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In this issue of “The Good Stuff”, the GE Vernova Foundation marks a milestone as the first Staffordshire students begin the ‘Engineers of Change’ Program.
STAFFORDSHIRE, UK — The GE Vernova Foundation recently celebrated the official launch of Engineers of Change in Staffordshire, with the first students beginning programming this week. The launch event brought together GE Vernova leadership, local officials, and community partners to highlight the program’s role in creating a pipeline for future innovators who will build a more sustainable energy future.
First announced in April 2026, Engineers of Change is a three-year, $4.5 million initiative in two locations – Staffordshire, UK, and Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. In Staffordshire alone, the program aims to reach 3,000 students. By bringing engineering to life through hands-on learning, real-world design challenges, and direct mentorship from industry professionals, the program aims to ignite curiosity and confidence in students ages 13–18.
“Meeting the world’s growing energy needs will require not only breakthrough technology, but people — bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and next-generation leaders,” said Kristin Carvell, President, GE Vernova Foundation and Chief Communications Officer, GE Vernova. “Our goal with Engineers of Change is to teach young people in Staffordshire more about this exciting career path and the purpose and impact that comes along with it and inspire them to pursue a career in engineering.”
The programme delivers two core experiences:
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- Engineering Spark: Introduces students ages 13–14 to engineering through dynamic, hands-on learning led by GE Vernova volunteers.
- Engineering Catalyst: An immersive, two-year program for students ages 15–18 featuring design challenges and career readiness workshops designed to equip students with the skills to pursue engineering. Students who complete the program and enroll in an eligible engineering degree or apprenticeship will receive a partial scholarship from the GE Vernova Foundation.
“Nothing shapes a career like early, hands-on exposure to real-world work,” said Martin McCluskey, Minister for Local Energy and Jobs. “Through its Engineers of Change program, the GE Vernova Foundation will help young people access the hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs being created across the country.”
With more than 130 years of history in the UK, GE Vernova operates three electrification manufacturing sites in Staffordshire, including the country’s only large-scale grid manufacturing facility. GE Vernova is making significant investments in the area to expand capacity and reinforce Staffordshire’s role as a critical hub for the production of electrification technologies.
Engineers of Change is delivered in collaboration with the Staffordshire-based The Inspirational Learning Group and the global nonprofit FHI 360, ensuring that programming is aligned with local workforce needs. Through this collaboration, the GE Vernova Foundation continues to put its purpose, The Energy to Change the World, into practice.
“We’re delighted to work with the GE Vernova Foundation to inspire the next generation of engineers in Staffordshire,” said Ben Dyer, Co-Founder, The Inspirational Learning Group. “This program gives young people a fantastic opportunity to experience engineering first-hand, learn directly from industry professionals and develop the skills and confidence to explore future careers in the energy sector.”
Learn more about Engineers of Change.
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