An initiative to support teachers and school children with science and engineering-related learning and activities is to be extended to local schools thanks to a £50,000 package of support from Buchan Offshore Wind.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) STEM Outreach Programme, established with industry funding, has been operating across the Highlands and Islands, Moray, and Perthshire since 2023. With the new support, UHI will expand their outreach to 31 primary schools in north Aberdeenshire. This expansion includes the addition of a new STEM coordinator based at North East Scotland College (NESCOL) now open for applications until Sunday 4 August.

The programme aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by raising awareness of career opportunities and providing practical, hands-on activities in schools, along with specialist support and resources for teachers. By identifying and addressing local STEM engagement priorities, the scheme will offer education tailored to the needs of pupils in the North East. Schools will benefit from UHI’s expertise in delivering engaging lessons and providing 'Lend a Lab' kits, enabling children to participate in interactive learning experiences. For example, in topics like electricity, pupils will have the chance to design their own computer games.

Alasdair MacLeod, Project Director of Buchan Offshore Wind, said:

“The UHI STEM Outreach Programme is a great way for local children to learn new skills, find out about career opportunities, and have some fun in the process.”
“The growth of offshore wind locally, nationally and globally is going to create huge opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow, and we are delighted to be able to support UHI again, enabling the expansion of this programme into local schools to help children learn more about the many career options presented by the energy transition.”
“It is also true that we cannot meet our net zero ambition without a huge increase in the numbers of workers with the technical skills required to deliver more renewables, expand the electricity grid and build things such as electric vehicle charging points, and initiative such as this play a key role in getting children interested and excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Alison Wilson, Director of Economic Development and Advancement at UHI, said:

"We are extremely grateful to Buchan Offshore Wind for their continued support of UHI and our STEM Outreach Programme. This generous funding will enable us to extend what is already proving to be a successful and scalable delivery model into North East Scotland.”
“By building on the lessons learned from our current programme across the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire, we aim to engage early with the next generation of the renewable industry workforce. Industry partnerships like this are pivotal in inspiring young minds and fostering the technical skills essential for our journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future."

NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said:

“Scotland’s net zero ambitions will rely on a skilled, knowledgeable and innovative workforce to drive forward vital projects as we strive for a clean, green and sustainable future. Education and training are essential pieces of the jigsaw, with collaboration the key to unlocking the potential of a generation with a central role to play. We are excited to be working with UHI and Buchan Offshore Wind on the STEM Outreach Programme and look forward to bringing new opportunities to young people in the North East through this partnership.”

Find out more about the UHI STEM Co-Ordinator (Outreach) vacancy online: bit.ly/uhisc24

Find out more about UHI STEM Outreach Programme: www.uhi.ac.uk/stem

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