Our Head of Business Development (North) has written an insightful article for The Scotsman, addressing the critical need to bridge the skills gap to achieve net zero in Scotland.
The piece was featured in the Sustainable Scotland section published on 3rd July 2024, exploring how Vattenfall is working toward closing the skills gap, working with local partners Edinburgh Science and Powering Futures to inspire the next generation of energy professionals.
A link to the coverage can be found below:
Why we need to train a new green workforce for a climate-friendly future (scotsman.com)
A partnership approach: more about our Scotland skills and workforce partners
We would like to further highlight the partners who are helping us to build a pipeline of talent in Edinburgh and Midlothian; both organisations providing an avenue to access young people and inspire the future workforce with engaging programmes.
Edinburgh Science Foundation is an educational charity, best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival – the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a festival. Edinburgh Science also run science education outreach programmes, Generation Science and Careers Hive. These programmes ignite a passion for STEM subjects and problem-solving. While their primary goal is engagement, they also serve as a first introduction to renewable energy and heat networks.
Generation Science offers a hands-on approach through interactive face-to-face learning with instructors. The programme empowers students to cultivate independent thought by providing them with real tools and materials to explore the wonders of science at their own pace.
Careers Hive is offered to secondary school students at S2 level as they make subject choices. The event sheds light on the opportunities in STEM subjects. Beyond the conventional focus, Careers Hive highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary skills and subjects that can enrich STEM careers.
Powering Futures is a facilitator between business and education. It aims to connect employers with future employees, working towards the shared goals of prosperity and sustainability. Their aim is to empower the next generation with enhanced skills and abilities, creating a talent pipeline for businesses transitioning to net zero.
The Powering Futures programme seeks to inspire senior school pupils to explore their career options and develop the essential skills necessary for the future workforce. We have also worked with Powering Futures to provide students access and time with our workforce via workshops, presentations and written resources. Alongside Powering Futures, we aim to showcase the diverse prospects within the heat network industry.
By developing relationships and building awareness of Vattenfall within the communities we operate, we are laying the foundations for the future. We are taking the time to understand the needs and interests of these local areas, providing opportunities to learn about careers in the energy sector.
For a deeper dive into why training the new workforce is essential to a low carbon future, a reminder to read the full article: Why we need to train a new green workforce for a climate-friendly future (scotsman.com)
See also
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