Last Friday saw JDR, a UK-based supplier of subsea power cables and umbilicals to the offshore energy industry, hold an educational showcase at its centre of excellence for engineering and manufacturing in Hartlepool.

200 local year ten GCSE pupils attended the event with representatives from Hartlepool’s five secondary schools. The showcase, which marked a multi-million-pound expansion of the company’s flagship facility, Victoria Dock, aspired to excite local students about the fascinating world of energy and answer the ubiquitous question “where does energy come from?”

Throughout the day pupils were given the chance to set their hands on some of the technologies used to design, install and operate wind farms as well as those used to discover and extract oil and gas from below the seabed. JDR’s specialist engineering and experienced project management teams were also on hand to answer pupils’ questions.

JDR’s partners including Dong Energy and Siemens gave students an interactive presentation providing an overview of the full offshore technology supply chain.

JDR’s chief operating officer, Richard Turner, said: “We’re delighted to host local schools and hopefully spark an interest in the next generation of energy experts. Our aim is to inspire students to take an avid interest in STEM subjects and ultimately pursue a career in energy.

“At JDR we’re passionate about establishing strong links with the local community to develop the skills needed for the future of the offshore energy industry.”

Source: JDR