We have partnered with Fuel Change to ensure that local organisations benefit fully from the transition to Net Zero.

The partnership - which will be modelled on the Fuel Change Challenge - will engage the skills and talent of the next generation in the South of Scotland.

What is the Challenge?

• The challenge aims to encourage the development of new, innovative, and Net Zero solutions.
• These solutions hold the potential both to alleviate and address the problems being faced by many organisations, and maximise the potential from decarbonisation, whilst also showcasing the south of Scotland as a leader of this change.
• In addition to this, the SOSE Challenge provides an opportunity for businesses, charities and other organisations in the south of Scotland to network and collaborate, which will help to create a more integrated and connected workforce.
• It will also identify and develop young talent, providing the next generation of the south of Scotland with the opportunity for significant personal and career development.

Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero of South of Scotland Enterprise

“There is no more important challenge than climate change, from the South of Scotland to the rest of the world. In addition, though, there is a huge upside to be gained by decarbonisation.

“We want to encourage organisations from all sectors to get involved and put forward teams of graduates and apprentices to address real industry problems.

"This will enable our next generation of workers to develop new skills to demonstrate their talent in problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking and resilience.”

Jennifer Tempany, Chief Operating Officer of Fuel Change

“Most organisations see achieving net zero as important rather than urgent. As a cost rather than a benefit. We need to change that, and South of Scotland Enterprise is ahead of the game in recognising that.

“The everyday younger people working in organisations across the south of Scotland are the ones who need to be the change. They don’t want to stop the world and get off - they want to change the world so they can stay on.

“Our Fuel Change Challenges are a small but important piece of that puzzle. From our experience to date, we’ve seen how providing young people with an opportunity such as this can help to unleash their talent and skills, to the major benefit of them and their employer.

"We can’t wait to see what the young people of the South of Scotland achieve.”