SSEN Transmission has renewed its partnership with Aberdeen Science Centre and Dundee Science Centre to encourage primary school pupils to explore careers in engineering, electronics and circuitry.

Launched in 2024 with Aberdeen Science Centre, the Circuits and Electronics Workshop introduces pupils in P2–P7 to how electricity works, using simple engineering concepts and circuit-building to bring the subject to life.

With additional support in 2025 from Dundee Science Centre and The Science Skills Academy, the programme was expanded to reach more than 1,000 pupils across Scotland last year.

Following that success, Aberdeen Science Centre and Dundee Science Centre will continue running the Circuits and Electronics Workshop throughout 2026 and 2027, both as part of school trips to the centres and via outreach into schools in Dundee.

Aberdeen Science Centre will also take the workshop to Shetland during a three-day visit in 2027, engaging face to face with local schools.

SSEN Transmission is backing the project by funding delivery of the workshop and transport to the science centres for over 600 pupils across Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Dundee, Angus and Shetland.

Steph McCann, head of fundraising at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: "We are proud to lead the delivery of a new year of Circuits and Electronics Workshops alongside Dundee Science Centre and SSEN Transmission. The initiative offers a fun, hands-on introduction to the world of circuits and electricity and we hope it will inspire school pupils across Aberdeen, Dundee and Shetland to consider a career in engineering, electronics or the wider energy industry.

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"Working with corporate partners is vital to ensuring we can continue delivering engaging and impactful science experiences for children, young people and families across the North-east of Scotland and beyond, and we are grateful to SSEN Transmission for its ongoing support for this fantastic initiative."

Nicky Gadsden, external skills & STEM engagement manager at SSEN Transmission, said: "We're delighted to renew our partnership with Aberdeen Science Centre and continue supporting this successful initiative alongside Dundee Science Centre.

"At SSEN Transmission, we're investing in our energy future by upgrading the grid to support clean, renewable energy. Through our support for the Circuits and Electronics Workshop, we can help young people understand how electricity powers everyday life while increasing awareness of the wide range of exciting opportunities available across the energy sector. We hope this will inspire the next generation of skilled professionals who will play a vital role in delivering the energy system of the future.

"We're especially pleased that the workshops will now reach Shetland, extending their impact even further, and we look forward to seeing even more pupils benefit from these engaging learning experiences."

Jill Farrell, CEO, Dundee Science Centre, said: "These workshops will give the opportunity to make technology accessible to children, turning what can sometimes seem like complex science into something tangible, exciting and fun. Electronics are such an integral part of our everyday lives, and it's amazing to see pupils discover for themselves how these things actually work. It's wonderful to see a child's reaction when they see a light turn on because they've wired the circuit themselves - that sense of achievement makes learning both exciting and memorable.

"Most importantly, we want to spark that sense of curiosity, intrigue and wonder, encouraging them to ask 'why' and 'how' technology works. By building confidence in STEM and encouraging young people to question how the world around them works, we can develop their problem-solving and team-building skills. We hope these early experiences will stay with them, perhaps inspiring the subjects they choose to study at secondary school and, ultimately, the careers they go on to pursue."

Aimed at P2–P7 classes, the Circuits and Electronics Workshop explains what electricity is for and connects it to children's everyday lives. Each session also highlights careers and roles within the electricity transmission network, as pupils build circuits and take part in interactive activities.

Feedback from last year's delivery showed 97% of children said they learned something new, with 89% of teachers reporting they also took away new information.

To find out more about corporate support at Aberdeen Science Centre, visit aberdeensciencecentre.org/our-sponsors/