Adura Girls in Energy programme welcomes latest cohort and new industry partner

September 11, 2026

This year’s Adura Girls in Energy programme has launched with 284 students from 18 schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire taking part in the year-long, hands-on engineering programme, designed to encourage more young women to consider careers in the energy industry.

The programme aims to help build the diverse workforce needed to support current and future opportunities and the wider energy transition.

Girls in Energy is delivered in partnership with NESCol, providing students with direct access to employers, role models and real-world insights into the breadth of careers available across the industry.

And this year, the programme has received a significant boost with the addition of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) as a new partner. Through its extensive network of employers and industry members, ECITB will help strengthen engagement between students and the companies shaping the future of the UK’s energy sector.

It comes at a pivotal time for the sector, with decisions pending on approvals for the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects, and many industry experts and business leaders highlighting the need for sustained investment in skills and education to support the North East economy.

Neil McCulloch, CEO of Adura, said: “The future of our energy industry depends on the talent we inspire today. As our sector evolves and major projects such as Jackdaw and Rosebank progress, it is essential that we build a strong and diverse pipeline of skilled people who can meet future workforce demands.

“Welcoming 284 students from across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire demonstrates the continued appetite among young people to play a role in shaping the future of energy and we’re committed to supporting them on their journeys.”

Neil Cowie, Principal and Chief Executive of NESCol, said: “The North East has a proud history of powering the UK’s energy sector and will continue to play a central role in its future. Programmes such as Girls in Energy are vital in helping young people understand the exciting opportunities available to them and the skills that employers will need in the years ahead.

“At NESCol, we have consistently highlighted the importance of investing in education and skills to support economic growth and social mobility. By working together with industry partners, we can ensure that more young people are equipped to take advantage of emerging opportunities and contribute to the long-term success of our region.”

Lynda Armstrong OBE FEI, Chair of ECITB, said:“We are delighted to support Girls in Energy and help strengthen connections between young people and industry.

“Girls in Energy provides an excellent opportunity to encourage more young women to consider careers in an industry that offers rewarding and impactful career paths. Through our network, we look forward to helping students gain valuable insight into the opportunities available across the engineering construction sectors.”

Throughout the 2026/27 academic year, students will participate in workshops, industry talks, and site visits, helping them develop confidence, broaden their understanding of the energy sector and build the skills needed for future careers.

The continued growth of the programme, which has now run for more than fifteen years and was originally sponsored by Shell UK, reflects the shared commitment of industry, education and training partners to ensure the North East remains at the forefront of delivering the skilled workforce required to support the UK’s energy future.