Science Skills Academy launches new Green Skills module for Highland secondary schools
21st January 2026
Secondary pupils across Highland are being offered new Green Skills learning with a ground-breaking module from the Science Skills Academy.
Developed as part of Green Skills Pathway - Highland, with funding from SSE Renewables' Highland Sustainable Development Fund (SDF), Green Skills is designed for S1 and S2 pupils. It will begin rolling out in January and bookings are now opento schools.
In a hands-on session, pupils step into the shoes of a project team tasked with planning a new water pipeline for a hospital development - giving them a real taste of the skills industry needs today and in the future.
Jennifer Banks, SSA Senior STEM Engagement Officer, said:
"Pupils will work alongside our STEM engagement officers to explore the skills that shape major infrastructure projects. They'll discover how environmental science, engineering and project planning all come together in large-scale construction.
It's a fantastic introduction to what green jobs look like in practice."
Delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, SSA brings STEM to life through inspiring, practical learning experiences for young people across the region.
As well as all the benefits of team-building and communications skills, the new Green Skills module includes activities such as rock and soil sampling, water testing, species identification and carbon calculations. Teams consider environmental impact, cost planning and community benefit before building a scale pipeline and presenting their final pitch.
Sarah Marshall, senior community investment manager at SSE Renewables commented: "It's great to support a programme that brings green skills to life for young people. This module shows pupils that STEM isn’t just theory, it’s something used every day to solve real problems and deliver important projects.
It encourages young people to build skills early, broaden their horizons and see how they can shape their future here in the Highlands."
The Green Skills Pathway - Highland is delivered by SSA, Young Enterprise Scotland, and Primary Engineer. Together they are offering learning programmes from nursery to teacher training.
