This latest round of funding will support four fantastic projects helping hundreds of young people gain practical experience in areas ranging from coding and robotics to renewable energy, environmental construction, radio and broadcasting.
One of the projects being supported through this round is Youth Radio Training and Broadcast – North Norfolk, delivered by Poppyland Community Radio, which has been awarded £23,350 through the Hornsea 3 Skills Fund.
The two-year programme will provide hands-on radio production training for young people across North Norfolk, helping them develop practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and digital media skills through real-world broadcasting experiences. Participants will learn how to use microphones, mixers and recording equipment, gain experience in audio editing and content creation, and develop transferable skills including communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
Working with schools and youth groups across the area, the project is expected to reach around 500 children and young people, with participants contributing content to a new youth-led stream on Poppyland Radio.
Poppyland Community Radio operates from studios in Northrepps and considers its core catchment area to be around a 15-mile radius, serving communities across North Norfolk. However, it is internet-based so listeners across the world can tune in. It is based in the Poppyland Ward of North Norfolk.
William Wilson, Director at Poppyland Community Radio, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 Skills Fund for supporting this project. The award will enable us to bring radio production training to schools and youth groups across North Norfolk, helping young people develop valuable digital and communication skills while creating a new youth-led stream on Poppyland Radio. We can't wait to hear the next generation of local voices on air.”
Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Senior Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager, said:
“Our Skills Funds are designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence and aspirations they need for the future. This latest round of Hornsea 3 funding supports a fantastic range of projects that bring STEM subjects to life through hands-on learning, creativity and innovation. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects have on young people and communities across our fund areas.”
Alongside Poppyland, the skills fund also awarded funds to:
College of West Anglia – Constructionarium, Bircham Newton – Anglia Zero Project (£25,000)
This project will provide 17 construction students with a unique five-day immersive learning experience at Constructionarium in Bircham Newton. Students will work in teams to construct a simulated offshore floating wind turbine connected to a house, applying STEM and construction skills in a realistic site environment that mirrors the renewable energy sector.
Crea Norfolk CIC – King's Lynn Coding and Robotics Club (£11,599)
The project will deliver 60 coding and robotics sessions for around 120 young people aged 7 to 25 in King's Lynn. Participants will explore robotics, coding, environmental monitoring and renewable energy technologies while developing STEM skills, confidence and friendships in an inclusive environment.
Energy in the East of England (EEEGR) – Mobile STEM Kits Library (£20,000)
The project will create a mobile library of hands-on STEM kits covering topics including renewable energy, hydrogen, electricity generation, environmental monitoring and seabed surveying. The kits, complete with lesson plans and teacher training, will be loaned to 30–40 schools across Norfolk and Suffolk, reaching over 1,500 students and helping connect classroom learning with careers in the region's growing energy sector.
The Skills Funds are delivered by Ørsted and administered by GrantScape. They support projects that encourage participation in STEM subjects and help develop the skills needed for future careers in growing sectors, including renewable energy, engineering, technology and digital industries.
For more information about Ørsted’s Skills Funds, visit: