E.ON partners with WMG Academy for Hackathon day
At E.ON, we believe in the power of education to drive social impact — and that means fostering passion within the next generation.
This commitment came to life recently when ten 17-year-old STEM students from the WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry joined us at our Hackathon event. The collaboration highlighted how classroom learning translates into practical applications, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the role of technology in driving business.
Connecting education to real-world technology
The Hackathon, organised by E.ON Digital Technology, provided an immersive environment where students could experience the dynamics of a leading energy business. The WMG Academy students joined a community of over 80 E.ON employees, including senior board members E.ON UK CEO Chris Norbury, E.ON UK Chief People Officer Helen Bradbury, and E.ON Next Chief Commercial Officer Ramona Vlasiu, who judged and presented awards to the participating teams.
“Through our partnership with Coventry City and collaboration with the Early Careers team, we were thrilled to welcome Technology and Engineering students from WMG Academy for an immersive Day 2. They had the opportunity to explore real-world AI use cases, gain insights from our esteemed Digital Technology colleagues and apprentices, and engage in hands-on activities using our innovative AI technology. This collaboration proved to be an invaluable experience for both the students and E.ON!” - Kara Flook, Emerging Technology Lead at E.ON UK.
Inspiring career pathways
Students also had the chance to engage directly with professionals in roles ranging from software engineering to project management. Observing these teams in action allowed them to connect their classroom knowledge to careers in technology, innovation, and energy.
Another highlight of the day was meeting E.ON apprentices and former apprentices, who shared their journeys from education to employment. These conversations offered the students valuable insights into alternative career pathways, helping them consider whether apprenticeships might align with their goals. The apprentices’ stories of growth and achievement inspired the students to think broadly about the many opportunities available in the tech industry.
At E.ON, we’re proud of our industry leading and award winning, apprenticeship schemes. Former E.ON apprentices like Cerys Goodson exemplify the exciting opportunities available to young people looking to kickstart their careers in energy and technology. Through hands-on experience, academic support, and real world problem solving, our apprenticeship schemes empower people to grow their skills and make a tangible impact on a sustainable future.
A lasting impact
The visit from WMG Academy underscored the importance of connecting education with industry, inspiring the next generation of engineers and technologists to dream boldly. By providing students with this unique experience, E.ON reinforced its commitment to empowering young minds to envision and shape a sustainable, technology-driven future.
By bridging the gap between the classroom and the workplace, we’re not only preparing students for the future — we’re helping them create it.
Coventry City Council and E.ON agreed a UK-first strategic energy partnership in 2023. The 15-year partnership will help long-term planning and see a joined-up strategic approach to decarbonisation and social projects across the city. We’re already making impactful progress, from helping customers like Margaret heat their home, to shaping the future for young people.