Highland Schools on the road to a bright future following electric vehicle competition.
Giving back to our local community has always been important to AES Solar. We likewise place particular importance on youth development and local talent.
AES Solar were therefore delighted to contribute to ‘I Design Future’ earlier this year. This was a Highland wide competition to engage youngsters with electric vehicles (EVs).
The competition was available to both primary and secondary school children. Consequently, this resulted in primary school pupils submitting designs for ‘Zippy Zoe’. The Highland Council EV seen around the Highlands promoting a low carbon future. Furthermore, the secondary school competition involved designing the branding for the EV charging infrastructure.
Anna Myeshkova, Electric Vehicle Officer (Climate Change Team) launched the competition. “Increased use of EVs is an important response to the current climate and ecological emergency. Involving and educating pupils to take part in this EV initiative is an important step in the fight against climate change.”
STEM Ambassador Keith Esson (foreground) and AES Solar
Modern Apprentice Jordan Steele
Bright Sparks
AES Solar have staff who are STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Ambassadors. The Ambassadors strive to inspire young people to take up STEM subjects and careers. They act as both mentor and role model to advertise the opportunities available. We saw the opportunity to offer a prize that involved donating our time, skills and expertise.
For the winning primary schools, we gifted four 12-in-1 solar power robot toys. We also offered the opportunity to host a science event at the winning school. This would have a heavy focus on renewable technology and solar power. For the secondary school, we gifted a SunPower solar-powered backpack. This backpack has a built-in battery and charging point. This is perfect for charging a mobile device on the go! We also offered our expertise to host a solar power science workshop in the winning school. Work experience or a remote mentorship opportunity was also made available.
Future in Safe Hands
AES Solar’s Managing Director, George Goudsmit and Commercial Director, Jamie Di Sotto were invited to the prize-giving. Here they had a chance to meet the winning pupils and present the prizes.
George Goudsmit said: “It’s been a real honour to sponsor this competition. Above all, I’ve enjoyed seeing the creations of children come to life. I hope taking part in these competitions will further inspire the younger generation. They should feel involved and enthusiastic about fighting climate change. The future is in safe hands with creativity and imagination like this at the helm!”
Sponsoring this competition appealed to our fundamental values as a renewable energy company. Electric vehicles and solar power go hand in hand. Both have environmental and economic benefits alike. Coupled with our unrivalled solar experience, we can create the ideal EV charging solution for you. Let us get you on the road to a sustainable future!
Founded in 1979, AES Solar quickly established themselves within the growing solar power market. Today we are the oldest manufacturer of solar thermal collectors in Western Europe. Celebrating over 40 years of working in the renewables sector, we now offer solar photovoltaic, EV and battery solutions alongside solar thermal. The last 40 years are just the beginning and the future of solar is bright