Shell Support Welcomed as Link with College Flourishes

11th November 2019

Staff from Shell UK, based in Aberdeen and Mossmorran, paid a special visit to Fife College’s Levenmouth Campus recently to present new laptops to students on the Shell Girls in Energy course.

The visit is part of a wider range of initiatives which Shell and Fife College are working on together to help reduce the gender imbalance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) related subjects and to support and encourage more people in to the energy industry.

The Shell Girls in Energy course, is a popular choice for pupils, with 20 students from Levenmouth Academy and two from Kirkcaldy High School taking part this year aged 14 to 16.

Alongside the Girls in Energy course, Shell also supports students annually through donations to the Adam Smith Foundation, Fife College’s scholarship programme, the Shell Girls in Energy course and students on other engineering programmes can also apply to scholarships sponsored by the company.

STEM related industries accounted for 30.7% of all employment in Scotland in 2017, and employment in STEM is projected to grow at three times the rate of the economy as a whole in the period to 2022.

Stewart McDonald, Academic Head for Engineering, Science and Technology, is delighted that the ongoing relationship with Shell is continuing to benefit many more students at Fife College at a time when the industry requires an increase in trained and skilled employees.

Said Stewart: “Working with industry giants such as Shell is a fantastic opportunity for us at Fife College as we look to support and encourage existing students and also make a difference within the industry, enhancing our links with schools and opportunities for all.

“We are extremely grateful to Shell for this ongoing support - new laptops and financial rewards are a great boost to any student but it is the recognition and the opportunities that come from our partnership that prove to be the most valuable for our students, helping set them on the right path towards a very promising future career.”

‘Teresa Waddington, Plant Manager, Fife NGL Plant, said

“With our world being increasingly shaped by science and technology, ingenuity will be key to the UK’s economic success and is already playing a vital role in our transition to a low carbon economy.

“By making a link between real life and learning through engaging experiences we aim to: Nurture the next generation of problem-solvers, leaders and innovators, grow the UK’s skills base and pipeline of scientists and engineers and attract and retain talented people to tackle the energy challenges that face us all.”

Our premier partners...