EDF partnership to help power Scotland’s renewable energy workforce

The partnership will see employees from EDF power solutions UK volunteer in classrooms across Scotland as part of the Powering Futures Challenge Programme. This is a pioneering initiative which brings together S5 and S6 school pupils with businesses to collaborate on a solution to a real-life challenge that has been set by industry.

Powering Futures was set up in 2020 to empower young people with the skills, critical thinking and confidence to enter the workplace. The Programme supports pupils to come up with creative solutions through teamwork, problem solving and presentation skills. At the end of the process, participants earn a SCQF Level 6 qualification, equivalent to a Scottish Higher.

The Challenge Programme is now embedded in over 100 schools across Scotland, with more than 2,500 pupils working towards the qualification this academic year. As part of the Programme, teams will be tackling a range of real-life challenges for renewable projects set by industry.

With experts predicting that full-time roles in the onshore wind industry will need to triple within the next two years to meet critical targets, strategic collaborations between educators and renewable developers such as EDF power solutions UK will be vital to ensure the workforce can scale at the pace needed to meet demand.

EDF power solutions UK is one of the country’s leading renewable energy developers. It currently runs a comprehensive apprenticeship and graduate scheme and engages with schools through its award-winning Destination Renewables programme at various colleges and schools elsewhere in the UK.

Stephanie Bouchard-Saliba, chief people officer at EDF power solutions UK, said: “As a business we want to inspire the next generation to take up a career in the renewable energy industry in Scotland.

“This partnership with Powering Futures will allow us to expand our reach within the communities near our sites, encouraging young people to think about the opportunities available.

“Whether it is project management, communications, engineering, legal or planning, there is a huge variety of roles available which play a critical role in enabling us to achieve net zero and to really make a difference through a meaningful career.”

Jennifer Tempany, co-founder of Powering Futures, said: “The Powering Futures Schools Programme is empowering tomorrow’s business leaders to solve today’s business challenges and work towards future economic prosperity.

“We are proud to be partnering with EDF power solutions UK - a company at the forefront of Scotland’s journey to net zero through investment in cutting-edge renewable technologies. This is a rapidly growing sector and represents an exciting future for young people entering the workforce. Through this partnership, we are creating real opportunities for young people across Scotland to shape a cleaner, brighter future.”