Hundreds of students from across Norfolk and Suffolk got a taste of the diverse career opportunities, apprenticeships and training courses on offer within the regions expanding and exciting energy industry last week.
Students engaged in STEM-based interactive activities such as virtual reality experiences, robot and ROV (remotely operated vehicle) control, weld testing and the use of breathing apparatus demonstrating how varied the industry can be.
Gemma Head, Skills for Energy Programme Manager at EEEGR, said: “This event has been a real eye-opener for the students that were in attendance, and with so many different activities to participate in there was a real buzz around the building. Our SfE event gets bigger and better every year and we’re already looking forward to inspiring the next participants in 2020”
Organised by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) and held in the new £11.4m Energy Skills Centre at East Coast College, the Skills for Energy event, sponsored by OPITO, the global skills organisation, aimed to inspire ambition and aspiration in the next generation of energy professionals, and with over 90% of those surveyed saying attending the event had made them consider a career in the industry it brings the sector a step further to bridging the skills gap.
OPITO said: “It is inspiring to see so many students from across the region eager to find out more about the energy industry. Support from exhibitors brought the energy sector to life for event attendees who now have a clearer picture of the many opportunities the sector has to offer.”
More than 30 companies exhibited at the event including ScottishPower Renewables, EDF Energy, 3sun Group, James Fisher Marine Services, Flameskill, OPITO, Survitec, Orsted, ECITB, Gee-Force and Vattenfall.
The Skills for Energy event is just one of the elements of the East of England Energy Group’s (EEEGR) Skills for Energy Programme which aims to ensure the ongoing diversity and volume of skilled individuals for the current and future wellbeing of the energy sector. Working closely with industry as well as education and training providers, Skills for Energy helps individuals and companies benefit from the many opportunities the unique and varied energy sector in the East of England offers.