SSEN Transmission has launched a new learning partnership with Peterhead Academy, which will see pupils engage in activities designed to inspire the next generation of energy professionals.
The partnership, which ties in closely with the nearby Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) project, will see SSEN Transmission and its contractors provide pupils with a wide-ranging offer of career talks, mentoring, site visits, challenge projects, and access to established career development programmes.
This will bring real-world relevance to their studies, helping contextualise classroom learning and opening doors to exciting careers in the energy sector.
The first event delivered under the partnership took place recently at the newly opened EGL2 visitor hub, located at the site near Boddam where a new High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) converter station is currently under construction.
Pupils from Peterhead Academy heard from representatives at SSEN Transmission and EGL2 contractors Prysmian, who spoke about their career journeys and outlined the many exciting opportunities that exist within the energy sector.
The learning partnership is part of SSEN Transmission’s commitment to supporting learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and encouraging future energy sector talent.
It comes as progress continues on EGL2, a joint venture between SSEN Transmission and National Grid that will establish a new 500km+ subsea link between Peterhead and Drax in North Yorkshire. The official opening of the new visitor hub marked the latest milestone in the delivery of the UK’s biggest ever electricity transmission project, and Peterhead Academy pupils were among the guests who attended Friday’s event.
Among some of the other activities delivered by SSEN Transmission that will support pupils’ learning include:
- Industrial cadets: Delivered in partnership with EDT Industrial Cadets, S1-S3 pupils will be able to take part in project-based activities that provide the skills, insights and experience needed to kick-start a career in STEM.
- Powering Futures: Pupils will be able to take part in the Powering Futures Challenge Programme, a project-based, SCQF accredited interdisciplinary learning programme where learners work in teams to solve real-world industry problems
SSEN Transmission is also working with EGL2 contractors BAM, Prysmian and Hitachi to identify further learning opportunities, with each company committed to lending its support to the partnership.
Nicky Gadsen, Attraction and Engagement Lead at SSEN Transmission, said: “We are delighted to announce our learning partnership with Peterhead Academy, as we aim to nurture future energy industry talent through skills development opportunities that will help them play an active role in the sector.
“Together with our contractors we will offer a wide range of expertise to assist pupils in their learning, and through the EGL2 project they will have the chance to gain first-hand experience of a major energy project combined with practical skills development, creating the ideal learning environment.
“We now look forward to working with Peterhead Academy and our contractors to deliver a transformative learning programme that will grow skills, instil confidence, and help set pupils up for a future energy career.”
Jamie Wallace, Deputy Project Director from SSEN Transmission, is EGL2 Head of Delivery for the converter station sites in Peterhead and in Wren Hall, Yorkshire.
He said: “As someone from Peterhead with strong links to the local community who works in energy, it is extremely rewarding to be able to provide young people with the opportunity to develop their interest in the sector.
“At EGL2 we are committed to delivering a positive legacy through our work, whether through learning and training opportunities, jobs and economic benefit, or support for community project and initiatives.
“I’m pleased that our new partnership with Peterhead Academy will help us deliver on this ambition, and along with our contractors I look forward to engaging with pupils and teachers as we aim to inspire pupils through the UK’s single largest electricity transmission project.”
Gerry McLuskey, Head Teacher at Peterhead Academy, said: “Peterhead Academy are delighted to have signed our learning partnership with SSEN Transmission, providing opportunities for our pupils to engage and interact with industry experts linked to sector-leading projects right on our doorstep.
“Staff on both sides of the partnership are already planning exciting learning experiences for pupils across the curriculum, enhancing learning through contextualised subject content and practical skills development linked to real-world roles with SSEN Transmission and their EGL2 partner contractors.
“We believe the young people of Peterhead can become the skilled workforce of the future for our developing energy sector as part of our local economy. We are confident this partnership with SSEN Transmission will introduce our pupils to the excellent current and future career opportunities available to them in the North-east.”