Oceans of Opportunity at Newcastle University

Talking to students about the growing offshore wind sector

A team from Sofia spent a busy day meeting with enthusiastic engineering students from Newcastle University at the institution's annual Oceans of Opportunity careers event on 3 November.

Representing different facets of the project including consents, supply chain, engineering and including the project's newest graduate recruit, the team talked with more than 50 students about the different careers and  pathways into the growing offshore wind sector.

The project's communications, stakeholder and education lead, Sue Vincent also gave a presentation in the Boiler House to around 30 students about the offshore wind sector, types of roles and opportunities, routes into the industry, as well as about the Sofia project itself.

"Offshore wind has a key role to play in meeting the UK Government's net zero ambitions, with a target of 40GW installed capacity by 2030. People will be needed to plan, construct and run the wind farms – with an estimated additional 11,000 skilled jobs required by the end of the decade.

"So whether its development, construction or operations & maintenance that students are interested in, there are many opportunities for entry, particularly for those focussed on engineering."

Oceans of Opportunity featured a wide range of employers focussing on marine and offshore-related careers and showcased many of the challenging and exciting roles available to graduates.

From left: STEM lead and engineer Mike Cargill, supply chain manager Graham Wright, newly recruited graduate Jordan O'Neill and offshore consents manager Clare Davies at Oceans of Opportunity.