Project Description

Industry: STEM / Green Economy
Activity Name: Shell Girls into Energy Conference
Activity Type: Work Inspiration and Preparation / Sector Awareness
Businesses involved: Shell, Fife College, Babcock, Oceaneering, TechnipFMC, KDM, Caledonia Play, EAS, Score, Alltec Construction, DYW Fife and Stemovators
Name of School: Viewforth High School

Viewforth High School pupils took part in the Shell Girls in Energy Conference, an event designed to inspire more young women to explore careers in STEM and the energy sector. The opportunity came through the school’s ongoing partnership with Fife College and Shell via the Girls in Energy School–College Partnership course.

The conference aimed to raise awareness of career pathways in energy, renewables and engineering, while giving pupils the chance to meet female role models, take part in practical activities and build confidence in STEM.

Collaborative Partners

Shell works with Fife College to deliver the Girls in Energy programme, helping young women explore STEM and energy-related careers. Through events like this, Shell supports gender diversity, showcases career routes in the energy transition and helps build a future talent pipeline.

Fife College hosts and supports the School–College Partnership course, giving pupils practical learning experiences and clear progression routes into college, apprenticeships and further study.

A range of employers including Babcock, Oceaneering, TechnipFMC, KDM, Caledonia Play, EAS, Score, Alltec Construction, DYW Fife and Stemovators helped deliver hands-on activities and promote real-world career opportunities.

Women working across the energy sector shared their career stories and experiences, while current Girls in Energy pupils took on ambassadorial roles, supporting activities and inspiring younger pupils. The event concluded with a keynote from Professor Lesley Sloss of the University of Strathclyde.

Programme Aims

The conference aimed to:

• Increase awareness of energy and STEM career pathways

• Inspire S2 girls through female role models

• Provide hands-on activities to build skills and confidence

• Strengthen progression into the Girls in Energy course

• Give current participants leadership opportunities

 

Activity Overview

Held on Wednesday 25 February 2026, the conference brought pupils together for a full day of activity. The programme included:

• A welcome briefing and introduction to the Girls in Energy initiative

• Talks from women working in the energy industry

• Practical workshops including a solar photovoltaic workshop, hydrogen challenge and electric car race

• Opportunities for pupils to ask questions, work with other schools and learn more about the energy sector

• Leadership input from current Girls in Energy pupils, who supported activities and acted as ambassadors

The day celebrated innovation in STEM and renewable energy while showing pupils how classroom learning connects to future careers.

Impact and Outcomes

The conference helped pupils build confidence, broaden their career awareness and see themselves reflected in the energy sector. It also gave current Girls in Energy participants the chance to develop leadership and communication skills.

Pupil feedback

Emily, S2: “I didn’t realise how many different jobs there were in the energy sector until today. It made me think about careers I’d never even considered before. I liked working with pupils from other schools and doing the team challenges. It pushed me out of my comfort zone but in a good way.”

Lucy, S2: “The hands-on activities were my favourite part. I loved getting to try things for myself instead of just hearing about them.”

Bronwyn, S6: “It was really inspiring to see so many women working in engineering and energy. It made me feel like I could do something like that too.”

Ellie, S6: “The guest speakers were brilliant. Hearing their stories helped me understand how people get into these careers. It was such a fun day, and I feel proud of what we achieved as a group.”