Work experience initiative for local students continues for a second year on one of Europe’s largest energy projects

NeuConnect – a vital new energy link between the UK and Germany – welcomed eight students from St John Fisher School in Rochester, Kent for a week-long work experience placement earlier this month – the placement was part of NeuConnect’s support for the local community in the Medway region, and the project’s work to support the next generation of infrastructure and engineering talent.

Led by global investors Meridiam, Allianz Capital Partners, Kansai Electric Power and TEPCO, the £2.4bn NeuConnect project will become one of the world’s largest interconnectors. New converter stations will be built on the Isle of Grain in Kent and in northern Germany, connected by 725km of land and subsea cables to form an ‘invisible energy highway’, connecting two of Europe’s largest energy markets for the first time. The new link will allow 1.4GW of electricity to flow in either direction, helping to boost energy security while also helping to integrate renewable energy sources in the UK and Germany.

With NeuConnect’s construction well underway and making strong progress, a work experience programme was launched last summer to offer local students a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into one of Europe’s largest energy infrastructure projects and to explore potential careers in construction, engineering, and energy. Building on the success of last year’s programme, earlier this month eight more students took place in this year’s work experience programme that was delivered in close collaboration with local provider DOMEG and supported by NeuConnect’s main contractors, Prysmian and Siemens Energy. Students took part in a range of activities such as:

• Presentations from senior leaders at NeuConnect, Prysmian, and Siemens Energy;
• Practical exercises designed to simulate real-world project challenges;
• A guided visit to NeuConnect’s construction site on the Isle of Grain, where major works are well underway, offering a unique chance to see at first hand the deliver of one of Europe’s largest energy projects

The eight students were selected based on their interest in pursuing careers in energy, infrastructure, or engineering, with the programme has been designed to support Year 12 students in considering higher education or vocational routes. Some of the positive feedback from students included:

• “It’s been a huge privilege to be a part of this work experience programme. My favourite part was learning about different systems in place on the project and how different teams collaborate together to make something new.”
• “My favourite part of the work experience was getting to meet different parts of the management team that gel together, whilst learning about their roles.”
• “I would love to work in this sector, thanks to the experience and the lessons I learnt on site.”
• “I would definitely consider working here and I’ve already started looking at apprenticeship opportunities.”

NeuConnect CEO Arnaud Grévoz said: “We’re proud to be delivering a nationally significant infrastructure project responsibly, and part of this is being a ‘good neighbour’ to local communities. This work experience programme is about inspiring future innovators and helping build a skilled workforce for Europe’s energy future, so its fantastic to see the positive feedback from local students.”

For further information on the NeuConnect project, please visit neuconnect-interconnector.com