We recently had the pleasure of hosting Ben, a talented T-level student from Bede Academy, for a four-week work placement at Kinewell Energy. As our Software Testing & Rollout Assistant, Ben supported the development and promotion of EduKLOC, our schools version of KLOC – our state-of-the-art AI-based software that optimises cable layout design for offshore wind farms.
Ben’s placement was focused on inspiring students in STEM subjects and showcasing career opportunities in AI, digital technologies, and the net-zero transition sectors. His responsibilities ranged from platform testing and user experience enhancement to creating engaging promotional materials and researching user engagement strategies.
We asked Ben about his experience at Kinewell:
What did you do at Kinewell?
During my time at Kinewell, I have completed a range of tasks, all of which have helped me to develop many different skills, all of which will help me in the future within the engineering sector. I have mainly been responsible for testing the new EduKLOC software, suggesting improvements and finding issues to help with the final development of the software. Aside from this, I have been designing and creating social media posts, step-by-step tutorials, information guides and blogs surrounding EduKLOC.
What did you enjoy?
My work placement at Kinewell has been extremely useful; I have been able to experience working as a team, and see the innovative work first-hand that Kinewell are doing to help reach our net-zero goals, as well as bridging the skills gap within the sector. I have enjoyed working as a part of the team, who have all made me feel like a valued member, and have always been kind to me, taking my ideas to account, and allowing me to truly be a part of the EduKLOC project.
What do you think of Kinewell as a company to work for?
Kinewell has been a joy to work for, their agile working system has allowed me to manage a healthy balance between my work and social life, whilst still getting everything I needed to complete. The people on the team have always been very helpful, giving up their time for me to ensure I was on track, and knew what I was doing throughout the entire placement.
What do you think of what Kinewell are doing for the offshore wind industry?
The work Kinewell are doing for the offshore industry is fantastic. Firstly, giving young people like me the opportunity to learn more about the sector through real-life experience is vital to closing the skills gap. The webinars they offer to those in the industry to learn more about it’s importance, and the ways in which it can be developed, giving up their own time to teach others is inspiring. Their solutions to issues found in the sector, such as lowering costs and lead times has been fantastic to learn more about, and the innovative work they continue to do will surely make a huge impact within the offshore wind industry.
Has the placement made you think differently about your career plans?
Working at Kinewell has definitely helped inform me where I would like to work in the future. Some of the work I have completed during my time on placement here I wouldn’t have considered doing as a career in future, especially since I didn’t have the skills needed to do so. After a month of working here, I have learned many skills that will aid me in my future career, and gained a larger understanding of how the industry works, all of which has hugely benefited me.
Kinewell’s commitment to skills development
We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators. We regularly support regional universities with research projects, and by hosting university internship students – over the last 3 years we have hosted 6 interns across a range of subjects. Ben’s placement marks a milestone for Kinewell Energy as our first T-level student. His exceptional performance has not only contributed to our projects but also reinforced our commitment to nurturing young talent in the renewable energy sector. We’re thrilled with the success of this initial placement and look forward to offering similar opportunities to more T-level students in the future. Our sincere thanks go to Ben for his dedication and valuable input during his time with us. As he moves forward in his educational and professional journey, we wish him the very best and have no doubt he’ll achieve great things in his career.
