Scotland's islands are one of the things that makes our electricity distribution network in the north of Scotland unique, and it's a privilege to serve these diverse and often remote communities. They're a vital part of our identity. Young people are also critical to our future; the skills they learn in the years to come will be fundamental in powering us to net zero.
So it was entirely fitting that we've recently held a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) event at Islay High School, along with our friends at the charity SmartSTEMs. We welcomed young people from across Islay and Jura to come and meet us.
Our Large Capital Delivery and specialist subsea teams organised the day. We set out to offer an idea for the 150 or so young people who came along just how exciting and rewarding a future career in our industry can be.
This event came after the recent successful installation of the new Jura-Islay submarine electricity cable (pictured below). Our team were able to tell pupils all about the specialist skills being deployed on their doorstep to help keep their community connected to the grid.
As well as S1 and S2 students from Islay High School itself, younger pupils from Port Charlotte, Port Ellen, Bowmore, Keills and Small Isles Primary Schools were also invited along.
They helped members of the Subsea team recreate a submarine cable installation in a paddling pool (complete with model basking shark!) and constructed their own resilient overhead cable networks using ice-lolly sticks and string.
Come lunchtime, the pupils had hundreds of questions about the work we do. They found out about our multiple career paths, and potential routes into jobs through local apprenticeships, trainee engineering roles, and graduate careers.
Keith Forbes, SSEN’s Head of Project Services for Large Capital Delivery says:
“From Shetland to Southampton, our team is driving a programme of fun and engaging STEM activity. Working with our friends at SmartSTEMs, we’ve already been able to educate more than 800 young people in Shetland, Orkney, Inverness and on Islay.
“At each of these events, we’ve spoken to young people about the work we do and the raft of potential careers across our organisations, as we work together to make the electricity network fit for net zero. In this work, we’re helping to create a legacy for future generations.”
Karen Adams, SmartSTEMs’ Programme Manager says:
“We’ve embarked on a fantastic journey with SSEN Distribution’s Large Capital Delivery team, as they show young people the length and breadth of the country a host of potential careers linked to their drive for net zero.
“Their ambitious plan to connect with universities and colleges in their communities, and to make a difference to the lives of children living in remote or socially disadvantaged areas is one that we at SmartSTEMs are delighted to support.”
We'd like to thank NatureScot, RSPB Scotland, the Marine Directorate and Orkney Islands Council for supporting our series of events to date. Forthcoming days will be held at Southampton University and Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. And in December, we'll host an event at the University of Oxford.