Powering the Next Generation: Plug Me In at Dinnington High School 

The UK's clean energy sector is growing fast. But for many young people, it remains an industry they've never been told about, let alone considered working in. That's exactly why events like the one held at Dinnington High School matter.

 

Plug me in's Marketing Manager, Yasmin Ireland, attended Dinnington High School's Careers Speed Networking Event — joining a wide range of regional employers including HSBC, South Yorkshire Police, the British Army, Rotherham College and North Notts College to give 170 Year 9 students a real look at the world of work.

For Yasmin, the visit carried personal significance. Dinnington High School is her own alma mater — making this a full-circle moment as much as a professional one.

 

Shining a light on women in clean energy

Yasmin was there to represent Plug me in and to fly the flag for women in construction and clean energy — two sectors that are too often absent from the conversation when schools explore careers with young people.

Across three fast-paced speed networking sessions, small groups of students had the chance to quiz Yasmin directly: about her career path, the renewable energy industry, and the opportunities that exist within it. The conversations ranged widely — covering everything from engineering and project management to design, sales and marketing — demonstrating that a career in renewables doesn't require a single type of background or skill set.

 

More than solar panels: the breadth of clean energy careers

One of the biggest takeaways for students was the sheer variety of roles that exist within the clean energy sector. Whether a student's strengths lie in STEM, business, creative industries or communications, there is a place for them in an industry that is only going to grow.

With the UK government committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 — and significant milestones already set for 2030 and 2035 — the demand for skilled professionals across every discipline is set to accelerate. The engineers, project managers, marketers and innovators of tomorrow are sitting in classrooms right now. Events like this exist to make sure they know it.

 

What the day meant

"Going back to my high school and speaking with students was truly inspiring. Clean energy holds endless possibilities, and empowering young people to pursue these paths feels more important than ever. Their passion and creativity will be essential in shaping a more sustainable future for the UK and beyond." — Yasmin Ireland, Marketing Manager, Plug me in

 

"Thank you for coming — it was great to see you too! It's an invaluable experience for students to hear other people's career journeys, especially from wonderful alumni like yourself." — Jo Jones, Careers & Aspirational Leader, Dinnington High School