Highland youngsters learn about STEM career options
Youngsters from across the Highlands had a chance to learn more about potential jobs linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at an event in Inverness.
SSEN Distribution has joined forces with charity SmartSTEMs to promote careers to nearly 300 pupils.
S1 and S2 pupils from Millburn Academy, Inverness High School, Dingwall Academy, Grantown Grammar School, Charleston Academy, Inverness Royal Academy, Fortrose Academy and Alness Academy went to the event at Inverness Campus.
The pupils learned about the environmental challenges and complexities of installing 33,000-volt cables underwater and how, supported by fellow exhibitors Marine Scotland, they install such vital infrastructure. To bring an extra, interactive, element to the workshop, pupils got the chance to “work” on a cable installation of their own.
Rob Burnett, SSEN Distribution’s subsea lead marine consents manager, said: “This was a unique opportunity to be able to inspire so many young people from across the Highlands, and we can only thank SmartSTEMs for pulling together this fun-filled, energetic and engaging event. We hope that through this engagement we have been able to show the pupils how exciting and varied the world of STEM can be, encouraging them towards future careers in electricity, the subsea industry and other STEM-related fields.”
The youngsters also heard from Angela McShane, from The ReInvention: Triumph Over Injury. She suffered life-changing injuries when she was struck by a van several years ago, however, thanks to STEM-related work by scientists and surgeons in the field of prosthetics, she is now leading a full and active life once more.
Angela said: “To be able to share my emotional and inspiring presentation to the most wonderful group of students, was an amazing experience. I received such wonderful feedback from those in attendance, as well as lots of interesting, thought-provoking questions. The students' keen interest to learn more about STEM and how exciting it could be to transform someone’s life was truly moving.
“I want to thank SSEN Distribution for the inspiration and support as we look to inspire our next STEM visionaries. And also thank the team at SmartSTEMs for their powerful tools to help inspire our amazing students. I am honoured to be part of such a brilliant network looking to empower the next generation and I look forward to seeing what our next professionals in STEM will do in the future.”
