Stork is proud to have a longstanding commitment to championing and empowering the next generation across the UK.
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, we place a strong emphasis on supporting young people’s development. This includes providing practical advice, guidance and hands-on work experience to help prepare them for the world of work.
To inspire and nurture future talent, Stork has created a series of foundational career-building blocks, each tailored to a specific stage of education. These blocks support young people throughout their journey, from primary school to university, ensuring they have the tools and experiences needed to thrive in their careers.
Block A – Sparking curiosity
Primary school is a pivotal stage in a child's development, providing them with essential skills that lay the groundwork for their future endeavours. Recognising the importance of early education, we established a partnership in 2023 with Bramble Brae Primary School through the Developing the Young Workforce initiative. This collaboration, the first of its kind at a primary level, is designed to make a meaningful impact on young learners by aligning with their curriculum and delivering engaging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities. From interactive sustainability workshops to hands-on environmental projects, we aim to inspire curiosity and build awareness in these critical fields.
In September 2024, we expanded our outreach by partnering with Chapter One to support students at St. Gregory & St. Patrick's Catholic Infant School in Cumbria. Through this initiative, Stork employees volunteer in weekly reading sessions, fostering literacy and encouraging a lifelong love of learning.
Block B – Building awareness
Raising awareness of the real-world applications of STEM subjects is vital for inspiring young people and introducing them to the exciting career opportunities within the industries Stork operate in. It’s also essential for developing a future pipeline of talent.
Our longstanding partnership with Meldrum Academy, now in its seventh year, has focused on guiding students through discussions about career pathways while supporting the mathematics department in linking their curriculum to practical, real-world applications. By showcasing how mathematics is used in professional contexts, we help students see the value and relevance of their studies.
At Stork, we believe there is #NoWrongPath to achieving future aspirations. Our aim is to provide students with learning experiences and insights into careers they may not have previously considered. Participating in career fairs is a key part of this effort, allowing us to engage not just with young people but also their families, fostering connections and promoting opportunities that inspire future ambitions.
Block C – Showcasing skills and expertise
Gaining first-hand experience and receiving guidance from professionals outside the education system can provide young people with fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the world of work. Below are examples of how Stork is making a meaningful impact:
- Career Ready
Now in its fourth year, our mentoring programme pairs employees with students to offer guidance and coordinate four-week paid internships. This initiative empowers interns to uncover their talents, develop valuable workplace skills and gain confidence in their abilities. - King’s Trust
Through this collaboration, we engage with participants to discuss employer expectations, deliver CV writing and interview workshops, while facilitating work experience placements and site visits. These efforts showcase the diverse range of career opportunities available and prepare young people for success. - The Junction Foundation
A newly established partnership through our Teesside hub, this initiative provides mentorship to young individuals. It includes support with practical work experience and interview preparation, leading to success stories such as a young mentee securing full-time employment. - NesCol Scholars
For the second consecutive year, we are proud to support NesCol’s Scholarship Programme for Wind Turbine Technicians. By sharing industry insights and career pathways, we help scholars envision their future in this dynamic field.
Margo Milne, director, Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Northeast said: “Stork is a long-standing supporter of young people in our region and a very active Young Person’s Guarantee pledge partner. Their staff work closely with our own team to deliver a variety of sessions in local secondary schools, providing young people with both sector insights and valuable employability skills. In addition to this work, they have a strong partnership with one of our local primary schools.
"Stork’s commitment to young people also stretches beyond school; they offer meaningful work opportunities via their apprenticeships and graduate programmes. We value our partnership with Stork greatly and are delighted that the company is represented on our DYW Northeast ambassador programme.”
Block D – Assisting professional development
We recognise the critical role of bringing new talent into the industry—not only to address resource challenges but also to make a lasting, positive impact on the communities where we operate. At Stork, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing the skills and opportunities available to our apprentices, trainees and graduates. By fostering their growth, we ensure that every individual has the chance to build a rewarding and meaningful career.
Apprenticeships: With a 43.8% increase in participation from 2023 to 2024, Stork’s apprenticeship scheme is committed to fostering knowledge, enhancing skills and cultivating the right professional behaviours. The programme provides cross-sector training opportunities, equipping apprentices to thrive in industries such as oil and gas, rail, petrochemicals and power generation.
Graduate Programme: Since its launch in 2012, our graduate scheme has offered recent graduates a structured 2–3 year programme designed to enhance their knowledge, develop their skills and valuable practical experience. This pathway supports graduates in building their careers and advancing within the company. This year, we’ve had a 66.7% increase in graduates.
Traineeships: Designed for individuals from diverse backgrounds, encompassing recent graduates, individuals seeking a career transition and those eager to embrace new challenges. Trainees gain valuable offshore experience by working on our clients' assets in the UKCS, providing them with unique insights into the industry. This year, we are proud to have achieved a 42.9% increase in participation from 2023 to 2024
These initiatives have been instrumental in Stork achieving our Gold Investors in Young People and Gold Investors in People accreditations, along with numerous industry awards and recognitions across the UK.
As we continue to engage with young people, we remain committed to exploring new collaborations and initiatives to further enhance our impact and support the development of future talent.
If you would like to find out more about the career opportunities on offer within Stork, please visit our careers website or email info.UK@stork.com.