ENERGY giant, ScottishPower, has designed and launched a new module for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
The module – ‘Skills In Energy’ – is specifically targeted at apprentices being trained to work for the 2014 Commonwealth Games who are taking part in the award.
It offers participants an understanding of the energy sector and how electricity is produced, transported and dealt with in a safe, efficient manner.
Carillion apprentices have started the module and are the first in the country to undertake the new unit, created and supported by ScottishPower.
DofE participants achieve an award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections, or five if they are working towards a gold award.
The areas are volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential (gold only).
Young adults taking part in the DofE’s Award who are interested in the energy sector can undertake the Skills In Energy module as part of the skills section, which counts towards their overall Award.
Ann Loughrey, head of CSR at ScottishPower, said: “We are committed to helping young people throughout the UK achieve all they can, and by working closely with the DofE we are positive our support will be of benefit.
“The new module was created specifically with apprentices in mind. It opens them to the possibilities of a career in energy which is of great benefit to the sector.
“It’s up to participants to put the work in to achieve their Award. We are helping them by providing support to assist them in reaching their goals.”
Barry Fisher, director of Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards in Scotland, was delighted with the module. He said:
“We’re extremely pleased that ScottishPower has designed a new module for our participants – it’s great to encourage young people to think about skill areas they may not have considered before. The support the company is providing will be of huge benefit of those working towards their award.”
The Skills in Energy module enables participants to understand the importance of using a variety of different ways of creating electricity.
It introduces them to the latest technology to support the demand for electricity and the impact on the environment. Ideas and concepts of the module allow participants to gain an understanding of the different careers that exist for them in the energy sector and the skills required to help them get there.
The module outline provides ideas for study and young people have to choose their own subject areas for study and assessment.
Elaine Poynton, centre manager at Carillion, said: “Some of our apprentices have recently started their DofE Award and are already enjoying the content of the ScottishPower module.
“They have taken part in a network familiarisation day to learn about how electricity is produced and travels from power station to plug – it is a fantastic learning experience for them and increases their employment opportunities within the energy sector.”
ScottishPower is fully supporting the apprentices by providing them with a network familiarisation day, a visit to Whitelee Windfarm, electrical installation workshops and visits to Cruachan Hydro station and Longannet Power station.
ENDS
Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of ScottishPower.
For more information please contact:
Susanne Grant on 0141 333 9585 / 07824 388 472 or email susanne.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk
Kim Munro on 0141 333 9585 / 07966 224 910
kim.munro@bigpartnership.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
- ScottishPower provides employability training for young, disadvantaged people in our local communities through programmes in three distinct areas – school, community and work based.
- Since 1996, their community programmes have helped over 18,500 young people. The positive, long term impact of ScottishPower work was recognised in July 2007 with a Silver Jubilee Award from Business in the Community, as well as several Big Ticks across its range of programmes.
- The energy giant supports the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards with a sizeable six figure sum and by working to support an increase in vocational opportunities through DofE programmes.
- Over the course of the relationship, ScottishPower is the key national partner of the DofE. The utility company encourages young people from all walks of life to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes and succeed, regardless of any barriers. The company aims to have a lasting impact on young people’s behaviour, skills and life chances.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Notes
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who remains the Patron. HRH The Earl of Wessex is a Trustee.
- Over 275,000 young people were taking part in DofE programmes in the UK, supported by 400 partner organisations and over 50,000 adult volunteers from all walks of life. Around 12 per cent of participants are experiencing significant disadvantage.
- Last year over 182,000 young people started a DofE programme, an increase of nine per cent from
the previous year. - 71,224 achieved a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, an increase of seven per cent from last year: Bronze: 46,466, Silver: 17,681, Gold: 7,077
- In total, over 4.3 million people have participated in DofE programmes and achieved almost 1.9 million Awards in the UK since 1956.
- Through the volunteering part of their programme, young people give their free time to society with a value of over £18.5million per year.
- A survey, commissioned by the United Learning Trust, with major employers, found that a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is valued more than work experience when selecting employees.
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a Registered Charity No 1072490 and in Scotland
No SC038254 and a Royal Charter Corporation RC000806. - The DofE is run in over 120 countries worldwide, highlighting how the DofE can truly transcend boundaries of race, language, ethnicity and culture.
- Further information can be found at www.DofE.org/scotland.
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Contact: Susanne Grant
Phone: 0141 333 9585
Email: susanne.grant@bigpartnership.co.uk
Website: http://www.bigpartnership.co.uk
