Port of Blyth and its training division Port Training Services played a key role this week in a scheme designed to introduce young people and their parents to the value and benefits of Renewable Energy.
The Blyth Academy and the Blyth Quays Trust have been working together to help children and their parents and carers better understand the employment opportunities that the renewable energy industry can offer them. The Blyth Quays Trust is made up of three primary academies in Blyth – Croftway, Malvins Close and Morpeth Road – and is led by Executive Headteacher Michael Bell. The Blyth Academy is sponsored by the not for profit education charity Northern Education Trust and is led by the Headteacher Sarah Ramsden.
Around 180 children, parents, carers and school staff spent two days at the Port learning about renewable energy initiatives, jobs roles in the industry and how the Port is involved with the growth of the renewables sector. The visit was part of a range of activities that would also support childrens’ transition from primary school into The Blyth Academy.
In 2016 the Port processed in excess of 500 wind turbine component parts including huge blades, tower sections and nacelles. In March 2017 the Port oversaw the delivery of one of the world’s longest ever turbines blades to the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, the UK’s flagship technology innovation and research centre for advancing wind, wave and tidal energy. Measuring 98m the blade was in Blyth for testing ahead of its instalment in a prototype wind farm in Germany.
Based at the new Port Training Centre, part of the Port’s Blyth Education and Community Hub (BEACH development, the programme of events included practical sessions with the Blyth Tall Ship charity, Newcastle University’s Blyth Marine Station, the ORE Catapult, Maersk Training and Science Buddies as well as time spent learning about the Port and touring its South Harbour terminal.
In welcoming the pupils, the Port’s PR & Communications Manager Tom Chaplin said: “As a Trust Port our relationship with the local community is a key feature of our very existence. We exist to support a range of stakeholders across the community and providing an opportunity for young people to learn more about the pioneering work in the renewables sector happening in Blyth is a very important and worthwhile activity.”
