Exhibition at Potters Resort looks to inspire future generations of energy sector workers

Holly Wales from Caister Academy (Image: Archant)

As many as 600 students, parents and teachers from across Norfolk and Suffolk attended the 'Energise Your Future at the Skills for Energy Conference,' which took place at Potters Resort in Hopton today.

The exhibition gave young people the chance to explore their future options by speaking to professionals within the energy industry and find out more information to help direct them towards the careers they aspire to.

A later session was held with parents, teachers and other key influences, who might have held reservations about recommending the sector as a career choice.

The event was a collaboration between the skills organisation for the oil and gas industry, OPITO, Skills for Energy, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board and other industry partners.

James Cooper and Kai Hill from Pakefield High School (Image: Archant)

OPITO regional business and communications manager, Liz Davis-Smith said: 'We know from our eight years of delivering Energise Your Future events for industry that by giving the students a freer rein to speak directly to those already working in the industry, they discover a lot more about the options available to them and how they directly relate to their subject choices and the disciplines they are interested in.'

SfE programme manager Gemma Head said: 'We are really pleased to be joining forces with the various partners, sponsors and industry supporters in the delivery of this event. In addition to the exhibition, it is really exciting to be adding the later session into the event which will provide clarity for parents, teachers and key influencers who may have reservations about recommending the energy industry as a career choice, particularly in light of the current downturn.

'Our aim is to provide them with a better understanding of the energy industry's medium and long-term needs and to shine a light on the significant opportunities which this creative and evolving industry offers the next generation.'

Schools that were in attendance included Caister High School, Flegg High School, Great Yarmouth College, Hunstanton College, Lowestoft College, Lowestoft Sixth Form College, Open Academy Norwich, Ormiston Venture Academy, Pakefield Academy, Sir John Leman High School, University Technical College Norwich, Wymondham College and Wymondham High School.

Companies and education establishments who attended so youngsters could find out more about jobs and apprenticeships in the industry included 3sun Group, Claxton Engineering, ENGIE E&P UK, Gardline, Global Wind Services, icanbea, Lowestoft College, Petrofac, Siemens Wind Power, Seajacks, UEA, AFS Ltd, EEEGR, ECITB, Gee-Force Hydraulics, Great Yarmouth College, IET, OPITO, Proserv, ScottishPower Renewables and UK Power Networks.