Freeport East Inspires the Next Generation of Renewable Energy Innovators with STEMPOINT Partnership

STEMPOINT

The renewable energy sector is rapidly evolving, and STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) plays a vital role in driving that progress. For over 40 years, STEMPOINT has been at the forefront of this mission in East Anglia, inspiring and nurturing young minds through innovative learning experiences. By engaging both primary and secondary students, STEMPOINT is helping to shape the region’s renewable energy future from the ground up.

Building routes into renewable energy

Inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM has never been more important. By connecting students to the diverse opportunities within the renewable energy sector at an early age, STEMPOINT helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and future careers. Their goal is to motivate the next generation of STEM professionals, empowering young people to play an active role in tackling global challenges such as climate change and sustainability.

Addressing the skills gap in East Anglia

The East of England is a renewable energy hub, filled with a wide variety of untapped opportunities for young people. However, many employers are reporting a shortage of local skills and talent. By encouraging STEM literacy and practical skills at an early age, STEMPOINT is helping to close this gap, ensuring young people are equipped to take on these careers whilst supporting regional growth and development in the renewables industry.

Helen Spencer, Managing Director at STEMPOINT says “STEMPOINT were keen to ensure the workshops were as accessible as possible for all students including those with additional needs, whether learning or physical, as the Renewable Energy sector offers genuine future job opportunities. It is important everyone can envisage themselves working in the industry. This was highlighted when a visually impaired student took part in one of the workshops and built and tested their own wind turbine. The sense of achievement for the student was inspirational for everyone involved!”

Empowering futures in STEM through the Freeport East Innovation & Skills Fund

STEMPOINT was a recipient of the Freeport East Innovation & Skills Fund, an initiative designed to drive local growth in East Anglia by supporting education, skills development, and access to new employment opportunities.

Thanks to Freeport East’s funding, STEMPOINT has been able to host a number of renewable energy workshops. Aimed at students in Years 6–8, the events introduced over 1,000 pupils from 16 local schools to the world of renewable energy through fun, hands-on activities. By sparking curiosity and showcasing real-world applications, with almost one third of students reporting a heightened interest in STEM and 83% more aware of the renewable energy sector, the events have planted the seeds for future STEM ambitions and renewable energy careers.

Sarah Flain, Fundraising Manager at STEMPOINT, added:

“Securing this funding from Freeport East Innovation & Skills Fund has been transformational for our Renewable Energy project as it meant we could significantly expand our reach to more children and young people across the region. It has ensured we were able to work with more schools to showcase the amazing job opportunities within the sector available to students locally as well as enhance students’ learning about the wider theme of renewable energy. Without the grant this simply would not have been possible.”

To find out more about STEMPOINT and the work they do to inspire young people about STEM, please visit www.STEMPOINT.org.uk/en-gb/home.