Dogger Bank Wind Farm works with supply chain partners to empower young minds in interactive STEM workshop
An interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) workshop was held at Bankfields Primary School as part of Dogger Bank Wind Farm’s ongoing commitment to coastal communities during its construction phase.
The Building Our Future primary careers workshop was led by the wind farm’s supply chain partner, Hitachi Energy and the Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA).
The Eston-based school is situated less than 4 miles from the convertor station construction site at Lazenby for the third phase of the wind farm, known as Dogger Bank C.
The project unveiled plans for its £1 million investment in communities in June 2021 and the Dogger Bank team has worked with local education providers in East Riding of Yorkshire, Redcar & Cleveland and South Tyneside to create a bespoke legacy for the wind farm that tackles the specific educational needs of each community and directly addresses the requirements of young people in the region.
The Building Our Future programme aims to embed careers education into every primary school in Redcar and Cleveland through engaging workshops supported by local employers. The programme is being delivered by Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency with strategic support and guidance from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
562 children from 20 schools have taken part in Building Our Futures workshops since its launch last year.
In addition to enhancing STEM provision in the classroom, several local students from Redcar and Cleveland will receive a scholarship to help with the cost of further education qualifications while studying STEM subjects. Last year, an additional twenty-five students from coastal communities in the north and north-east of England were supported with the cost of further education, thanks to the scholarship programme of £5,000 each from Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The Scholarship Fund provides grants to local students undertaking STEM courses in further education. The recently awarded grants were part of the second round of the fund, with 50 scholarships awarded to date and a total of 62 scholarships available during the construction of the wind farm. The initiative focuses on the areas of East Riding of Yorkshire and Redcar and Cleveland, where the windfarm will connect to the National Grid, as well as South Tyneside, where the Operation and Maintenance Base is located.
The application process for the Dogger Bank Scholarship programme has now re-opened to applicants until 1 September 2023. To apply, please click here.
During the session at Bankfields Primary School, students had the opportunity to work closely with local employers and get a unique understanding of the world of work, by introducing them to a wide range of alternative occupations. During the workshop, under the guidance of industry experts from Hitachi Energy, Bankfields Year 5 classes were provided with makeshift materials and tools to assemble wind turbines and explore how wind power can be harnessed to generate electricity.
The children also learned about the various energy sources and the fundamental principles behind wind energy, gaining insights into the mechanics of turbines and exploring the importance of sustainable practices.
Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency Primary Careers Co-ordinator, Jacqui Hutchinson said:
“Just a year into this programme we are already seeing the difference it’s making to children aged 5 to 11. Young people are demonstrating more interest and enthusiasm for STEM careers, and they’re using this knowledge to make sense of the world around them.”
Hitachi Energy Site Administrator, Leanne Smith said:
“It’s important for the supply chain to support the programme, to provide knowledge about the renewable energy sector and how this type of work now, will benefit the youngsters in the future. Hopefully the children will have a better understanding between renewable and non-renewable resources and encourage them to choose a greener option.”
STEM, careers and enterprise lead at Bankfields Primary, Megan Kelly said:
“Our children were given the opportunity to learn about some of the many careers in renewable energy. The afternoon was informative, fun and inspirational and the children absolutely loved it. Thank you so much for opening their minds to new possibilities.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm Community Engagement Officer, Alexandria Hanson said:
“We’re grateful to all the local employers who’ve got behind this Dogger Bank Wind Farm-funded programme in its first year.
“We’ve had a great response from our supply chain partners, who recognise the importance of giving back to local communities and inspiring the next generation of STEM experts.
“As we celebrate Wind Energy Week this week, we reflect on the difference we’re able to make to young people by funding a programme that puts innovation and skills at the heart of their educational experiences.”
Dogger Bank Wind Farm will be located more than 130 km off the northeast coast and will generate enough renewable energy to power six million UK homes. A joint venture partnership between SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%). SSE Renewables is leading on the development and construction of Dogger Bank Wind Farm, and Equinor will operate the wind farm on completion for its expected operational life of around 35 years.
The wind farm is being built in three consecutive 1.2 GW phases: Dogger Bank A, B and C – connecting to the National Grid in both East Riding of Yorkshire and on Teesside. The third phase of the wind farm, Dogger Bank C, will reach landfall at Marske-by-the-sea. The underground onshore cables will be routed to an onshore convertor station near Lazenby, where preparation work is already underway. Once the current is converted, the renewable energy will make its way to an existing National Grid substation at Lackenby.
The wind farm also has an Operators Fund to support local charities and community groups, with grants up to £1000. This fund will help support projects which enhance the quality of life for residents, contribute to sustainable communities or help promote community spirit. Further information is available at here.
About Redcar and Cleveland Council:
Redcar and Cleveland Council is a local government organisation providing a range of services to East Riding residents including Council Tax billing, libraries, social services, processing planning applications, waste collection and disposal, and it is a local education authority. The councils’ education and schools, improvement and learning service which is the key service involved in this submission.
In the Redcar and Cleveland Council and beyond in South Tyneside and East Riding of Yorkshire, the Dogger Bank Wind Farm education partnerships are inspiring children and young people for a working life in a net-zero world. Within the East Riding during the construction of the wind farm, a unique partnership of local education networks and Dogger Bank Wind Farm aims to increase and expand the knowledge of children in STEM and the jobs of the future.
About the delivery partners:
Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency
Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency is a charity focused on social action, offering practical support and advocacy for registered charities, social enterprises and the hundreds of grass roots groups that make up the vibrant and growing voluntary sector in Redcar and Cleveland.