From little acorns grow STEM careers

As well as S1 and S2 students from Islay High School itself, younger pupils from Port Charlotte, Port Ellen, Bowmore, Keills and Small Isles Primary Schools were also invited along.

They helped members of the Subsea team recreate a submarine cable installation in a paddling pool (complete with model basking shark) and constructed their own resilient overhead cable networks using ice-lolly sticks and string.

Come lunchtime, the pupils had hundreds of questions about the work SSEN does.

They found out about the multiple career paths, and potential routes into jobs through local apprenticeships, trainee engineering roles, and graduate careers.

Keith Forbes, SSEN’s Head of Project Services for Large Capital Delivery said: “From Shetland to Southampton, our team is driving a programme of fun and engaging STEM activity.

"Working with our friends at SmartSTEMs, we’ve already been able to educate more than 800 young people in Shetland, Orkney, Inverness and on Islay. 

“At each of these events, we’ve spoken to young people about the work we do and the raft of potential careers across our organisations, as we work together to make the electricity network fit for net zero. In this work, we’re helping to create a legacy for future generations.”

Karen Adams, SmartSTEMs’ programme manager added: “We’ve embarked on a fantastic journey with SSEN Distribution’s Large Capital Delivery team, as they show young people the length and breadth of the country a host of potential careers linked to their drive for net zero.

“Their ambitious plan to connect with universities and colleges in their communities, and to make a difference to the lives of children living in remote or socially disadvantaged areas is one that we at SmartSTEMs are delighted to support.”