Inspiring young people to consider energy sector careers
Since its launch in October 2020, our partnership with MyKindaFuture – the UK’s leading underrepresented talent specialist – has helped inspire 18,000 students from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in STEM and shows no signs of slowing down.
The energy industry needs to fill 400,000 roles by 2050 if the UK is to reach its net zero target. This STEM and careers-focused scheme aims to engage more than 100,000 pupils in South London, along the route of our £1 billion London Power Tunnels project.
Addressing skills shortages in the energy sector
The school engagement programme is helping to address skills shortages in the energy sector with a virtual work experience programme, focused on developing employability skills.
This initiative has provided around 200 pupils with an unrivalled insight into the energy sector. Students in some of London’s most disadvantaged areas enjoyed a mix of live sessions and learning materials, including digital mentors, live Q&As, recorded seminars, written modules and quizzes.
Without proper exposure and engagement, we risk losing future talents that could shine and excel in STEM industries...
Collins Nomafo, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at National Grid and one of the programme’s digital mentors, said: “I’m delighted to be part of a programme that is inspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider careers in STEM. Without proper exposure and engagement, we risk losing future talents that could shine and excel in STEM industries and help the UK reach its net zero target by 2050.”
Supporting those from diverse backgrounds
The workshops were led by engineers from our London Power Tunnels and our construction partner HOCHTIEF Murphy, as well as professionals from MyKindaFuture; who specialise in supporting people from diverse backgrounds to achieve their potential and integrate into the workplace.
Gareth Burden, Project Director at National Grid, commented: “Young people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and underrepresented students’ educational and career development opportunities have been hit particularly hard.
“That’s why National Grid places great emphasis on youth engagement and skills development. Our recent virtual work experience week was a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn about STEM career paths. It was great to offer pupils insights into the energy industry and why we need their skills and passion to make net zero happen.”
