Orsted is playing a key role in widening teachers鈥 understanding of renewable energy, careers and access to the sector.
The offshore wind giant recently welcomed 18 teachers from schools in the Grimsby area to its East Coast Hub, in readiness for the new academic year. Organised through Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, several key staff from the nerve centre for the farms in the near North Sea explained the myriad of opportunities on a whistlestop tour, with a representative from RWE also invited to underline the cluster strength.
Supply chain and skills strategy manager Hannah Woodgate joined the party along the Royal Dock from the base it is currently expanding, talking to the educators alongside Orsted鈥檚 marine and helicopter co-ordinator, Poppy Hilton, and Hornsea Two operations manager, Paul Hazell. He works on what is the world鈥檚 largest offshore wind farm and took the time to give the teachers a tour around its service operative vessel, Wind of Hope, while it was back in port for a crew change.
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Harriet Farmery, community engagement officer at Orsted, said: 鈥淭eachers have such a large influence on their students, and this was shown in the apprentice data we gathered this year. 鈥淥ne of our goals for the day was to give the teachers confidence to be able to go back and relay careers information about Orsted to students and their parents. We feel confident that these 18 teachers can impart their knowledge and support onto hundreds more students and colleagues.鈥
The day was organised by Orsted鈥檚 senior stakeholder advisor, Lauren Little, and community engagement officer, Harriet Farmery, and they were also joined by Helena Gollings, business development consultant for apprenticeships at Grimsby Institute - where the award-winning apprenticeship programme is delivered - and Orsted鈥檚 operation apprentice manager, Rob Howes, to talk through the application process and how teachers could support their students with it.
Alex Nightingale, operational hub lead and enterprise coordinator at Greater Lincolnshire LEP said: 鈥淭he feedback on the Orsted visit has been superb, the teachers left feeling inspired and empowered to talk to their learners about the opportunities in the offshore wind sector. Hopefully the teachers will be able to use what they learned next academic year. Helping to bring the curriculum to life and bridging the gap between education and employment.鈥
He told how teachers were surprised by the many roles and career opportunities that are available on their schools鈥 doorsteps, addin there was 鈥渆xcitement to inspire their students to think about the renewable industry as a career path鈥
Skills fund investments hit 拢250,000
The visit came ahead of Orsted's latest skills fund donations, with more than a quarter of a million pounds shared between eight groups.
Coastal locations in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, North Norfolk, Lancashire and Cumbria are covered by two pots, under the East Coast and Walney Extension work.
Imran Nawaz, 脴rsted鈥檚 senior advisor and community benefit fund manager, said: 鈥淭his milestone shows our dedication to inspiring people into STEM careers. Each group has shown a fantastic project that aims to provide educational and learning opportunities for people within the two funds鈥 areas to help to improve their skills and employment opportunities. Well done everyone!鈥
The competitive application process is administered by the independent grant-making charity GrantScape.
The eight groups receiving grants this round are:
- The College of West Anglia 鈥 Offshore Floating Wind Turbine Project for Students
- The Teacher Scientist Network - Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Science Kit Club
- Lab Rascals - Sustainability for the Future Educational Programme
- The University of Hull - IntoUniversity Centre in Bridlington (STEM support).
- 3 D Web Technologies Ltd - Design and Build a Wind Farm in Virtual Reality
- EDT - STEM Futures Lancaster & Wyre
- Furness Education & Skills Partnership - The Future of Furness - Exploring STEM Careers
- Primary Engineer - Walney Extension Skills Primary Engineer Construction Project
Katie Norman, of Barton-based Lab Rascals, said 鈥淲e are thrilled and deeply grateful to receive the prestigious East Coast skills funding provided by Orsted. This grant will fuel our mission to deliver impactful STEM education, host engaging workshops, and develop innovative programs. With this support, we can expand our reach, enhance our resources, and inspire countless learners. We thank GrantScape and Orsted for their belief in our vision and commitment to empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers. Together, we will make a lasting impact on STEM education and foster a brighter future."
