ScottishPower’s Chief Corporate Officer Keith Anderson met with teachers and pupils at Lesmahagow High School last week, just before the end of term, as part of the nationwide ‘Speakers for Schools’ events.
Founded by Robert Peston, the award-winning journalist and author, Speakers for Schools is a not-for-profit online network of voluntary speakers dedicated to giving back to schools through free and inspiring talks for students.
Keith Anderson talked about his leadership experience, as well as discussing his background and the responsibilities he faces in his current roles as Chief Corporate Officer of ScottishPower, and CEO of ScottishPower Renewables.
Other prominent figures from politics, business, arts and media have also agreed to take part in the Speakers for Schools programme around the country, including Prime Minister David Cameron and former First Minister Alex Salmond.
Keith Anderson said: “I really enjoyed meeting and talking to the pupils and teachers at Lesmahagow High School. The pupils are on the verge of some major life decisions, and I hope that one or two may have been inspired to perhaps think about a career in energy. Our industry is looking to invest billions of pounds in the coming years, which will create thousands of jobs, and we will need a new generation of skilled workers who can help us deliver these projects.
“The pupils and staff really enjoyed meeting Keith” explained Graham Parry, Deputy Head Teacher of Lesmahagow High School who helped organise the event, “He offered them invaluable advice and support, focusing on their career plans, the importance of building an impressive CV and networking. It was inspiring for our students to listen to a successful Scottish businessman, as well as learn about developments in the energy market, particularly renewable energy. The school really appreciated Keith’s willingness to support and foster an ongoing relationship with the school and Lesmahagow are proud to call Scottish Power one of our new business partners. We would like to thanks Speakers for School and Keith for offering Lesmaghagow this opportunity and we look forward to working with Scottish Power in the future.”
Speakers for Schools is an independent UK charity launched in 2011, providing state secondary schools and colleges talks from a range of industry leading professionals and academics, free of charge. The network currently consists of 850 speakers who donate their time to go into state schools and speak about their background and area of expertise, providing stimulating sessions for students through a talk. The charity works with schools in England, Scotland and Wales and has had over 2,500 schools apply to date.