A European energy giant is offering the chance to power up classrooms in the county.
Offshore wind developer Vattenfall is funding qualifications for teaching assistants in Norfolk primary schools and supporting children’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learning with specialist resources.
The firm, which is the developer of the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone, will pay the apprenticeship fee for four classroom assistants to complete 18-month learning programmes this year and plans to roll out the programme to more schools during 2024.
Vicki Long, headteacher of Necton Church of England Primary School, said: “Teaching assistants are crucial to support children to achieve their full potential.
"We can never have enough and to have the opportunity for them to follow an apprenticeship to this level is so important. Finding teaching assistants with this level of qualifications is incredibly difficult.”
The pilot project will be offered this year to four schools closest to the wind zone’s cable route before being rolled out to more schools later.
The apprenticeship programme lasts 18 months and will be delivered and assessed by staff from East Coast College in the schools where the teaching assistants work.
The teaching assistants will also work with the Vattenfall team to develop their knowledge of green energy and STEM subjects with sessions, extra resources and access to specialist events to support children throughout their school to expand their STEM learning.
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Denise Hone, Norfolk offshore wind zone senior stakeholder and community engagement manager, said: “These children will have a great chance to be part of the green workforce of the future in a new, exciting and fast-growing industry, which is investing billions of pounds in the east of England and decarbonising the UK.”
“We want to support children in the area, help new apprentices develop their skills, and use our levy to the benefit of local people.”
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