Thursday, July 12, 2012

AN AMBITIOUS and unique programme is being launched to link every secondary school in Suffolk with the energy industry.

Professionals working in the sector and interested in supporting and inspiring young people are being encouraged to give up a small amount of time to share their knowledge and passion for the sector and act as an energy ambassador for their local school.

Click here for leaflet.

Skills For Energy (SfE), Suffolk Education Business Partnership (EBP) and Suffolk County Council are jointly developing the Suffolk Energy Ambassador Programme with an aim to enthuse and inform young people across the county. 

Once registered and approved under the national STEM Ambassador programme funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), Suffolk Energy Ambassadors will be linked, where possible, to a secondary school of their choice, invited to an induction briefing and provided with an opportunity to get to know their chosen school.  .

Ambassadors will assist with careers talks, provide information about energy jobs, support energy related projects and help teaching staff inspire their pupils about the future career opportunities in the sector.

Volunteers will be provided with a support toolkit which includes presentations, potential projects and industry careers information. EBP, will also offer ongoing support, with an opportunity to meet other energy ambassadors at the twice yearly networking events.  

Councillor Judy Terry, cabinet member with responsibility for skills and training at Suffolk County Council said; “With this new programme we hope to excite and motivate young people about the great career opportunities that are currently available in the energy sector.

“It will provide students with a real chance to broaden their horizons and speak directly with people already in that line of work to gain advice, guidance and support.

“I would encourage anyone interested to get involved and find out more. The programme is really flexible and allows ambassadors to choose how much time they invest in their role and focus on their specific energy interests. Not only will you be giving back to your community, but you will be encouraging new entrants into the industry- your future workforce.”

To find out more about becoming an energy ambassador and to register to volunteer, visit www.stemnet.org.uk.

Helen Scott-Davies, Chief Executive of Suffolk EBP said; “The EBP as the local STEM contract holder is delighted to support this exciting initiative linking schools and colleges with the energy sector in Suffolk to give added value to the curriculum and an insight into future employment opportunities for young people.”

Celia Anderson, Executive Director looking after Skills for Energy (SfE) said, “We see this programme as the ideal way to capture some of the passion and enthusiasm held by people already in the industry to excite and encourage young people to consider working in the energy industry as career option. It isn't only about looking for engineers as we will need a broad range of skills both technical and commercial to sustain and build local companies.”