The first series of Industrial Cadet Challenger workshops has launched in Shetland, aiming to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM. Over 320 pupils from five schools across the Shetland Islands have already participated in the workshops, which are led by education charity EDT and sponsored by SSEN Transmission.

The workshops focus on the energy sector, exploring how energy is transmitted through networks in the north of Scotland and the challenges of scaling up the network for a net-zero future. Pupils have engaged in hands-on activities such as designing and building miniature transmission towers and coding mini autonomous robots.

The Industrial Cadet initiative, supported by His Majesty King Charles, aims to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in STEM. By collaborating with industry partners like SSEN Transmission, the program seeks to highlight the exciting opportunities available in the region, particularly in the field of green energy and net-zero technologies.

Young people can become Industrial Cadets at gold, silver or bronze levels by undertaking a set number of hours of relevant activities designed to:

• Give them an insight into both the employer and the industry within which they are placed.

• Help them to develop relevant workplace skills beneficial for their Cvs.

• Help them to gain awareness of the type of jobs that are available in local industry and the routes into careers within those specialisms.

Next up the workshops will move to Moray and Aberdeenshire, with a further six schools lined up to participate before the end of the year.

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SSEN Transmission is planning to carry out the biggest overhaul to the electricity transmission network in a generation, with £20bn worth of investments known as the Pathway to 2030 programme required to create a network for net zero. These upgrades are essential to move renewable energy from where it is generated across the north of Scotland to where it's needed throughout Great Britain, helping in the fight against climate change and delivering energy security for the country.

With the need to expand the high-voltage network to connect the huge increase of new renewable energy generation across Scotland to help fight climate change, SSEN Transmission is looking to support the next generation of employees who will be essential to help deliver the energy transition across the country as the UK advances towards net zero.

Nicky Gadsden, Early Career Attraction and Engagement Lead at SSEN Transmission, said: "We're thrilled to see the first Industrial Cadets workshops get underway, and what better place to begin with than Shetland, where there has been a whole range of pioneering energy projects taking place.

"It is fantastic to hear the schools involved thoroughly enjoyed the workshops, with some excellent participation in the challenges set for them – including some very enthusiastic competition amongst teams!

"The Industrial Cadets initiative is so important to give young people a taste of what they can do with a career in energy and how they can play a part in the fight against climate change and help create a network for net zero.

"We're looking forward to the next workshops continuing in Moray and Aberdeenshire and demonstrating the huge variety of opportunities that are available to young people in the green energy sector."

Julie Feest, CEO at the Engineering Development Trust said,

"We are delighted to continue our work with SSEN Transmission, ensuring that schools in the Highlands & Islands understand the fantastic opportunities and careers that await them in such a thriving sector.

"At the core of what we do is ensuring young people develop work-readiness skills to prepare the next generation for the world of work. Through our key partnerships we are committed to connecting young people with a range of exciting STEM industries while supporting companies to develop and grow early talent pipelines."

SSEN Transmission is at the forefront of the UK's efforts to tackle the climate emergency by creating a network for net zero emissions and connecting and transporting Scotland's vast renewable resources to where it is needed most. The business is growing rapidly having recently celebrated its 2000th team member joining the business, and with new office spaces opening in Inverness and Aberdeen.

The company is committed to supporting early career development and have been a proud member of The 5% Club since 2021.  This means that at least 5% of all employees across the business in 'earn as you learn' roles, from apprenticeships to graduate placements.

Over 500 new roles are being created this year, with jobs based throughout Scotland.