X-Academy, a new initiative in the UK to inspire and harness young minds towards energy innovations and the climate crisis, has officially kicked off its first two-year programme with a further two cohorts planned to start later this year.
The new academy was met with an encouraging reaction from both industry and applicants, with more than 40 applying since the launch at the end of last year.
Nine so-called ‘Xcellerators’ have been selected for the initial programme.
Candidates included a mix of recent graduates and professionals looking to reskill, with the ambition of making a positive impact to climate change.
X-Academy managing director Peter Tipler (pictured) said: “We are thrilled with the response to the professional development programme, which has attracted a range of people from various backgrounds, who are looking to broaden their skills and bring fresh ideas to the industry.
“As well as graduates from traditional energy disciplines including mechanical engineering, physics, and energy management, we have also seen applications from a former primary school teacher, ex-armed forces and product designer. It shows there is a real interest in tackling the climate crisis across the board.”
The pilot programme is backed by ETZ and ScotWind consortium partners BP and EnBW.
Tipler added: “The opportunity to meet like-minded people but with different skills sets and experience allows participants to work together to collaborate on industry solutions or expand existing ideas that have real potential.
“The high level of interest so far, combined with the work already undertaken by the Xcellerators has encouraged us to open up another two cohorts this year, with applications now open for starts in April and September.
“We’d always planned for X-Academy to be a long-term, multi-year programme and I’m thrilled that we’re already in a position to offer more opportunities for people looking to drive meaningful impact.
“We’re confident that by the end of 2022 we’ll have almost 30 Xcellerators enrolled, with plans to expand internationally.”