Portgordon pupils powered up by STEM workshop

The interactive workshop, run by members of Vattenfall’s Aultmore Wind Farm team, engaged pupils in discussions about fossil fuels, the transition to renewables, and the skills and job opportunities in the renewables industry.
Pupils learnt about developing an onshore wind farm and how a wind turbine works before being split into teams to design and construct a model turbine within a set budget.
Lucy Blake, Project Manager for Vattenfall’s proposed Aultmore Wind Farm, said:
“It has been an absolute delight to hold this STEM workshop at Portgordon. All of the pupils demonstrated a real desire to learn and asked fantastic questions. Impressively, all the teams managed to create rotating blades for their turbines – the most technical part of the challenge – so they should be very proud of themselves.
“They were also surprised to learn about the wide variety of jobs available in the renewables industry – from engineers and turbine technicians to ecologists and communication experts. With the growth in the industry, including within Moray, it’s important that we inspire the younger generation and open their minds to the opportunities available locally.”
Miss Sutherland, Teacher at Portgordon Primary School, commented:
“Vattenfall’s workshop was enjoyable and really engaged the pupils. Renewables is a key topic this term, so the timing couldn’t be better and has provided a great foundation of knowledge. The pupils asked great questions and thought carefully about their turbine designs and budget. It’s encouraged them to develop new skills and work together as a team.”
Pringle George, Lennox Community Council, added:
“It’s great to see Vattenfall investing time and energy in our local schools. These workshops can be very valuable, particularly when educational resources and funding are stretched, so it’s good to see their continued commitment to supporting our area. Should the redesigned Aultmore Wind Farm get approved, it will be reassuring to know that we have a developer engaging with the community.”
Vattenfall has delivered similar workshops to Moray schools over the last year, including Buckie High, Cullen Primary, Keith Grammar and Findochty Primary – all within the area associated with Vattenfall’s redesigned Aultmore Wind Farm proposal. The workshops, which have received positive feedback, are designed to help develop team building, critical thinking, budgeting and time management skills alongside core STEM capabilities.
Vattenfall has set a target to support 50 onshore wind apprenticeships by 2030 from its project portfolio in Scotland, with up to 10 potentially linked to the Aultmore Wind Farm proposal, subject to planning consent.