STEM in the Pipeline launches for 2023

Secondary school pupils from across the North-east are being challenged to put their science, technology, engineering and maths knowledge to the test as part of a fictional oilfield project.

STEM charity TechFest is launching its annual STEM in the Pipeline: Energising the Transition project, which will give pupils the opportunity to take on a realistic energy industry challenge.

As well as helping them to develop valuable skills, it will also provide them with an insight into the energy sector.

STEM in the Pipeline bridges the knowledge gap between education and the energy sector’s workforce. It provides pupils with a chance to use knowledge gained in STEM subjects at school to solve TechFest’s energy industry challenge.

Sponsored by bp, Harbour Energy, the North Sea Transition Authority and Apache North Sea, STEM in the Pipeline also encourages volunteer mentors from the industry to share their expertise with pupils. The project is also supported by CNOOC International.

This year, the teams of up to six pupils, aged 17-18, will be tasked with producing a field development plan for the recently discovered ‘STEM’ oil field.

As well as coming up with a strategic and profitable approach to extracting oil from the field, the teams will also be tasked with devising a plan to reduce greenhouse emissions from their facility.

Dr Martha Gavan, deputy managing director of TechFest, said:
“STEM in the Pipeline is one of our key annual events. It provides a vital opportunity for the pupils to take part in a three-month project which allows them to apply the knowledge they have learnt at school to a real-life scenario. This experience can be key. It can cement their interest in STEM and provide an insight into the types of roles which STEM subjects can lead to.”

The project scope for STEM in the Pipeline: Energising the Transition reflects the energy industry’s continuing transition towards renewable energy sources. The current regulations that companies must adhere to, as well as the efforts being made to lower carbon emissions, are all included in the project framework.

“Today, young people have access to a broad range of STEM subjects, meaning that those who choose to study these subjects are well placed to join the next generation of energy industry professionals,” added Martha.

Doris Reiter, SVP of bp North Sea said:
“bp’s enduring partnership with TechFest reflects our commitment to nurturing the bright minds that will enable the continued success of the industries we work in, long into the future. STEM in the Pipeline is a fantastic opportunity to bring realistic challenges from the sector into the classroom, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of talent.”

STEM in the Pipeline will run from September to December. The initiative kicks off with an introduction day at Robert Gordon University on September 7. Pupils will attend a series of introductory lectures and hands-on practical tasks in the morning and undertake a practical computer session in the afternoon.

According to Martha, STEM in the Pipeline provides the teams of pupils with an unrivalled opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to a realistic industry project while also developing their softer skills.

Martha said:
“STEM subjects are incredibly important, however applying their knowledge is not the only benefit to those taking part in STEM in the Pipeline. As well as using their technical knowledge, the pupils also develop wider skills.

“To be successful the pupils must work as part of a cohesive team. This means that softer skills including communication, project management, time management and teamwork are also vital.

“The project scope also offers an insight into the types of assignment young people might be given at university or in the workplace.”

Following the introduction day, the pupils will work together as a team and also undertake individual research to contribute to the task.

Throughout the course of the project the groups receive advice and support from industry mentors. They submit a written report in late November and attend a presentation and prize giving ceremony.

Pupils taking part in last year’s STEM in the pipeline praised the support they received from their industry mentors.

A pupil from Cults Academy said:
“Working with mentors was the best part for me. It’s how I learned the most about the industry and what I want to pursue going forward. And we loved going to their office to practise our talk.”

A pupil from Ellon Academy added:
“Having our own mentor was incredible. They were so quick to reply and always happy to help. I don’t think we would have been able to do it without them.”

Jillian Owen, UK Country Manager, Apache North Sea, said:
“It’s absolutely essential that we continue to attract promising talent to support our industry as we continue our energy journey delivering energy security for the country. It is crucial that young people still view the energy industry as an attractive career option, we are not standing still, we are driving ever cleaner energy production and have the industry expertise and infrastructure needed to support oil and gas and the expansion into renewable energies for future generations. Driving future capability and talent in STEM subjects is our way of supporting the local community. TechFest’s STEM in the Pipeline provides an insight into the industry, illustrates the importance of STEM subjects for our future and inspires the pupils to bring the skills they have learnt in the classroom to the workplace.”

The final will take place on Wednesday, December 6 at bp’s North Sea headquarters. Each member of the winning team will receive a £30 Amazon voucher. A £20 Amazon voucher will be given to all members of the second-place team.

Pupils completing the STEM in the Pipeline project are eligible to apply for a Silver CREST Award.

Schools interested in registering to participate in STEM in the Pipeline should visit: STEM In The Pipeline (techfest.org.uk)

TechFest is an Aberdeen-based charity which aims to engage young people in the four main STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and encourage them to go on to follow a career which utilises these skills by demonstrating that they are both fun and relevant in day-to-day life.