The UK’s largest single provider of renewable energy Drax (Drax Group), has teamed up with online learning platform Springpod to deliver an innovative virtual work experience programme for students, introducing them to early careers at Drax and the important role the company plays in the UK’s journey to net-zero.
The course, titled ‘Decarbonise and Transform: Sustainable Energy Work Experience with Drax’, will give students the chance to take part in on demand activities that build their understanding of sustainable biomass power generation with BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, along with pellet production, flexible energy solutions and carbon removals.
Participants will have access to engaging content that introduces students to career pathways at Drax and the various business units, roles and functions at each of Drax’s sites. The module also highlights the importance of core services like legal, finance, HR, IT, and security, and their contribution to Drax’s sustainability goals in the form of quizzes and activities.
Students who complete the virtual work experience programme will receive a certificate of completion that will enhance applications for jobs, apprenticeships and UCAS personal statements.
Karen McKeever, Chief People Officer at Drax said:
“We are pleased to continue our exciting work with Springpod through the launch of our new virtual work experience programme, building on the launch of our Project Sprint last year. These programmes represent a highly inclusive way of bringing people to Drax, creating accessible opportunities for young people to learn more about Drax and renewable energy in an engaging way.
It’s crucial that we continue to offer tangible pathways for the next generation to play their part and Drax is committed to putting young people and students at the heart of our strategy for a sustainable future.”
Sam Hyams CEO of Springpod said:
“At Springpod, we’re proud to partner with Drax to reimagine work experience for the next generation of talent. Through our immersive virtual work experiences, which complement Drax’s in-person experiences, we’re helping students gain valuable insights into the energy sector while developing critical skills.
“Together, we’re opening doors to exciting opportunities, reaching diverse communities, and engaging students in projects that will shape the future of carbon capture, hydro, and renewable energy. By working together, we’re ensuring that every student, no matter where they are, has the chance to build a meaningful career in energy.”
The launch follows the initial project sprint programme, which became available in December for students aged 14-19, offering a virtual taster of working as a Process Engineer on the BECCS project at Drax Power Station.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Media contacts:
Kieran Wilson
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About Drax
Drax’s purpose is to enable a zero carbon, lower cost energy future. Our strategic aims are to be a global leader in both carbon removals and sustainable biomass pellet production, and to be a UK leader in dispatchable, renewable generation.
Our operations
Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low-carbon and renewable UK power assets – biomass, hydro, and pumped storage generation – which provide dispatchable power and system support services to the electricity grid.
We are the UK’s largest source of renewable power by output, and Drax Power Station is the UK’s largest single source of renewable electricity by output.
Through our pellet production facilities in North America, Drax is a leading integrated producer of sustainable biomass. Drax has 18 operational and development pellet production sites which will have a nameplate capacity of around 5.4 million tonnes once expansions are complete.
Drax supplies renewable electricity to UK industrial and commercial customers, offering a range of energy-related services including energy optimisation, as well as electric vehicle strategy and management.
Our future
Drax is progressing options for carbon removals using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) technology globally and at our UK biomass power station. We are progressing plans to develop 7 million tonnes of carbon removals through BECCS by 2030.
In 2024, we launched Elimini, a US-based company to lead our global efforts to deliver carbon removals at scale. Elimini’s purpose is to remove carbon for good. To achieve this, it is convening engineers, environmentalists, communities, investors, and innovators to scale the market for carbon removals, with the aspiration of transforming our economies from carbon emitters to carbon removers. For more information, visit elimini.com.
