Withernsea High School

A group of students from Withernsea High School have been given a first-hand insight into the world of engineering and renewable energy through a programme designed to raise aspirations among young women considering STEM careers.

Eleven Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in the Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WiME) Raising Aspirations programme, delivered in partnership with energy company RWE to build confidence and encourage more girls to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). 

Students began the programme with introductory sessions in school exploring career pathways, personal strengths and the many opportunities available within the engineering and renewable energy industries. Sessions were led by RWE representatives including Humber Gateway general manager Katie Wright, offshore health, safety and environment adviser Bella Easton, apprentice offshore wind turbine technician Amelia Goodwin, and offshore wind turbine technician Amy Allen.

The programme later moved to RWE’s offshore wind Operations and Maintenance (O&M) facility at the Port of Grimsby, which supports the company’s Humber Gateway wind farm. The students took part in CV and cover letter workshops, discussed transferable skills and toured the operational site. During the visit, they also heard from Vicky Powell, director of UK offshore operations at RWE, who spoke about her career journey and the experience she had gained throughout her career.

Humber Gateway general manager Katie Wright said: “The students responded very positively to the programme, showing strong engagement throughout both stages. During the keynote sessions, they asked thoughtful questions about career pathways, qualifications and real-life experiences in engineering.

“On the site visit day, their confidence visibly increased, particularly during interactive elements such as the CV workshops and informal discussions over lunch. Many students who were initially quiet became more comfortable contributing, especially when speaking with female engineers and professionals they could relate to.

“Overall, the programme created an environment where students felt able to ask questions openly and begin to see themselves in roles they may not have previously considered.”

The visit also aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks, the national framework for careers education in schools, which emphasises the importance of young people gaining first-hand experience of workplaces through visits, employer engagement and placements.

Updated government guidance recommends secondary school students complete a total of ten days’ work experience by the end of Year 11, with increasing emphasis being placed on exposing young people to professional environments and career opportunities from an early age.

Careers leader Viki Foster said: “Such opportunities can make a huge difference because they allow students to see industries and workplaces for themselves rather than simply hearing about them in the classroom. 

“Speaking directly to professionals in the sector and hearing about their experiences helps make those career pathways feel more realistic and achievable. It also helps students understand the relevance of the subjects they study in school and how those subjects can open doors to a wide range of future opportunities.”

Katie Wright added: “The site visit is a critical part of the Raising Aspirations programme because it transforms engineering from something abstract into something tangible and accessible. Seeing a real working environment helps students understand the scale and impact of the industry. It allows them to visualise themselves in a professional setting and connect classroom learning to real-world applications. It also breaks down common misconceptions about engineering workplaces, particularly for young women who may not previously have seen themselves represented in these environments.”

Students were also shown the wide variety of careers available within RWE, many extending beyond traditional technical roles, such as project management, environmental and sustainability roles, data analysis, IT, communications, finance and community engagement.

“This diversity is important because it allows young people with different strengths and interests to find a pathway into the industry. Access routes are equally varied. Students can enter through apprenticeships, graduate schemes, internships and work experience placements. Programmes like Raising Aspirations are key in highlighting these pathways early, helping students understand that there is no single type of person suited to engineering or energy careers.”

Now in its fifth year, the Raising Aspirations programme was created by WiME in response to calls from Humber-based employers seeking to build a more diverse future workforce. Since launching, more than 700 girls have taken part in the initiative. During the current academic year alone, around 200 students from 14 schools across the Humber have been involved, supported by 20 locally based companies.

Reflecting on its impact, Dr Kirsty Clode, chairwoman of WiME, said: “In 2021, the WiME team created the Raising Aspirations programme in response to requests from companies who wanted a programme that built on the success of the annual face-to-face, multi-school WiME careers events, including our careers fairs.

The programme is only made possible thanks to the involvement of wonderful people at companies like RWE who generously participate. Sharing their career stories makes a real difference. Each participant has a unique story that helps the girls see amazing opportunities. I often hear that the girls finish the programme knowing about many more jobs than they ever imagined, and they truly believe these industries are for them - which is fantastic.”

Katie Wright added: “From a company perspective, initiatives such as WiME and the Raising Aspirations programme are an important part of a broader, long-term effort to improve gender diversity.

“While it can be difficult to directly attribute increases in recruitment to a single programme, there are clear indicators of positive impact, including increased engagement from female students during outreach activities, growing interest in work experience and early-career opportunities among young women, and stronger visibility of female role models within the organisation.

“Like many organisations in the engineering sector, RWE continues to see a gradual increase in the number of women exploring and entering engineering roles, although this remains an ongoing area of focus.

“We are actively working to build a more balanced workforce through outreach, inclusive recruitment practices and early engagement programmes such as this one. Over time, these initiatives contribute to a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline.”

Building on the work to connect more women and young people with opportunities in the sector, WiME has also announced that its next careers fair will take place on Tuesday, 6 October, at the Guildhall in Hull, with the event open to the public from 4pm to 6pm.

The careers fair will showcase the wide range of opportunities available for women across the manufacturing and engineering sectors, giving visitors the chance to meet industry professionals, explore current job vacancies, learn about apprenticeships and training routes, and gain insight into careers within the region’s growing industries.

The event is aimed at women considering a career change, those returning to work, school and college students, higher education students and careers advisers.

ABOVE: The students were given a tour of RWE's O&M facility at the Port of Grimsby. 

 

ABOVE: HSE Adviser Bella Easton leads a CV workshop with Year 9 students. 

 

ABOVE AND BELOW: Offshore wind turbine technician Amy Allen demonstrates the challenges of her role. 

 

ABOVE: Dockside at the Port of Grimsby. 

Year 10 students have completed a week of work experience, providing them with a valuable opportunity to explore potential career pathways through direct engagement with local employers.

More than ninety students independently sourced and secured placements across a wide range of industries, applying their classroom learning in real-world settings. The experience offered meaningful insight into the world of work, helping students understand the expectations of professional environments and the differences between school and employment.

Viki Foster, the school’s careers leader, said: “Work experience is an essential part of our careers programme. It plays a vital role in students’ development, helping to deepen their understanding of potential career routes and the opportunities available to them.

“Taking part increases their awareness of the local labour market and the employment opportunities in our area. It also allows them to explore job roles, ask meaningful questions, and learn about the skills and qualifications required by different employers.

“I was deeply impressed by how proactive our students were in securing their own placements. The ongoing support of local employers is invaluable - not only does it benefit our students, but it also enables businesses to engage with future talent and raise their profile within the community. We are extremely grateful to those who hosted placements this year, as well as to those already offering support for the future.”

While some students selected placements aligned with their future ambitions, others chose to explore unfamiliar fields, broadening their understanding of the opportunities available to them. Students embraced the opportunity to work across a broad range of sectors, including engineering and manufacturing, sport and physiotherapy, tourism and hospitality, motor vehicle services, architecture, early years and education, veterinary services, retail, agriculture, and construction.

Employers supporting this year’s placements included Martin Williams (Hull) Ltd, Centrica Energy Storage+, Phoenix Building Systems, the University of Hull Faculty of Health Sciences, Sykes Physiotherapy, RWE Renewables, Patrington Haven Leisure Park, The Deep, Balfour Beatty, and Gasco.

Ahead of their placements, all participating students attended a preparation session where expectations for behaviour and workplace engagement were clearly outlined. Each student received a handbook and detailed placement information, including a bespoke risk assessment. Additional support was provided by Education 2 Work, a specialist organisation that connects schools with employers and carries out essential health, safety and safeguarding checks.

Following their placements, students took part in a structured reflection session to review their experiences, consider newly developed skills, and begin planning their next steps, including one-to-one careers interviews and applications to post-16 education, training or employment pathways.

Meanwhile, to support those unable to secure placements independently, the school has partnered with local education charity Run With It to offer alternative workplace experiences. Around 30 students are participating in the programme, which provides insight into careers within the sports and events industry.

An initial group of 15 students visited the MKM Stadium during work experience week, where they enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and explored the wide range of roles involved in running a large sporting venue. During the visit, they met staff including Hull City coach Andy Dawson, alongside professionals working in hospitality, media, operations and security, gaining valuable insight into both matchday and non-matchday activity, as well as the importance of safety, sponsorship and commercial operations.

A second group will take part in a similar experience at Craven Park, with these visits highlighting the breadth of career opportunities available within a single organisation.

Work experience forms a key part of the school’s “Ready for Work” programme, reflecting updated government guidance that recommends students complete a total of ten days’ work experience by the end of Year 11. While this does not need to take place in a single placement, the dedicated week for Year 10 offers a structured and meaningful introduction to the workplace, helping to shape and inform future aspirations.

The programme also aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, a national framework of eight guidelines designed to enhance careers education in schools and colleges across England. These benchmarks emphasise the importance of first-hand workplace experiences, including visits, job shadowing and placements, to broaden career awareness and support the development of professional networks.

Students will have further opportunities to explore their options during the summer term, including college taster visits and targeted enrichment activities. Selected students will also take part in outreach opportunities with the University of Cambridge, aimed at raising aspirations, promoting Oxbridge pathways and challenging common misconceptions about higher education.

Employer engagement remains a central focus across the curriculum, and the school welcomes interest from local businesses keen to support future placements or build links with subject areas. For further information, contact Viki Foster at fosterv@wscampus.net or call 01964 611545.

ABOVE: Alfie undertook a placement at Centrica Energy Storage+.

 

ABOVE: Charlotte enjoyed a week of work experience at The Deep. 

ABOVE: Charles was on placement at Russells Agricultural Equipment and Groundcare Specialists in Owstwick. 

ABOVE: Izzy and Lilly spent the week at Holmpton's School House Nursery. 

ABOVE: Students pictured on a tour of the MKM Stadium as part of the 'Run With It' programme. 

Apprentices, entrepreneurs, and careers advisers helped students explore opportunities during last week’s National Careers Week (NCW). The annual campaign highlights careers education and provides resources about employment sectors, apprenticeships, and further education.

Throughout the week, the school hosted assemblies, enterprise sessions, and activities to help students understand the skills, qualifications, and experiences needed for different roles. Careers leader Viki Foster said: “Careers week highlights the wide range of opportunities for young people and helps them develop key employability skills. Our programme runs throughout the year, preparing students to shape their career journeys.”

The week began with a Key Stage 4 assembly led by three former students sharing experiences as apprentices with Hull-based provider HETA. They described apprenticeship structures, the realities of training, and opportunities at employers including Perenco, SSE Thermal, and PJD Electrical. Viki added: “Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience while earning money and progressing to degree-level courses. Hearing former students’ journeys makes these opportunities tangible.”

Entrepreneur Adam Corbally delivered a Year 9 workshop challenging students to create businesses benefiting communities or the environment. Pitched ideas included dissolvable teabags, healthy frozen fruit treats, and a sustainable electric party bus. Adam shared his journey from leaving school without qualifications to founding a motivational speaking company, praising the students’ creativity and teamwork.

Key Stage 3 students attended assemblies on decision-making and GCSE choices, while staff showcased career journeys through displays. Year 10 prepared for work experience, aligned with the Department for Education guidance and the Careers and Enterprise Company’s Equalex framework. Withernsea High’s Ready 4 Work programme provides meaningful workplace experiences across three stages: introduce, explore, and apply, helping students build confidence and make informed career decisions.

 

ABOVE: Students from the top three Year 9 enterprise challenge teams celebrate their achievements with Adam Corbally.

ABOVE: Entrepreneur Adam Corbally with school careers leader Viki Foster. 

ABOVE: Year 10 students engaged in a work experience preparation session, learning about risk assessments and expectations ahead of their upcoming placements starting 

ABOVE: Former students (left to right) Oscar Duplock, Archie Hare and Connor Bradley returned to the school to share their experiences of apprenticeships. 

ABOVE: Classroom and office posters celebrated the career journeys of teachers and support staff, showing how skills gained along the way can open doors to new opportunities.