STEM work with Scottish schools: How industry can shape tomorrow’s workforce
“Scotland urgently needs significantly more people to enter the onshore wind industry workforce if the country is to achieve the 20 GW ambition by 2030.” ClimateXChange
As the renewable energy sector faces a looming skills shortage, collaboration between industry and educational institutions is becoming crucial. These partnerships are vital for promoting STEM activities and enhancing traditional classroom education. Vattenfall is dedicated to engaging with Scottish students, from primary school to university.
Vattenfall has proudly signed the Young Person’s Guarantee with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), an initiative connecting employers with education to equip young people with essential skills for the workplace. We are actively developing projects for students across Scotland, raising the profile of local opportunities in renewable energy.
The classroom and beyond
Vattenfall has partnered with Aberdeen-based charity TechFest to inspire young minds in North East Scotland through STEM education. One highlight is the Forces of Nature workshop, set to tour schools and public events in Aberdeen City and Shire, near to our Clashindarroch II wind farm which begins construction next year, and our operational Clashindarroch I and Aberdeen Bay sites. Our sponsorship also supports the Schools Science Festival, Family Weekend, and the Aberdeen Science Festival.
Over 100 pupils from Buckie, Keith and Grantown Grammar gained key employment skills this year from innovative STEM sessions funded by Vattenfall.
The workshop gave the students a valuable insight into the processes involved in planning a wind farm using technology and software actually used in the renewables industry. It was also an opportunity for the students to develop skills and knowledge which will enable them to succeed in the workplace.
Skills for life
This summer, Vattenfall partnered with the Highland-based Science Skills Academy (SSA) for the first time to deliver hands-on, out-of-classroom learning to over 230 students aged 10 to 14 in Grantown-on-Spey. The SSA Pop-Up Newton Room, a mobile learning space inspired by an acclaimed Norwegian model, has reached over 30,000 students in the Highlands.
The Pop-Up Newton Room gives students the chance to study science and tech in a practical and fun way. As well as hands-on access to latest kit, the sessions are also about sparking curiosity and showing young people the exciting range of possibilities that STEM careers offer.
This month, Vattenfall also co-sponsored the Mock COP29, organized by the Open University, Skills Development Scotland, and Highland One World. Students from 12 secondary schools across Moray and the Highlands gathered at the Highland Council Chambers on November 12th to debate climate change issues and engage in mock negotiations as country delegates.
Vattenfall have set out a goal to support 50 apprenticeships by 2030, with support from local councils, DYW, Skills Development Scotland, and our supply chain.
“With our commitment to maximizing local content and social value across our project portfolio in Scotland, skills and training have become key focus areas for Vattenfall,” explains Matt Bacon, Senior Project Manager for Clashindarroch II. “We are working closely with organizations like the Science Skills Academy, Techfest, and DYW because we firmly believe that industry partnerships are integral to developing the workforce of the future.”
Vattenfall was proud to be a sponsor of The Scotsman’s first ever Green Skills and Energy Transition Conference in Aberdeen.