STEM programme reaches 10,000 youngsters

A North East offshore wind project has helped more than 10,000 young people prepare for future careers through a long-running STEM education programme.

Dogger Bank Wind Farm has reached the milestone five years after launching its STEM Careers programme, which supports school pupils across South Tyneside through skills development and careers initiatives.

Delivered by Equinor, SSE and Vårgrønn in partnership with organisations including South Tyneside Council and Young Enterprise, the programme has offered activities ranging from female leadership schemes and careers fairs to work experience placements, digital skills training, transport bursaries and the award-winning Little Inventors initiative.

The 10,000th participant was reached during the Future Ready Pilot, a three-week programme designed to provide meaningful careers experiences for young people unable to secure traditional work placements. 

Students from Jarrow School were among those taking part, supported by volunteers from Arriva and the Cabinet Office.

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.”

Charlotte Ridley, careers advisor at Jarrow School, added: “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.”

Dogger Bank Wind Farm has committed more than £25 million to community investment across the North and North East of England during the wind farm’s operational lifetime, with South Tyneside expected to benefit for at least the next 30 years.

The programme will continue later this year with an employer engagement event as part of South Tyneside Council’s Building a Stronger South Tyneside campaign.

Alex Whelan, economic inclusion and career development coordinator at South Tyneside Council, added: “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.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.