College students from across Norfolk and Suffolk are spending their summer tackling real challenges facing the UK’s energy industry, gaining hands-on experience with some of the region’s leading employers.
Thirty-nine students aged 16 to 18 have secured places on this year’s Coastal Energy Internship Programme, spending four weeks working on projects ranging from offshore wind and engineering to environmental services, data analytics and workplace wellbeing.
The interns, from East Coast College, City College Norwich, University Technical College Norfolk, Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form and East Norfolk Sixth Form College, are working with 32 businesses across the East of England’s diverse energy sector.
The programme, delivered by EEEGR (East of England Energy Group), gives young people the opportunity to develop workplace skills, build professional networks and explore careers in one of the UK’s fastest-growing industries.
Many former interns have gone on to secure degree apprenticeships, graduate jobs and industry awards, while several internship projects have been adopted by the businesses themselves.
EEEGR took over delivery of the Coastal Energy Internship Programme in November 2025 after it had previously been run by The Ogden Trust. The programme is supported by the Dudgeon Community Fund, delivered by Norfolk Community Foundation and funded by the Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm, operated by Equinor. Funding has enabled ten student placements this year.
As part of the programme, interns receive an educational bursary and take part in workshops designed to develop employability skills. This week, 18 students gathered for a project reporting and interview masterclass led by EEEGR, programme supporter John Best and University of East Anglia student Lilith Watkinson.
Among them is 17-year-old Isla Gowing, from East Norfolk Sixth Form College, who is working with Great Yarmouth-based Three60 Energy.
Her project focuses on analysing data from the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas wells to identify ways of reducing costs and improving efficiency.
She said: “I’m analysing the cost and operational data they’ve collected and helping them identify where improvements can be made. The main aim is to reduce non-productive time and lower costs, making the whole decommissioning process more efficient.
“I wanted a project where I could work with data and improve my Excel skills. I have the knowledge from college, but I wanted to learn how to apply it in a real workplace.”
City College Norwich T Level engineering student Ellias Matkin is splitting his internship between training organisation Petans and digital learning company Reuzer, both based in Norwich.
He said: “At the moment I’m working with Reuzer, reviewing all their training videos to identify which ones need updating or improving. They want to make the videos more engaging and, at the end of the project, I’ll present my recommendations.
“I think I’d like to go into the energy industry because engineering offers so many opportunities. I’m hoping to secure an apprenticeship when I finish my T Level.”
Dr Amy Kingston, founder and director of Gorleston-based Tide Medical, is hosting her second Coastal Energy intern. East Coast College T Level engineering student Tyler Daniell is researching men’s mental health in the offshore energy sector and will also develop an awareness campaign with Tide Medical’s communications partner, OnPoint PR.
Dr Kingston said: “Young people are often told they need experience before they can get a job, but opportunities to gain that experience can be difficult to find.
“This internship programme gives 16 to 18-year-olds the chance to experience the workplace, develop new skills, visit different employers and work on real projects that businesses will actually use. They’re also paid for their contribution.
“Employers learn just as much during internships as the interns.”
Sophie Skipp, Stakeholder Manager at Dudgeon, Sheringham Shoal Offshore wind farms and their extension projects, said: “For another year the interns at the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon offshore wind farms have blown the whole team away with their projects. Their output over a few short weeks demonstrates the aptitude of young people when coupled with mentors.
“But like any wind farm, we’re only as good as our local supply chain. The Dudgeon Community Fund with Norfolk Community Foundation have again supported 10 local college students to work in SMEs and micro businesses, paying bursaries for more interns.”
Offshore wind developer RWE is supporting the programme for its fifth year, this time sponsoring six interns.
Sam Cook, RWE Skills Liaison Officer for Vanguard West, East and Boreas wind farms to be built off the Norfolk coast, said: “We’re welcoming two interns into RWE and supporting a further four through placements with local supply chain companies.
“By opening our doors and working alongside local businesses, we’re helping develop the skills, experience and relationships that will support the future of the offshore wind sector in the East of England.”
Sally Philpot, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at EEEGR, said the programme was helping secure the future workforce for one of the region’s most important industries.
“Seeing 39 interns working across 32 energy businesses is a fantastic demonstration of what’s possible when education and industry work together.
“Every intern is gaining practical skills, building professional networks and discovering where their talents can make a difference. At the same time, employers are benefiting from fresh ideas while helping to shape the workforce that will drive the future of our regional energy sector.”
Programme supporter John Best added: “The next generation will deliver our future generation, and that’s why this internship programme is so important.
“The energy industry has never looked as vibrant as it does today. There are more opportunities than ever before and young people should grab them with both hands.”
