Orsted A/S : Inspiring the next generation of girls to the renewable sector

WiME have been running a pilot programme called 'Raising Aspirations' in the Humber and Ørsted have been partnered with Havelock Academy. The aim of the programme is to inspire young women and girls to look at the renewable energy industry and careers in STEM as achievable and real opportunities. This has been done by meeting the real women in these jobs.

The girls have previously had two sessions with Ørsted, and this was the last session, a full day showcasing lots of different roles in the wind industry, from Offshore Coordinator to Commercial Manager to Wind Turbine Technician Apprentice.

The packed agenda included various exercises and opportunities to learn about the Humber jobs market alongside exploring their own skill sets, but most importantly they got to speak to some amazing role models throughout the day and experience a real place of work. The day sparked many weird and wonderful questions as well as some fantastic questions about career journeys and how the industry works.

As part of the day, the girls filled out an evaluation form to give feedback on what they'd learnt. One example of the feedback given gave a strong message of what they had learned, it read: 'women are underrated and overlooked and can do anything a man can do'. Each girl was given a goodie bag of an inspirational book, water bottle and certificate, at the end of the day.

Lauren Little, Stakeholder Advisor, who led on the day said: 'The day has been a huge success because of the support from all our role models here at Ørsted. They helped to make it happen, so a huge thank you for taking the time out and sharing your personal story - it really makes a lasting impact.'

Days like this are so important to raise aspirations of young women on our doorstep. Our East Coast Hub on the Port of Grimsby where over 500 people operate the largest offshore wind projects in the world is two miles away from Havelock Academy - but it's largely hidden as these huge projects are far offshore so this is a fantastic opportunity to connect them with the real people behind offshore wind. Through this opportunity the girls got to meet people like them, and if they can see, they can be it.

Our industry is growing and open to everyone. We're passionate about increasing diversity in all forms, we're trying to create a brighter future for the planet and we need bright minds to help us with our mission.'

The final question of the day was 'Who would like to join Ørsted?' and every hand went up!