
They met employers from across the region and spoke with young people about their futures.
When addressing pupils at the event, Mr Miliband, Labour MP for Doncaster North, said: “Our commitment to clean power means a new generation of young people can seize opportunities to work in South Yorkshire’s booming clean energy sector.”
Government insights show projections of 35000 thousand clean energy jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber by 2030.
Many of those positions offer salaries above £50,000 exceeding the UK average income.
Pat McFadden, the Work and Pensions Secretary, stressed the importance of apprenticeships as a career option for young people.
Mr McFadden said, “The clean energy sector is creating thousands of well-paid jobs in communities across Britain.”
He added: “Apprenticeships are key to this.”
Yorkshire plays a huge role nationally in terms of energy as it hosts the largest clean tech cluster.
Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire Mayor, emphasised the need to unlock opportunity for young people in the region.
Coppard said: “I refuse to accept a situation where young people growing up in South Yorkshire can’t access the opportunities on their doorstep that will allow them to stay near and go far.”
Barnsley College opened its clean energy training centre in December last year.
David Akeroyd, Principal and Chief Executive of Barnsley College, said: “Through our training centre, we’re giving young people and adult learners the practical skills they need to thrive in these industries.”
Employers including ITM Power, Octopus Energy, Rolls-Royce and RWE all attended the event.
Claire Sandman, People Director at Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “For young people exploring their next steps, the opportunities in clean energy are real, growing and incredibly exciting.”