How E.ON is using cutting-edge resources to empower teachers and students in our New Energy Academy

As the UK accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the need for a skilled and diverse workforce in the green energy sector has never been greater.

Recognising the pivotal role educators play in shaping the workforce of tomorrow, E.ON has unveiled a comprehensive package of classroom resources to support teachers involved in its pioneering New Energy Academy.

These tools aim to make green energy careers more accessible and engaging for students, arming educators with everything they need to deliver dynamic and informative lessons on sustainability, innovation and the future of energy.

Empowering teachers to inspire the next generation

The New Energy Academy is an initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and the fast-evolving energy industry.

With the UK facing a huge shortfall of skilled workers in the renewable energy sector, E.ON’s latest move ensures young people not only understand the importance of sustainable energy but are also encouraged to consider careers in the field.

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, declared: “Our mission is to empower educators with the right tools to inspire students about the future of energy.

“By providing high-quality resources, we can ensure that teachers have the confidence and support to make green careers an exciting and tangible prospect for their students.

“The New Energy Academy is about more than just education – it’s about creating a movement that will drive a more sustainable future.”

A comprehensive toolkit for educators

The newly released educational resources include a mix of engaging lesson plans, interactive activities and real-world case studies designed to bring the energy transition to life.

Key features of the support package include future-focused employability skills.

Aimed at students aged 11-14, these materials help young people develop key skills needed for careers in sustainability, from critical thinking to problem-solving and adaptability.

There is also the ‘Creating a Sustainable City Workshop’, which encourages students to design a city of the future while building in the latest advancements in renewable energy and smart infrastructure.

Students will also be guided on how to unlock their dream job within the sustainability industry, using short video discussions and interactive lessons.

These are designed for older students aged 14 to 18 so they can start to explore pathways into green careers.

And there are communication and critical thinking exercises to help students develop the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and consider different perspectives in the context of energy transition challenges.

Addressing the green jobs gap

With research showing the UK will need an estimated 400,000 [1] new workers in the low-carbon energy sector by 2050, E.ON’s initiative is both timely and essential.

The renewable energy industry is facing not only a skills shortage but also a need for greater diversity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers.

By supporting teachers with resources making sustainability engaging and relevant, the New Energy Academy aims to widen participation and ensure students from all backgrounds see the green economy as a viable and exciting career path.

Scott added: “Teachers are at the heart of preparing the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow.

“With these resources, we hope to make it easier for educators to connect students with the opportunities that a net-zero future will bring.

“We want to spark curiosity, fuel ambition, and ensure that young people feel empowered to take their place in the future of sustainable energy.”

Curriculum integration call

E.ON is encouraging schools across the UK to take advantage of the New Energy Academy’s resources and integrate them into their existing curriculums.

Teachers can access the full suite of materials online, with further support available through interactive workshops.

As the demand for green skills grows, initiatives such as the New Energy Academy will be massively instrumental in ensuring the UK has a workforce ready to lead the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

By putting the right resources in teachers’ hands today, E.ON is helping to power the workforce of tomorrow.

For more information on the New Energy Academy and to access the teacher support resources, visit E.ON’s website.

[1] https://www.iema.net/articles/uk-energy-sector-must-fill-400-000-jobs-to-hit-net-zero-target/