Exeter students learn about bright futures in the solar industry

Students from West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, have attended a solar careers fair.

Year 8 and 9 students went along to Exeter College and met with representatives from a number of companies involved in the solar industry.

The students also played a highly competitive game of giant Jenga, took part in a quiz, which one of the Year 9 teams won, and attended talks on the ‘Future of Solar’.

As the world shifts towards a low-carbon future, the demand for clean energy sources is increasing.  One of the fastest-growing areas of renewable energy is solar power, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years.  

By 2035, the solar industry is expected to support around 60,000 jobs in the UK, that’s up from around 7,000 in 2020 – representing a significant increase in demand for skilled workers in the sector. 

 Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“It was great for some of our students to go along to the fayre and learn all about an industry they might not have considered working in before.  At West Exe we want young people to leave us ready for the jobs of the future, so examining careers in the renewable energy sector makes total sense.  

“It was also lovely to hear that one of the exhibitors commented that our students asked the best, most insightful and challenging questions of any of the schools in attendance!”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust we are keen for all local educational institutions to come together for the benefit of young people, as such I am delighted that some West Exe students attended this event at Exeter College.  It’s brilliant to hear they were asking some really thought-provoking questions of industry professionals.”