Hands‑on hydrogen learning for the next generation

Last month, we joined more than 100 students for the STEMOVATORS Aberdeen Hydrogen School Challenge Finals at Hydrasun’s Hydrogen Skills Academy. It was an energetic day packed with problem‑solving, teamwork, and some incredibly creative engineering.

Across the full programme, more than 700 pupils from nine Aberdeen schools took part in hydrogen workshops, designing and racing LEGO vehicles powered by real hydrogen fuel cells. Their challenge - build the car that could travel the furthest on a single tank of hydrogen.

A big day for My Energy Future Champions

This event wasn’t only about the students; it marked the first official appearance for two of OPITO’s new My Energy Future (MEF) Champions, Cynthia and Jennifer.

For them, this event was exactly what the MEF programme is all about:

• supporting young people
• showing real engineering in action
• proving there is no single pathway into the energy industry

MEF Champion Cynthia delivered an inspiring career talk to the students, sharing her own journey into project engineering, the twists, the discoveries, and the moments that shaped her direction. Her message was simple and powerful - Stay curious. Ask questions. And say yes to opportunities.

What the students told us

The challenge clearly made an impact. From the full programme:

• 95% enjoyed taking part
• 81% said they grew their teamwork and problem‑solving skills
• 59% left more interested in hydrogen careers 

One pupil put it perfectly:

“I came in tired and left amazed. It really opened my eyes to how green energy can be used.”

When young people get the chance to build, test and experiment, engineering becomes real, not just something in a textbook.

Why events like this matter

Hydrogen is a fast‑growing part of the energy mix. The students who competed may one day become hydrogen technicians, design engineers or safety specialists. Giving them early access to STEM experiences builds confidence and shows what’s possible.

And for our Champions, this was the first step in what will become a year of supporting schools, communities and young people around the world.

Next steps

If you’re a young energy professional and want to inspire others, build new skills and open doors you didn’t know existed, you can apply to join the My Energy Future Champions Programme.