Discovery Days spark career ambition for Dingwall and Alness Students

Around 45 pupils from Dingwall Academy and Alness Academy were invited to discover more about early careers opportunities in the energy sectorImage: Around 45 pupils from Dingwall Academy and Alness Academy were invited to discover more about early careers opportunities in the energy sector.

Dingwall Academy and Alness Academy pupils discovered more about what it takes to get started in the energy industry following interactive sessions with electricity network company SSEN Transmission.

Developed in collaboration with Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH), Dingwall Academy, Alness Academy, and the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), the two ‘Discovery Day’ events at Ross County Football Club gave young people a unique, hands-on introduction to the world of electricity networks at SSEN Transmission – including STEM sessions, career pathways and how young people can get involved.  

The two discovery days form part of EDT’s Insight into Apprenticeships programme, a Silver-level accredited pathway under their Industrial Cadets initiative, which aims to inspire and educate young people about STEM careers through apprenticeship opportunities.

Around 45 pupils from S4-S6 took part in the discovery days, with the students put through their paces with various energy network-themed team challenges followed by the chance to hear from SSEN Transmission apprentices about how they got started in their career. 

Early Careers Manager Nicky Gadsden organised the discovery days for Dingwall Academy and Alness Academy pupilsImage: Early Careers Manager Nicky Gadsden organised the discovery days for Dingwall Academy and Alness Academy pupils

Nicky Gadsden, Early Careers Manager at SSEN Transmission, said:

“With so many new electricity projects coming up in the north of Scotland, it’s so important that we support the next generation of energy industry workers and show them the huge amount of job prospects and opportunities available here in the Highlands in the future.

“We’re thrilled that the first two discovery days in the area have been a success, and the feedback from pupils has been really positive, particularly in speaking directly with our apprentices about how they got started in their career.

“Our apprenticeship and trainee programme will open again next year, and anyone with an interest in learning more about what early career opportunities are available can visit our website.”

Sandy Mackenzie, DYW School Co-ordinator at Dingwall Academy, praised the impact of the event, “The discovery days were a perfect example of how a large employer should engage with pupils and gave all those in attendance an insight to SSEN Transmission, their structures, procedures, and processes. The involvement of their staff was hugely significant.”

Students were put through their paces in various team building challengesImage: Students were put through their paces in various team building challenges.

Headquartered in Perth, SSEN Transmission is responsible for the high-voltage electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland. 

To help reach clean power targets and increase energy security, SSEN Transmission is taking forward a £20bn investment to upgrade the transmission network across the north of Scotland, known as the Pathway to 2030 programme. 

It will create and support thousands of jobs in the region, both at SSEN Transmission and through the wider supply chain, while delivering an anticipated £100m+ in community benefit funding for communities located close to new transmission infrastructure.

To learn more about what early career opportunities are available at SSEN Transmission visit: https://careers.sse.com/early-careers