Parents and students get a taste of careers in the energy sector
A group of parents and students from two North East schools have spent the day visiting Newcastle College Energy Academy in North Tyneside and businesses at the Port of Blyth in Northumberland, meeting people who work in the energy sector and finding out about some of the different career paths open to them.
The day was part of the North East Energy Safari, organised by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which aims to help both parents and students find out about the varied career opportunities within the energy sector in the region.
Tom Gallon, Industry Alignment Support Officer at the North East LEP, said: “One of the aims of the day was to ensure that parents as well as their children understand some of the new opportunities across the North East, particularly in the energy sector, where these jobs weren’t necessarily here five years ago.”
“It’s really important that we had both parents and students there, because parents are still the primary influencers and if they can see those amazing opportunities they’re going to support their child fully, and ensure that everyone has that equality of opportunity.”
After the visit, Luke, a year 9 pupil, commented: “It’s a lot easier when we go to the places because you can have a look at exactly what they’re doing and the environment that they work in, so it’s preparing me for when and if I do go into that job.”
Parents who attended on the day said: “Today’s been really informative, we found out so much more about the career paths for our kids, not just university or academic learning.”
“We didn’t realise how much was going on in the energy sector and it’s actually quite surprising how much is available for both males and females to do.”
Watch this short film of the day to hear more from some of the parents, pupils and employers who took part:
This event was part of the North East LEP’s Education Challenge programme, which aims to reduce the gap between the North East’s best and lowest performing schools and to integrate an understanding of the world of work and career opportunities into the curriculum.