09 June 2006 00:00 Local MP supports Central Network’s groundbreaking engineering programme
Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England, is today launching its pioneering new educational programme, plugin2engineering, with support from Sherwood MP, Paddy Tipping at the National School in Hucknall.
plugin2engineering, the first programme of its kind developed and delivered by an electricity distribution company, aims to engage with young people and raise the profile of electrical engineering. The scheme will be rolled out to 11 schools across the East Midlands region in the coming weeks*.
Central Networks Managing Director Bob Taylor said: “We’re pleased to be announcing the start of our new education programme and delighted Paddy Tipping is offering his support.
“We’ve worked with the schools to develop a programme that we believe will really excite young people and develop and inspire the next generation of our workforce.
“We’ll be working closely with schools across central England which have achieved, or which are working to achieve, specialist status in science, engineering or technology, meaning thousands of young people will benefit from the programme.”
Paddy Tipping MP said: “I am very pleased to give my personal backing to the plugin2engineering scheme. This is an innovative idea from Central Networks that the Government fully endorses.
“Working with schools and encouraging young people to consider careers in engineering will help create the skilled workforce we need in the future. It is great news for Hucknall that the National School is taking part.”
Through the programme, the young people will work directly with Central Networks engineers to get a real insight into the business and the industry. And, as well as classroom teaching, those involved will have the chance to get a ‘hands on feel’ for the industry through work experience opportunities, special activities and open days.
In addition schools and colleges will have the opportunity to visit power stations and take part in the Project of the Year awards.
“Much has been said about the looming skills shortage in our industry,” said Bob.
“We firmly believe programmes like ours are part of the solution to ensure we encourage a flow of talented young people into our industry.
“It’s essential that we get out there and talk to young people about our industry and get them interested in a possible career with us or in the profession generally.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
*East Midlands School’s approached to take part in the scheme:
The Beauchamp College Oadby, Leicester
Uppingham Community College Leicestershire
Lutterworth Grammar School & Community College Leicestershire
Danetre School Daventry, Northamptonshire
Weavers School Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
The National School Hucknall, NottinghamshireTop Valley School Nottingham
Netherthorpe School Staveley, Derbyshire
De Ferrers Specialist Technology College Burton on Trent, Derbyshire
Thomas Cowley High School Donington, Lincolnshire
City of Lincoln Community College Lincoln
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
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