As part of a global STEM initiative, 70 pupils from across Aberdeen, Scotland, braved the beachfront winds to build their own offshore wind turbines.
OffshoreWind4Kids is a project by safety and skills organisation OPITO, Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group (AREG) and Aberdeen Science Centre and aims to educate children in the field of engineering, technology, and renewable energy.
The children built their own prototype of an offshore wind turbine to withstand specified wind and wave conditions.
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Once the turbines were decommissioned, the group visited the Aberdeen Science Centre to view interactive exhibits, including the interactive OPITO – Theatre of Energy.
Andy Williamson, Senior Vice President of Energy Transition and Global STEM Lead at OPITO said: “The Offshorewind4kids initiative offers a fantastic opportunity to involve children in STEM-related activities from an early age to engage, inspire and excite them. Workshops like this are a great way to let them get hands-on experience, understand more about renewable energy, and explore what a career in this field might involve.
“With the UK Government targeting up to 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, the need for a highly skilled workforce to support the development of future projects has never been stronger. As an industry, it is our responsibility to attract the next generation of young people with the passion, creativity, and determination to imagine a different future and the infinite possibilities a career in the energy industry can offer.”
OPITO is a global, not-for-profit, skills body for the energy industry.
More than 375,000 people are trained to OPITO standards every year in more than 50 countries through 230 accredited centres.
The industry-owned organisation also works with governments, oil companies, operators and contractors, providing a range of services and products to meet international skills needs and support workforce development.
