Ørsted Skills Funds award more than £316,000 to inspire the next generation of STEM talent

Young people across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk, Lancashire and Cumbria are set to benefit from more than £316,000 of funding through Ørsted’s Skills Funds, supporting projects that develop STEM skills, inspire future careers and create new learning opportunities linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The latest round of funding will support 12 projects through the East Coast Skills Fund, Hornsea 3 Skills Fund and Walney Extension Skills Fund, helping hundreds of young people gain practical experience in areas ranging from coding and robotics to renewable energy, broadcasting, cyber security and engineering.

One of the projects being supported through this round is Youth Radio Training and Broadcast – North Norfolk, delivered by Poppyland Community Radio, which has been awarded £23,350 through the Hornsea 3 Skills Fund.

The two-year programme will provide hands-on radio production training for young people across North Norfolk, helping them develop practical STEM and digital media skills through real-world broadcasting experiences. Participants will learn how to use microphones, mixers and recording equipment, gain experience in audio editing and content creation, and develop transferable skills including communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

Working with schools and youth groups across the area, the project is expected to reach around 500 children and young people, with participants contributing content to a new youth-led stream on Poppyland Radio.

William Wilson, Director at Poppyland Community Radio, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 Skills Fund for supporting this project. The award will enable us to bring radio production training to schools and youth groups across North Norfolk, helping young people develop valuable digital and communication skills while creating a new youth-led stream on Poppyland Radio. We can’t wait to hear the next generation of local voices on air.”

Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Senior Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager, said:

“Our Skills Funds are designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence and aspirations they need for the future. This latest round supports a fantastic range of projects that bring STEM subjects to life through hands-on learning, creativity and

innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects have on young people and communities across our fund areas.”

The Skills Funds are delivered by Ørsted and administered by GrantScape. They support projects that encourage participation in STEM subjects and help develop the skills needed for future careers in growing sectors, including renewable energy, engineering, technology and digital industries.

Projects supported in this funding round include:

East Coast Skills Fund

• Lab Rascals – £47,381 for Yorkshire & Lincolnshire – Sustainability for the Future Project Expansion.
• Outdoor Learning Schools CIC – £17,619 for The Cleethorpes Wind & Solar Race Project.
• Curieus Games CIC – £10,000 for Discover Energy Through Play, with Megawatt in East Coast.

Hornsea 3 Skills Fund

• College of West Anglia – £25,000 for Constructionarium, Bircham Newton – Anglia Zero Project.
• Crea Norfolk CIC – £11,559 for Kings Lynn Coding and Robotics Club.
• Poppyland Community Radio – £23,350 for Youth Radio Training and Broadcast – North Norfolk.
• Energy in the East of England (EEEGR) – £20,000 for Mobile STEM Kits Library.

Walney Extension Skills Fund

• STEMFirst – £39,000 for Cyber STEM Challenge – ‘Save the Internet!’
• The Dukes Playhouse Ltd – £40,000 for Resonance: Sound Design & Engineering Skills Development Programme.
• Lancaster and Morecambe College – £28,000 for STEMinist Festival & Future Skills Careers Expo.
• Furness Education & Skills Partnership – £15,000 for The Future of Furness – Exploring STEM Careers.
• Tech Lancaster Ltd – £40,000 for Spark Lancaster Electech and STEAM Engagement.

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