UK: Forewind Launches Next Stage of Its Innovative Education Initiative

Teachers from Hull, East Riding and Teesside schools are being sought to become wind energy champions as Forewind launches the next stage of its innovative education initiative, Champions for Wind.

Ten teachers will be awarded bursaries to develop and implement wind energy careers related activities for their students as part of the initiative being run by Hull-based Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA).

Champions for Wind began late in 2011 with the recruitment of 10 teachers from Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire as “wind energy champions”. In mid-2012 a further 10 teachers were selected in Teesside. Applications are now open for the third cohort of teachers from across the areas, to express their interest in taking part.

More than 2000 students to date have been involved with the programme and this latest phase will mean up to 1000 more young people will have the opportunity to learn about offshore wind energy and the wide range of careers offered by the industry.

The champions selected will work with careers advisors to design and develop curriculum-based resources that are relevant to their students, schools and local area. Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire and Teesside were chosen for their proximity to the proposed landfalls, onshore infrastructure and grid connections of the Dogger Bank development.

By facilitating careers education for young people living near Forewind’s proposed onshore infrastructure, it is hoped motivated young people will be encouraged to join this growing industry while at the same time local community expectations will be met.

The programme was designed by HETA to: develop gender balance, roundedness of the industry, pride, a sense of ownership and skills in the local area, innovation and a vision for the future, while also building on existing programmes which foster teacher development.

Applications to become part of Champions for Wind can be downloaded from www.heta.co.uk.

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Press release, September 16, 2013; Image: Forewind