THE Engineering Development Trust (EDT) has extended its skills partnership with SSEN Transmission to deliver STEM education to young people across Scotland for a second year.
The partnership, which was established in 2024, aims to educate young people about STEM across the north of Scotland – from Argyll in the West Coast, to Peterhead, as well as the Highlands and islands.
SSEN Transmission owns and operates the high-voltage electricity transmission network across the north of Scotland. As the UK advances towards net zero, SSEN Transmission will be expanding the high-voltage network and are focused on supporting the next generation of engineers who will be essential to help deliver this large scale energy transition.
The programmes, which will be delivered to students in both primary and secondary schools, will provide insight and experiences focused on a few areas of the business including community, health and safety, engineering, project management, environment to help students gain a better understanding of careers in the energy sector.
From the next academic year, hundreds of students will take part in a range of workshops and projects including Industrial Cadets challenger days both face-to-face and online for primary and secondary pupils, designed to inspire and excite students by bringing STEM subjects to life with hands-on activities.
Industrial Cadets bronze and silver projects will be delivered for S1, S2, and S3 students to allow the opportunity for students to gain essential skills by collaborating in small teams of up to 6 on a dedicated STEM project, guided by a mentor from SSEN Transmission.
Allie Walker, HR Director at SSEN Transmission, said, “At SSEN Transmission, we are deeply committed to investing in STEM engagement and nurturing future talent from schools. We believe that inspiring young minds and providing them with opportunities to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is crucial for building a sustainable and innovative future.
“Our initiatives aim to foster curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning among students, ensuring that they are well-equipped to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. We are proud to support educational programs and partnerships such as EDT that empower students to achieve their full potential and contribute to the advancement of our industry.”
Julie Feest, CEO at EDT and Industrial Cadets, added, “We are incredibly proud to partner with SSEN Transmission for a second exciting year. The partnership will build upon the fantastic work achieved in our first year and continue to build a stronger, more resilient future workforce across North Scotland. This collaboration will empower young people with the essential work readiness skills and exposure to real-world STEM opportunities that are critical for success in our future economy. Together, we’re not just preparing individuals for jobs, we’re shaping a generation that’s ready to lead, innovate, and thrive in the STEM sector.”
