Hinkley Connection Project inspires half a million future scientists and engineers
Over 500,000 pupils across the south west have now benefitted from £1.35 million in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grants provided by the National Grid’s Hinkley Connection Project.
That's 100,000 more local children given access to the latest equipment than National Grid aspired to at the start of the project.
Over 2,000 grants have been awarded to local schools along the Hinkley Connection project to fund a range of STEM equipment ranging from new laptops to programmable robots.
These grants are intended to spark an interest in STEM careers and inspire the next generation of engineers, project managers and workers in many other professions that are essential to realising the potential of a low carbon future.
Building a resilient and diverse workforce is fundamental to this country’s net zero ambitions
A successful STEM workforce requires a diverse range of ideas and so encouraging women and people from disadvantaged backgrounds into these careers is vital. 20% of the school children that have benefited from National Grid funding came from a disadvantaged background and approximately half were female.
Steven Haskayne Project Director of the Hinkley Connection project commented:
“Building a resilient and diverse workforce is fundamental to this country’s net zero ambitions and our funding programme has shown the type of impact grants can have on inspiring the next generation to develop an interest in pursuing a STEM career.
We are committed to giving back to the communities most affected by the Hinkley Connection Project and giving these kind of opportunities to school children is an excellent way to do this.”
Haygrove Secondary School in Bridgwater received funding towards a laser cutter in its Design and Technology Department. Lynne O’Hallaran, a teacher at the school, said:
“The cutter enables the rapid build of prototypes, exposes our pupils to new technology and enhances creativity. It has made a huge difference to the depth and range of STEM projects students can undertake.”
The Hinkley Connection Project will connect six million homes and businesses to new sources of low-carbon, homegrown energy including from the new Hinkley Point C power station. By 2026 a total of 67 kilometres of overhead line (249 pylons) will have been removed to make way for and improve the visual impact of the new 400kV project.
