Over 300 Year 9 students participated in a range of interactive activities designed to help them think about the impact science and engineering has on their daily lives, during the recent two day educational experience.

Enthuse, which is part of npower’s Brighter Futures Programme, is a five year scheme designed to inspire and engage students aged 12-14 years old in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

The students were encouraged to think of ways to improve existing products or design a completely new concept, before considering the very real problem of how we can meet and reduce the UK’s future demand for energy. These activities were followed by a ‘facts and fiction’ session where the students were given the opportunity to meet with engineering staff from Didcot Power Station. Throughout the day, the students took part in a series of hands-on activities relating to the power industry.

Emma Sharpe Assistant Mechanical Engineer at Didcot Power Station,”I find working in the engineering industry a really challenging and rewarding career. I think these Enthuse Days are really important – it’s our opportunity to give young people an insight onto what the job entails and a chance to highlight the real opportunities a career in the energy industry offers. I hope we have inspired some of today’s students to really consider this industry as a career option for the future.”

Pauline Rodrigues from Didcot Girls School: “The variety of activities gave the students an excellent insight into what it would feel like to be an engineer. Also, the opportunity to meet with staff from the power station has made today’s activities more relevant and real. We have an Enthuse Day every year and the students always look forward to them. It was particularly pleasing to see that all girls of all abilities were engaged in the activities offered. This is testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of both the Enthuse and Npower staff.”

In 2008 alone, npower enthuse days reached out to over 3400 students across the UK.

To find out more about npower’s education programme and free resources for schools and community groups, visit www.npower.com/education.