Monday 11 April 2011

Scottish Power offers engineering scholarships

Scottish Power offers engineering scholarships

Without engineers the move to a greener power sector is under threat according to Scottish Power. The energy giant is offering scholarships to youngsters to try and boost the number studying engineering.

Their campaign comes in the wake of a study by the National Skills Academy for Power which shows 80% of engineers in the energy sector are due to retire within 15 years. With the move to new low carbon technologies, a smart grid and renewables in general there's concern a lack of engineers will mean a skills gap that affects the UK's progression.

Scottish Power is already sponsoring some students and is planning more scholarships to try and redress the balance.

Frank Mitchell, Director of ScottishPower Energy Networks, said: "The energy sector is investing billions of pounds to modernise infrastructure and to reduce carbon emissions in the coming years. We are also investing heavily in the people who will be needed to deliver this work.

"ScottishPower is at the forefront of many of the new developments in sustainable engineering and we are working closely with educational establishments to promote the career opportunities in our industry. Scotland and the UK has a proud history of leading the world in engineering innovation and we want to encourage younger generations to take up relevant courses and grasp the opportunities that will be available as we move to a low carbon economy."

Through its parent company, Iberdrola, Scottish Power already promotes a scholarship programme to help address the emerging needs and skills of the energy industry. Further scholarships will be awarded to students at Scottish Universities this year.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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