Clean energy industry body Scottish Renewables has kicked off the second year of its pioneering New Voices Campaign.
New Voices exists to platform unheard or excluded voices and build a more diverse future renewables workforce which “reflects where society is going, not where it’s been”.
The campaign – which has already been recognised in the Scottish Parliament – uses a series of training sessions to equip 10 professionals each year from diverse backgrounds with the skills and confidence to share their stories and promote diversity in the fast-growing industry.
The first in a series of targeted training sessions took place at Scottish Renewables’ Glasgow office.
The year-long programme began with a session focused on confidence building, laying the foundation for a series of workshops covering public speaking, storytelling and media engagement.
Led by Roly Reid, an international rugby player turned transformational coach, the session introduced participants to mindset and habit-building strategies, along with practical tools to manage anxiety and boost performance.
Now in its second year, the New Voices Campaign is building on the success of last year’s programme, which has already made a tangible difference.
One graduate won the Aspiring Leader Award at the UK-wide Global Offshore Wind Awards while another met Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy, to share their experiences in the sector and will speak at Scottish Renewables’ Grid and Networks Conference in Glasgow on February 27.
Scottish Renewables chief executive Claire Mack (pictured centre with New Voices participants) said: “Championing diversity, inclusivity and openness isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential.
“The New Voices Campaign is already delivering lasting change for its participants and our industry and I’m proud that people who may not have had the confidence to speak in public before are able to do so because of the training they received through the campaign last year.
“Renewable energy is all about the future, and achieving it depends on building a workforce that reflects where society is going, not where it’s been.
“That’s exactly what New Voices is about, and I can’t wait to see how this year’s cohort use the training to play their role in the future of our energy system.”