SP Energy Networks (SP) has welcomed pupils from Lesmahagow High School to their Coalburn substation to help inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent.

SP's South Lanarkshire substation plays a key role in central and southern Scotland's transmission infrastructure and is helping to drive forward the nation's transition to net zero emissions targets.

The SP community liaison team arranged the visit for 4th, 5th and 6th year pupils and led an escorted tour of the substation site. The visit was well received, with pupils gaining first-hand experience in engineering projects and learning about the importance of resilient energy infrastructure to facilitate the uptake of low-carbon technologies.

This included details on the £16 million investment project currently underway for Coalburn substation, which will help futureproof the electricity supply in the local area for increased future demand from green technology such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Pupils also learned about the huge range of STEM career opportunities as net zero accelerates. As part of the ScottishPower group, SP is currently helping to shape the future of energy with its biggest ever recruitment drive – 1,000 new green jobs in 2023, with a huge range of roles available.

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Presley McGuire, Project Manager at SP Energy Networks, gave an overview of how the company has helped her advance her career as an engineer in a male-dominated field while Amar Shakoor from the community liaison team shared details on graduate and apprenticeship schemes within us.

Presley said: "Inspiring the next generation and opening their eyes to the breadth of careers on offer is a key priority of ours at SP Energy Networks. So, to have the opportunity to share my experience of pursuing a career in STEM and to teach the Lesmahagow pupils a little more about us was a real privilege.

"We’re passionate about leading the way towards a net zero future and to see how engaged the young people were, was really encouraging.

"We wish the pupils at Lesmahgow success in the future and hope to see some familiar faces working at SP Energy Networks in the near future, so they make the swap from school to substation the launchpad for a great green career!"

Throughout the day, pupils were also given the opportunity to ask questions and see the installation of new equipment first-hand.

Grant Milne, Physics Teacher at Lesmahagow High School, said: "It was great to see the physics lessons we've been teaching in class put into practice. The visit helped the students explore career opportunities available across the industry and gave them a better idea of what's involved. We would love the opportunity to bring S3 pupils for our next visit, in the hopes of inspiring pupils earlier in their physics journey. Thanks to SP Energy Networks for making this possible."

Iasha Iqbal, Developing the Young Workforce PT at Lesmahagow High School said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with SP Energy Networks to help inspire pupils and provide quality insights into the Energy sector. Their attendance at the S3-6 Careers Fair in January this year and the Coalburn Substation site visit was a great way for both staff and pupils to learn more about post school pathways as well as learn more about the organisation itself. We look forward to continuing working with the SPEN Community Liaison team to develop further opportunities for our young people."

Jake Fletcher, S6 pupil at Lesmahagow High School, said: "I will be studying electrical engineering at Strathclyde University so I loved visiting the substation. It was great to see how the technology is helping to make our community greener and to learn about the huge changes happening behind the scenes. It's really made me think about the career opportunities on offer after university too."