Pupils at Down High School were given a unique insight into the world of engineering as Phoenix Energy presented the first in a series of school talks to inspire and grow the engineers of the future.
The programme, STEM Talks, was launched by the company this week to raise the profile of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) with students considering their future careers and choosing their study subjects for GCSE.
Phoenix Energy Communications Manager, Geri Wright, said, “Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable rise in the importance of STEM, not only for organisations, but for society as a whole. We now live in a highly technological world where many industries are founded on the principles of STEM subjects, including the natural gas industry.
“Phoenix Energy first introduced natural gas into Northern Ireland in 1996 and over the last 20 years, the industry has expanded to now employ over 3,000 people and is estimated to be worth over £1bn. We are delighted to launch the STEM Talks programme with Down High School and speak to young people considering their future about the career opportunities available through STEM, and also within the burgeoning natural gas industry.
“As a company, we are actively engaged in supporting the communities we serve and so we are delighted to roll out this programme to further schools in the Co Down area.”
Down High School Principal, Mrs Perry, said, “Down High School prides itself on its curriculum, which includes a strong focus on STEM. There is a demand for these subjects, which always tend to be popular with pupils considering their GCSE, AS and A-level options.
“All of our courses, including the STEM subjects lend themselves well to a wide range of career options and it was fantastic for the pupils to learn first-hand from Phoenix Energy engineers. We had 130 pupils from Years 8-10 participate in the session and they all found this to be very insightful.
“With Phoenix Energy currently working in the Downpatrick area, we were delighted to learn more about career opportunities within the natural gas industry.”
Secondary schools wishing to partake in the free STEM Talks educational session by Phoenix Energy can register by emailing geri.wright@phoenixnaturalgas.com.