Green Gown Awards celebrate NESCol’s commitment to diversity and sustainability

March 25, 2021

North East Scotland College has been recognised for its commitment to diversity and sustainability with success in the Green Gown Awards.

NESCol triumphed in the Next Generation Learning and Skills category during yesterday’s virtual ceremony.

The Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland mark exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges.

NESCol’s winning entry centred on the Shell Girls in Energy initiative, which impressed judges with its success in increasing diversity in STEM subjects and embedding energy transition in the curriculum.

Pete Smith, NESCol’s Vice Principal Finance and Resources, said: “We’re delighted to have been selected by the judging panel as winners of a very keenly contested category. It is a fantastic endorsement of the work being done by colleagues throughout the College.

“Diversity and sustainability are central to our ambitions for NESCol and the region. Shell Girls in Energy demonstrates the proactive approach being taken and has captured the imagination of participants and our industry partners.

“It has been a valuable collaboration and showcases the wider work being undertaken by Shell and the College to support the next generation to drive energy transition and embrace the opportunities the North East has to be a leader in low carbon technology.”

This year more than 145 female pupils from S3 to S6 in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are taking part in the Shell Girls in Energy programme. Over the past decade more than 650 participants have been introduced to engineering – providing pathways to apprenticeships, college, university, and employment as well as offering placements and showcase events.  Of those who have been tracked through the programme, more than 75% have pursued engineering after leaving school.

John Raine, of Shell UK Limited, said:  “The way we live is increasingly being shaped by science and technology, so our vision is to help equip future generations of problem-solvers and innovators with the understanding to lead us as society changes. It will bring economic success and opportunities to the UK, and enable our brightest minds to help address some of the biggest challenges we face, for example by helping in the complex transition to a low carbon economy.

“We want the UK – and this part of Scotland in particular – to have the pipeline of engineering skills and scientific ingenuity to make a big difference in the decades to come. That’s why our partnership with NESCol through the Shell Girls in Energy programme is so important.”

For further information on the winning Green Gown Awards project click here.