Member News: New partnership with Aberdeen Science Centre to inspire net zero careers

November 7, 2024
Member News: New partnership with Aberdeen Science Centre to inspire net zero careers

A new partnership between SSEN Transmission and Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC) is aiming to inspire young people in the north of Scotland to consider a future career in the energy sector.

The partnership will see SSEN Transmission sponsor ASC’s interactive Energy Zone, enabling visitors, schools and community groups to benefit from learning opportunities that bring the science of energy to life – exploring the many ways we use energy in our everyday lives.

It will see the company support ASC’s Circuits and Electronics Workshop, teaching pupils how electricity works through basic engineering, electronics, and circuitry concepts – part of the Centre’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning programme.

From early next year the workshop will be available to primary schools throughout Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Angus, and updated with careers information including videos featuring SSEN Transmission staff explaining their roles and career paths. Outreach sessions will also see staff visit communities to deliver the workshop to local audiences who face barriers to learning opportunities.

In addition to its sponsorship of the Centre, SSEN Transmission will hold additional activities at ASC in the months ahead including on Friday, 15 November, when the company will have a stand at the Centre as part of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2024. Visitors to the stand will be able to meet staff on the company’s graduate scheme, as well as take part in engineering activities.

Chris Bell, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at SSEN Transmission, said: “As a popular venue that welcomes thousands of visitors every year, Aberdeen Science Centre is the perfect location for our ongoing efforts to encourage learning in STEM subjects and promote careers in the energy sector.

“As a company we are investing £20bn to upgrade the transmission network in the north of Scotland in support of national net zero and energy security targets, and as part of this activity we want to highlight the many career pathways that exist within SSEN Transmission and the wider sector.

“Through our partnership with ASC we are supporting education and innovation and demonstrating our commitment to the long-term economic development of the region – supporting the next generation with skills development opportunities that will help them play an active role in its future.”

Bryan Snelling, chief executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, said it was pleased to be partnering with SSEN Transmission.

“As a charity as well as a visitor attraction, we rely on the generous support of our sponsors and funders to be able to provide a rich and engaging experience for all our visitors, so we are extremely grateful to SSEN Transmission for its valued support.

“Part of our commitment to promoting STEM subjects is to enable visitors to discover the technology the global energy industry is using to meet the challenges of the future as well as different types of energy sources. We look forward to working with SSEN Transmission to continue encouraging young people to be inspired by science and technology.”

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