This week, A-Level students from the region have been gaining work experience at Northumberland’s Ray Wind Farm to learn about the renewable energy sector.
As part of work experience week, Vattenfall, which owns and operates Ray Wind Farm, welcomed 10 students from Hexham-based Queen Elizabeth High School, Thorpe Academy in Ryton and Prudhoe Community High School.
Vattenfall created a comprehensive work experience programme to help the younger generation understand the importance of the renewable energy industry through its commitment to supporting the local community.
Students who took part in the diverse programme met with teams from across the business, understanding in more detail why renewable energy is important, the life cycles of wind farms, business planning, tax and financial management, and electrical engineering. They also developed their knowledge of the National Grid alongside the importance of preserving the local natural environment and how this is done at Ray Wind Farm.
Paul Jones, Service Leader, Ray Wind Farm, at Vattenfall, said: “Our aim was to give the students a thorough insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Ray Wind Farm. With renewable energy technology advancing every day, it is a really exciting career path. The students were fantastic and had great enthusiasm and interest in the project. I was delighted to meet them all. One student, Jake, told me he wants to be a turbine technician.”
On the last day of the programme, students took on the task of becoming a wind farm developer. Using what they have learnt throughout their time at Ray Wind Farm they analysed five potential sites across the UK and selected the most suitable location for a new wind farm based on their technical, environmental and strategic considerations. They then designed a new wind farm layout and presented their thoughts and plans to the Vattenfall team.
Jake, 17, from Thorpe Academy in Ryton said: “I had a brilliant week with the Vattenfall team, they made us feel very welcome. When I’m older, I want to be a turbine technician, and I found the site visit really interesting. I really enjoyed learning about all of the different parts of the business. It was a great experience”.
For more information on Vattenfall, visit www.vattenfall.co.uk