The recent session forms part of an ongoing programme of discussions being undertaken by Energia Renewables with Waterford schools focusing on STEM-related careers and the diversity of jobs available in offshore renewable energy. The programme is being coordinated by Calmast, STEM Engagement centre at South East Technological University.
Speaking to the Newtown School students, presenters Jodie Neary, Energia Renewable’s Offshore Stakeholder & Engagement Manager, and Aideen McGuigan, Graduate Engineer discussed their own career backgrounds and their role with the Energia Renewables’ North Celtic Sea offshore project proposed off the coast of Waterford. Broader themes regarding the expansion of the renewables sector and career opportunities for students in the future were also discussed.
Commenting on the discussion and opportunities within the offshore renewable sector, Stakeholder Manager Jodie Neary said, “This was a great opportunity, and we were delighted to speak with the students of Newtown School. These conversations and the broader developments in renewables are not just relevant at a national level but also at a local level in Waterford and the surrounding regions.
“The renewable energy sector is an emerging and evolving landscape that offers opportunities for students across a wide range of STEM, humanities and policy disciplines, so it is an ideal time for students to be thinking of what they could achieve.
“The proposed North Celtic Sea offshore project will be important in achieving Ireland’s climate action targets to the benefit of communities across the country, and the students of today will be key to delivering this in the future. The renewables sector also offers significant opportunity for them to pursue careers in their locality on projects such as North Celtic Sea and South Irish Sea but also further afield, as the renewable energy sector continues to grow.
“We would like to thank the students at Newtown School, Waterford and teachers and staff for hosting us, and we look forward to further engagement with the local community in the future.”
Aideen McGuigan, Graduate Engineer at Energia Renewables also says, “I was delighted to speak to the Newtown secondary students, discussing my experience working in the dynamic world of energy engineering and how it has shaped my career path.
“It's great to be able to play my part in delivering a low carbon energy future for everyone on the island of Ireland and even better to be able to pass on any advice I have to younger people. There are so many opportunities in the energy sector so it was great to pass on knowledge about the various STEM career options available to the students”.
Dr Sheila Donegan, Calmast SETU says, “We are delighted to be working with Energia Renewables on this sustainability programme. Programmes like this allow secondary school students see the cutting-edge research and exciting careers that exist in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
“In Calmast we are working with schools all across the Southeast region on a wide range of programmes showcasing the many exciting careers available in STEM, and working with companies such as Energia allows the students to connect with real people in real jobs and to see the many exciting careers available in STEM!”
As part of its overall engagement with students in the region, Energia Group is partnering with Calmast STEM Engagement Centre (SETU) to deliver an innovative sustainability programme in schools in Wexford and Waterford, further information of which is available here.
Further information on the proposed North Celtic Sea development is available here and the proposed South Irish Sea development here.
