Scotland’s first dedicated outreach vehicle has been launched to drive the shift to net zero for thousands of pupils across the North-east.
Named after the ‘Net Zero Challenge’ it showcases, the vehicle will represent energy on the move as it visits more than 30 schools in the region, with exhibits to engage students with the skills, technology and careers the sector has to offer.
Founded by ETZ Ltd, Shell UK, and North East Scotland College (NESCol), the collaborative project is backed by the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund for North East Scotland and Moray.
Students from the Shell Girls in Energy programme are shown around the Net Zero Challenge and its interactive exhibits
The vehicle is equipped with hands-on exhibits covering topics including wind, solar and carbon capture, with curriculum-linked content and additional resources for teachers to leverage throughout the academic year.
Unveiled at a launch ceremony in Aberdeen on Monday, February 3, the project aims to help attract the next generation of industry leaders and innovators by showcasing the skills and careers that underpin energy transition.
Designed in partnership with Glasgow Science Centre, the hydrogen dual fuel vehicle will start its road trip in Spring to engage and inspire pupils in schools, as well as visit community and industry events.
Visits and accompanying resources will be available to all local authority secondary schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, ensuring energy education is accessible to all.
Neil Cowie, Principal and Chief Executive of NESCol; Maggie McGinlay, CEO, ETZ Ltd; Trevor Garlick, Vice Chair, ETZ Ltd; Simon Roddy, Senior Vice President Upstream of Shell UK.
Acting net zero and energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “Ensuring a pipeline of expertise and talent will be key to unlocking Scotland’s energy transition and securing the highly skilled workforce of the future.
“That is why the Scottish Government is committed to supporting our existing workforce alongside fostering the skills of our next generation of industry leaders.
“I am proud that this project has received funding from Just Transition Fund, which has delivered £75million to date, supporting projects and communities across the North East and Moray, recognising the world-class energy expertise of the region and its importance in delivering net zero.”
The project forms part of Scotland’s first dedicated Energy Transition Skills Hub due to open in Aberdeen later this year, backed with over £7million from Scottish Government, Shell, ETZ Ltd and NESCol, at the site of a dilapidated former dairy adjacent to the College’s existing Aberdeen Altens Campus.
The Hub will provide workshops, flexible teaching spaces, cutting-edge equipment, expert-led learning, and accessible training focused on the new skills needed for delivering low carbon and green energy.
Exteriors of the Net Zero Challenge
Maggie McGinlay, chief executive officer of ETZ Ltd, said: “North-east Scotland is on the cusp of a green industrial revolution, and the next generation will play a critical role in helping deliver clean, affordable and abundant energy.
“That’s why there couldn’t be a more apt name for this project as we seek to inspire and engage thousands of pupils across the region on the Net Zero Challenge.
“This project will be accessible to students right across the region, driving home the exciting careers this sector has to offer and its part in delivering the energy transition.”
Neil Cowie, principal and chief executive of NESCol, said: “The launch of this unique new vehicle represents another important step in the ambitions of NESCol and our partners to inspire the next generation to play their part in the journey to net zero. It’s also a very powerful demonstration of the collaborative work at the heart of our region’s energy transition.
“It’s vital that we shine a light on the array of exciting and rewarding opportunities in the energy sector now and coming over the horizon, engaging with pupils in a way that brings that to life.
“The Net Zero Challenge is designed to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and to encourage innovation. We’re looking forward to our team taking the vehicle on the road and to it becoming a familiar sight at schools throughout the North-east.”
Simon Roddy, senior vice president upstream of Shell UK, said: “The education outreach vehicle will play an important role in inspiring young people in the North-east to consider careers in energy; helping ensure we have a workforce that is equipped with the knowledge and expertise needed for both the energy we continue to need today and a successful transition to net zero.
“Shell’s investment in the Energy Transition Skills Hub builds on decades of partnership working in energy skills and is part of Shell UK’s wider ambition to help 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition by 2035.”