Young people across Fife have been exploring careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through a series of interactive workshops delivered by Fife College as part of the School College Partnership and Let’s Go Fife programmes.
The workshops, which took place in May and June, enabled secondary school pupils to develop key skills while gaining insight into the wide range of careers available across STEM industries.
Delivered by the College, the sessions encouraged young people to consider future careers in sectors that will play a vital role in Scotland's economic and environmental future. Workshops were delivered by college staff at St Andrews High School and Levenmouth Academy, building awareness of the skills and career opportunities available across the STEM and energy sectors.
The workshops form part of a wider partnership between Fife College and Shell UK, aimed at developing the skills and talent needed to support the transition to a low-carbon future.
In partnership with Shell UK, Fife College has established the Energy Transition Skills Hub (ETSH) at its Dunfermline City Campus. Funded by Shell UK, the hub supports Scotland's transition to net zero by providing innovative training opportunities and resources for students and local communities. Since opening, the hub has engaged almost 1,000 learners, helping to build awareness and skills for future careers.
The workshops and ETSH build on the long-standing partnership between Shell UK and Fife College, which also delivers the successful Girls in Energy programme. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has provided pupils from schools across Fife with a unique insight into the energy industry, while helping them gain a recognised qualification, develop employability skills and explore the wide range of careers available within the sector.
Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal: Enterprise & Partnerships at Fife College, said:
"These workshops provided a fantastic opportunity for young people to explore STEM subjects in a practical and engaging way, while gaining insight into the skills and careers that will shape Scotland's future economy.
"At Fife College, we are committed to helping learners understand the opportunities available within emerging industries and to building strong links between education and employers. Through our partnership with Shell UK and initiatives such as the Energy Transition Skills Hub, we are helping to create pathways into sectors that will be crucial to Scotland's future economy and its journey towards net zero.
"By giving young people exposure to real-world challenges and career opportunities, we can help inspire the next generation of talent and ensure they have the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed."
Jennifer MacDonald, Social Investment Manager at Shell UK, said:
"Developing the next generation of STEM talent is vital. Through our partnership with Fife College, we are helping young people gain valuable insights into the energy sector and the role they can play in Scotland's transition to a lower-carbon future.
"We are proud to support opportunities that connect education with industry and help create lasting benefits for local communities across Fife."
Shell UK aims to help 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition by 2035 through delivery of its SkillsTransition programme. Fife College is one of three colleges, supported by Shell UK to help upskill, reskill and empower a new generation of energy professionals.
Photograph: Pupils from St Andrews High School taking part in a STEM workshop delivered by Fife College through the Let’s Go Fife programme.