Ørsted launches virtual work experience program for 14-year-olds and above to give a view into the hidden world of renewable energy.
The demand from schools, both teachers and students, for more information on the renewable energy sector has seen the development of a virtual work experience program that can be accessed all over the UK and IE. This program is accessible online, all year round, to help open the unseen world of offshore wind.
Ørsted has worked together with SpringPod to create an interactive platform that includes videos of real-life experiences, learning modules and quizzes to help upskill and empower the next green generation.
Coleen Forde, National Skills Coordinator, Ørsted said: “We see the demand every day for more information about our industry. With nearly 600 people applying for our apprenticeship places this year, we wanted to be able to offer a stepping stone to find out more about our company and what we want from future employees. The platform gives a real insight into our work from onshore roles to technicians working out at sea, to innovation in the renewable world.”
This summer Ørsted’s outreach team has trialled the program at Ørsted’s sites across the UK and IE. Students who completed the trial said they thought it was ‘inspiring and educational’ and were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the sector. One student even remarked that it had encouraged them to look at a job in the renewable energy sector ‘as there is a job for everyone in this company’.
Currently 50% of young people leave school without any work experience, and platforms like these hopefully bridge the gap from school to real life jobs. Ørsted’s engagement with schools, colleges etc. has seen a direct drive of young people applying for roles within the business; virtual work experience will help make this information more accessible and be able to reach far and wide across the UK and IE.
Sam Hyams, CEO of Springpod, said: "Our collaboration with Ørsted exemplifies our commitment to providing young people with meaningful learning experiences in critical, high-growth sectors. Thousands of students on our platform are actively looking for careers in energy and many more are interested in sustainability and the exciting opportunities available in STEM fields. This free, accessible Virtual Work Experience programme offers invaluable insights into the renewable energy industry, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to pursue impactful careers."
To find out more about the platform, and how to access it, please visit: Renewable Energy Work Experience with Ørsted | Springpod
