German Visit Focuses on Renewable Energy

German Visit Focuses on Renewable Energy

Fifty students from Derby College’s Joseph Wright Centre will be heading to Germany later this month to gain an insight into the pioneering use of renewable energy sources.

The trip has been organised by Nottingham-based SASIE Ltd, one of the UK’s leading renewable energy installation, engineering and training organisations as part of its Employer Academy initiative with the College to raise awareness of the expanding career opportunities in the industry.

Students from a wide range of study programme including Applied Science and IT will spend two weeks in Munich and Bavaria including the rural village of Wildpoldsried which generates around 600% of its own electricity from renewable sources.

They will also visit local companies, colleges, the university and several renewable energy sites including wind turbines, hydro-electric power plant and biomass plant to gain an understanding of different technologies and energy reduction methods.

The trip has been funded by Erasmus+, the EU’s programme giving opportunities for young people to study across Europe, and has been organised by SASIE in partnership with James Veness of School Energy Efficiency CIC and German partners Christiani GmbH.

SASIE Managing Director Mo Kelly explained: “This trip will enable the Derby College students to experience world-leading, renewable technology facilities and infrastructure.

“It is designed to encourage young people into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers and university choices with a focus on renewable energy sustainability.

“The trip will give students all the knowledge they need to go on and complete a level three award in Rational Use of Renewable Energy which will greatly help their future CVs and UCAS applications.”

Mr Kelly continued: “The renewable energy industry is growing rapidly and it is therefore crucial that we work proactively with young people to ensure we have the skilled workforce in place to take advantage of the growth both in the UK and across the world.

“As installers and a training provider, we are hoping to expand our workforce with apprenticeships and it makes sense to be working with Derby College students to engage with them as they embark on the next stage of their training.”

Derby College’s Deputy Principal for Employer and Economic Affairs, April Hayhurst concluded: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain a unique insight into the career opportunities available in renewable energy and will be a life-changing experience for many of the young people who have not travelled abroad before.

“SASIE are at the forefront of these exciting new technologies and we are very fortunate that they have chosen to work with us to provide this and future opportunities for our students.”

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