15th July 2026 in Community News
A simple idea is making a powerful difference for young people across South Tyneside, helping them get where they need to go to explore their future.
Supported by the Dogger Bank Community Fund, the South Tyneside Careers Transport Bursary is helping remove financial barriers that can prevent students from taking part in career focused visits and experiences.
Now in its second year, the bursary has supported 24 schools and nearly 1,000 young people, enabling 28 career-related visits. These have included trips to clean energy jobs fairs at the Port of Tyne, employer-led site visits, and work experience placements, giving students valuable insight into future education, training and career opportunities.
While transport funding might seem simple, it plays a vital role in ensuring more young people can access opportunities beyond the classroom. By backing practical solutions like this, the Dogger Bank Community Fund is helping to broaden horizons, build confidence and connect young people with the world of work.
Sara Dunlop, Economic Growth and Skills Service Manager at South Tyneside Council said:
“Connecting young people with real-world career experiences is vital in developing the skills pipeline our local businesses need. By opening their eyes to different career pathways and sectors, it helps to raise aspirations while showcasing the exciting jobs and industries that will shape the economy of tomorrow.”
If you would like to add in a call to action – any businesses interested in supporting the bursary scheme can e-mail: business@southtyneside.gov.uk
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“It might not sound glamorous, but funding transport is one of the most effective ways we can support young people. By removing a simple barrier, we’re helping open up opportunities that can shape their future — giving more students the chance to explore careers, build confidence and see what’s possible.”
With continued support and potential contributions from local businesses, the ambition is to expand the bursary further, ensuring even more students across South Tyneside can benefit from meaningful careers experiences in the years ahead.
Businesses interested in supporting the bursary can contact business@southtyneside.gov.uk to find out more.
7th July 2026 in Community News
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has reached a major milestone after it was revealed that its STEM Careers programme has supported more than 10,000 South Tyneside youngsters over the past five years.
Equinor, SSE and Vårgrønn, the companies behind the world’s largest offshore wind farm, made a commitment in 2021 to ensure the benefits of the development were felt in communities across the North East and Yorkshire.
Central to the commitment was its STEM Careers programme, a series of engagement and outreach initiatives designed to provide young people across the region with the confidence and skills required to become work ready and embrace the careers of tomorrow.
South Tyneside is one of three areas to have benefited from the STEM Careers programme, with staff from Dogger Bank Wind Farm working alongside partners including South Tyneside Council and Young Enterprise to support school children across the borough.
This has included working with local schools to deliver a range of initiatives, including female leadership programmes, careers fairs, work experience placements, digital skills training, transport bursaries and its award-winning little inventors programme.
The 10,000 milestone was reached during a three-week programme of events held in schools and community hubs across the borough as part of its Future Ready Pilot, which is taking place from 29 June – 16 July and aims to ensure those young people who’ve been unable to secure vital work experience the opportunity to experience meaningful careers related opportunities.
Students from Jarrow School were among those to participate in a Young Enterprise session as part of their work experience programme. The session was supported by representatives from Arriva and the Cabinet Office who helped to offer a valuable insight into enterprise and the world of work.
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager for Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“Reaching more than 10,000 young people is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the strength of our partnerships. We’re proud to support young people across South Tyneside in building the confidence and skills they need for the future.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has committed to investing over £25million in communities across the North and North East of England throughout the operational phase of the wind farm, with South Tyneside youngsters set to benefit for at least another 30 years.
Alex Whelan, Economic Inclusion and Career Development Coordinator at South Tyneside Council, said:
“It is tremendous to see so many young people benefiting from the support programmes being delivered by the Dogger Bank Wind Farm team across the borough.
“By providing our young people with the confidence and skills required to enter the world of work, it is not only helping transform lives but is also ensuring our region’s businesses have a pipeline of talented youngsters coming through to fill the roles of tomorrow.
“We are delighted to have supported the efforts of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm team and welcome their continued investment in communities across the borough long into the future.”
One of the schools to have benefited from the STEM Careers programme is Jarrow School.
Charlotte Ridley, careers advisor at Jarrow school, said:
“We would like to give our sincere thanks to the Dogger Bank Community Fund for providing the funding required for Young Enterprise to deliver their launchpad programme and work with our year 10 students. The project has enabled them to develop key enterprise skills and will hopefully stand them in great stead as they progress in each of their chosen careers upon leaving school.”
As part of South Tyneside Council’s Building a Stronger South Tyneside campaign, Dogger Bank Wind Farm will host a dedicated employer session in September. Community Investment Manager Kay Doragh will showcase the impact of the wind farm’s STEM Careers programme and share practical examples of how businesses can engage with schools and young people.
For more information about Dogger Bank Wind Farm, visit: https://doggerbank.com/community
18th May 2026 in Community News
Two of the Dogger Bank scholarship recipients at a celebration event in April 2026.
Students from South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, and East Riding of Yorkshire are invited to apply for the 2026 round of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Scholarship Programme. The scheme supports undergraduates pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees with £5,000 of funding.
Scholarships are available to help eligible students with the rising costs of further education and form part of Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s £26 million community investment dedicated to supporting local communities.
In 2026, a further 30 scholarships will be awarded, helping students from communities closest to the wind farm’s construction and operational bases to continue their studies with reduced financial pressure. The scholarship programme reflects Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s long‑term commitment to investing in young people and supporting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the regions where the project operates.
To date, 123 students have already benefited from Dogger Bank’s scholarship support. Recipients are studying a wide range of subjects, including physics, medicine, surveying and aerospace engineering, highlighting the breadth of opportunities across STEM disciplines.
Located more than 130km off the North East coast, Dogger Bank Wind Farm will generate enough electricity to power around six million UK homes. The project is being delivered as a joint venture between Equinor, SSE Renewables and Vårgrønn.
SSE Renewables is leading on the development and construction of the wind farm, while Equinor will operate Dogger Bank throughout its expected 35‑year operational life. Vårgrønn brings offshore wind expertise to the project.
The wind farm is being built in three phases – A, B and C – with grid connections in East Riding of Yorkshire and Teesside. An operations and maintenance base in South Shields will support the wind farm throughout its operational lifespan.
Applications for the 2026 Dogger Bank Scholarship Programme are now open here.
1st May 2026 in Community News
Students gain behind‑the‑scenes insight and celebrate the impact of scholarship support
Scholarship recipients from across the North and North East of England gathered last week at the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Operations and Maintenance (O&M) base in South Shields to celebrate the 2026 Dogger Bank Scholarship Day.
The event brought together students supported through the Dogger Bank Wind Farm Scholarship scheme for a day of tours, discussions and first-hand insight into the offshore wind industry. Designed to recognise students’ achievements and offer a practical understanding of the sector, the day highlighted the role education plays in supporting the future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. The event was supported by North Star, who are supplying the four Service Operations Vessels on Dogger Bank.
During the visit, scholars toured the purpose-built O&M base that will play a critical role in operating Dogger Bank, which will become the world’s largest offshore wind farm upon completion.
For many of the students, the visit brought their studies to life and offered a connection between their academic learning and real‑world energy production.
Harry, a Dogger Bank Wind Farm scholar from Redcar and Cleveland, said:
“It’s been fantastic to see behind the scenes of the vessels and meet the people who make everything happen. Seeing the boat up close really gives you an appreciation for the effort and expertise involved in producing energy and making it available for people – it’s been an amazing experience.”
The Dogger Bank scholarship scheme supports students studying STEM‑related subjects in higher education from South Tyneside, Redcar and Cleveland, and East Riding of Yorkshire. The financial support is designed to help students focus on their studies, reduce the need for part‑time work, and remove barriers to academic success.
For Tiana from South Tyneside, the scholarship has been invaluable:
“In my first year, I was alternating between crutches and a wheelchair, which meant part‑time work simply wasn’t an option. The support I’ve received has made a huge difference, it’s allowed me to move out in my third year, gain independence, and focus on my studies, knowing my accommodation costs are covered. That peace of mind has been invaluable.
Harry and Tiana at the Dogger Bank O&M base
Scott, another scholarship recipient from South Tyneside, echoed the academic benefits of the support:
“The support has had a real impact on me academically. It’s meant I haven’t had to work long hours alongside my studies, allowing me to properly focus on and appreciate my degree. As a student living away from home, that support has made a huge difference.”
Scott onboard one of the Dogger Bank SOVs
Will, a Dogger Bank Wind Farm scholar from the East Riding of Yorkshire, said:
“With such a high workload, taking on a part time job while at Cambridge is next to impossible. Being awarded the scholarship has provided some very welcome assistance to that financial burden. Visiting the base also gave me a great insight into the behind-the-scenes parts of the project. It’s incredible how much more effort goes into keeping things running smoothly than you might otherwise think.”
The 2026 Scholarship Day reinforced Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s long‑term commitment to the communities closest to the project, supporting local talent and helping students build pathways into future careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Kay Doragh, Community Investment Manager at Dogger Bank Wind Farm, said:
“It’s been a pleasure to host the Scholarship Celebration Day for the second year and welcome our scholars to the Dogger Bank O&M base. This day is about more than celebrating achievements, it’s about empowering students and recognising their potential. Each of our scholarship recipients represents the future of the UK’s STEM sectors, and it’s inspiring to see the impact they are already beginning to make.”
The Dogger Bank Wind Farm scholarship programme continues to play a key role in widening access to education and supporting the next generation.
Looking ahead, the scholarship will continue as an annual programme, building skills for the future and supporting young people to achieve their goals by providing 30 further education scholarships each year to local students.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm has also committed to investing a further £26 million directly in local communities to STEM education, and to support vital grassroots community initiatives.
8th April 2026 in Community News
Ideas Take Shape at Orbital FX
The Little Inventors programme, delivered in partnership with Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council, is supporting real world innovation by bringing four children’s creative, ocean-inspired ideas to life with the support of local businesses
Four outstanding ideas were selected from hundreds of submissions to be developed into physical prototypes. The winning inventions and their sponsoring businesses are:
- Puffy Coat by 7-year-old Lillie, sponsored by Ford Aerospace. Inspired by the puffer fish, this garment is designed to “puff up” to help the wearer feel safer, braver, and more confident.
- Crabey 3000 by Isla, sponsored by North Star.
- 5G Power Paddle by Dexter.
- Magni-Sub by 11-year-old Oliver, which is being brought to life by Osbit.
The projects for Lillie’s Puffy Coat, Isla’s Crabey 3000, and Dexter’s 5G Power Paddle will be brought to life by North East based creative fabrication specialists Orbital FX. During initial design visits, the young inventors and their families met the creative team helping to turn their drawings into reality.
Luke Daley from Orbital FX played a key role in the sessions, creating a collaborative environment and encouraging the children to think about how their concepts might work in the real world.
Luke shared his thoughts on the experience:
“Having the kids visit was brilliant – their energy and curiosity really brought the workshop to life. It was fantastic to see them getting hands-on, asking questions, and engaging with how ideas turn into real, physical creations. Moments like that are exactly why we’re so passionate about what we do”.
Inventions shown: Magni-Sub (left) and Puffy Coat (right)
The children and their parents shared the excitement:
Lillie, inventor of the Puffy Coat, said she:
“loved showing everyone my invention and talking about how it could work. I’m excited to see what it looks like when it’s finished”. Her mother, Tammy, noted, “The team made her feel listened to and encouraged, and that kind of experience really helps children believe in their creativity and what they’re capable of”.
Isla, inventor of Crabey 3000, shared that it was:
“really cool explaining how my invention works and hearing how they might build it. I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished”.
Dexter, creator of the 5G Power Paddle, exclaimed:
“It was amazing meeting the people who are going to help make my invention. It made me realise that ideas you draw at school can actually turn into something real”.
Craig Bright, General Manager of Little Inventors, highlighted the value of these sessions:
“When children see professionals listening carefully to their ideas and taking them seriously, it sends a powerful message that creativity and imagination have real value. Seeing that first conversation between the inventors and the brilliant Orbital FX team was incredibly exciting”.
Oliver’s Magni-Sub project also celebrated a major milestone as he visited Osbit’s base at the Port of Blyth with his mother, Kay, and Craig Bright. The visit marked the first in-person collaboration with the global engineering company.
Oliver Visits Osbit to Launch Magni-Sub Build
Oliver and Tom Griffiths, Engineer at Osbit, began discussing how the original drawings could be translated into a physical prototype, exploring materials and mechanisms while ensuring Oliver’s vision remained central to the design.
Oliver said:
“It was really cool seeing where my invention might be made. I liked talking about how it could work in real life. It made me feel proud that engineers are helping me build it”.
Tom Griffiths noted:
“Oliver brought fantastic energy and creativity to our discussions. It’s been great to start looking at how we can turn his concept into something physical while keeping his original thinking at the heart of the project”.
Kay Doragh, Dogger Bank Community Investment Manager, said:
“Since 2022, we’ve been proud to support the Little Inventors programme in South Tyneside, helping young people turn big ideas into real world innovations.
“By encouraging creativity and showing children how their ideas can contribute to tackling challenges, the programme also helps them see the exciting opportunities and careers emerging right here on their doorstep as part of the offshore wind and energy sector.”
Looking Ahead
All four prototypes – Puffy Coat, Crabey 3000, 5G Power Paddle, and Magni-Sub – will be unveiled at a public exhibition at The Word in South Shields in 2027. This event will celebrate the inventiveness of young people and the strength of collaboration between South Tyneside businesses and the programme.
Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council have supported the Little Inventors programme since 2022 as part of a shared commitment to STEM education the region’s future. Drawing inspiration from the Dogger Bank – the world’s largest offshore wind farm – being built off the North East coast, the partnership has helped thousands of local school children explore renewable energy, climate action and the role innovation plays in shaping the future.
Dogger Bank is proud to be investing £26 million in local communities. This funding will enhance STEM education and create opportunities for the next generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators.
