A seafaring voyage from Poland to Lowestoft equipped local young people with the career skills necessary to make waves in the maritime and offshore industries.

The East Anglian maritime and offshore sectors are experiencing a skills gap along with unemployment challenges in coastal communities. To ensure the future longevity of these vital industries and the UK’s net-zero future, it is imperative to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in renewable energy.

Organised by the Equinor-operated Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, the Dudgeon Community Fund invests £125,000 per year in local projects that inspire, educate and empower local people in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Chris Hosea, general manager at Dudgeon Offshore Wind FarmChris Hosea, general manager at Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm (Image: Equinor) “We’ve got this whole generation of young people, and we need to get them excited about what engineering is, what STEM is, and what it can mean for their future career prospects,” said Chris Hosea, general manager at Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm.

“It’s one of Britain’s biggest growth industries with great prospects and fantastic people. You can stay very local if you want to, but you can also travel the world doing it.

READ MORE: How Equinor is supporting STEM jobs for a low-carbon future

“And you know that by producing green energy, you can always look back and think: ‘I’m doing something positive for the world’.”

The fund recently awarded a grant to the Excelsior Trust, which enabled 12 young people from North Norfolk, Great Yarmouth and Breckland to go on a two-week sailing voyage aboard the 103-year-old training vessel Excelsior.

Charlotte Hathaway, skipper at the Excelsior TrustCharlotte Hathaway, skipper at the Excelsior Trust (Image: Excelsior Trust) The Excelsior Trust’s Harbouring Potential project brings young and unemployed people together with local marine employers to raise awareness and reinvigorate enthusiasm for career opportunities in the sector.

READ MORE: Equinor community funds invest in Norfolk's green future

“The aim of Harbouring Potential is to work with marine industry partners to offer young people in the region the opportunity to voyage aboard Excelsior and learn about the varied roles open to them,” said Charlotte Hathaway, skipper at the Excelsior Trust.

In August, the group of young people joined Excelsior in Szczecin, Poland to help bring the vessel back to Lowestoft after a campaign in the Baltic.

the Dudgeon Community Fund gave 12 young people the opportunity to take a two-week sailing voyage aboard the Excelsiorthe Dudgeon Community Fund gave 12 young people the opportunity to take a two-week sailing voyage aboard the Excelsior (Image: Excelsior Trust) The two-week voyage gave the youngsters first-hand experience of seafaring, as they sailed from Szczecin to Rostock, Germany, through the Kiel Canal to Den Helder, and then finally to Lowestoft after a tough upwind North Sea crossing.

Students gained practical sailing and navigational skills including passage planning, sail plans and helming. Living in close quarters, they also developed soft skills such as cooking and cleaning, selfconfidence, resilience, communication and teamwork.

“Those with previous experience were able to push themselves and take on greater leadership roles, and those with no experience discovered elements of strength they never knew about,” Charlotte said.

Laura Wigby, director of community investment at Norfolk Community FoundationLaura Wigby, director of community investment at Norfolk Community Foundation (Image: Norfolk Community Foundation) The trip, which was the last leg of Excelsior’s return home from the International Tall Ships Races, was enabled by Equinor’s Dudgeon Community Fund.

Administered by Norfolk Community Foundation, the fund awarded £13,000 to cover costs and help evaluate the impact of the project. A university researcher also assessed the social return on investment, measuring the positive outcomes for participants.

“This project offered a unique opportunity for young people to gain practical, real-world skills in a maritime setting, which can directly influence their career choices,” said Laura Wigby, director of community investment at Norfolk Community Foundation.

“It not only broadened their horizons but also contributed to filling the skills gap in the local maritime and offshore industries, making it a valuable investment in the community’s future.”

READ MORE: How Equinor is building green careers for the energy transition

Laura emphasised that the energy and maritime industries are growing sectors in Norfolk, but attracting young talent remains a challenge.

“Providing opportunities like this introduces young people to careers they may not have considered and helps them understand the vital role these industries play in sustainable energy and future innovation, inspiring the next generation of skilled workers,” she said.

“This project highlights the importance of collaboration between community organisations, educational institutions and industry,” Laura added.

“By working together, we can inspire and equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in key local industries, while also contributing to the future sustainability and growth of the region.”

For more information, visit dudgeonoffshorewind.co.uk