Students quiz on radio

High school students are set to be tested on what they know about the energy industry in a bid to engage future employees of the sector

The High Energy Schools Challenge, an annual quiz event based on knowledge of the industry, which has a major presence in the region, is being run by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR).

But while in previous years it has involved schools only from the Yarmouth and Lowestoft areas, the competition is now drawing in schools from across Norfolk and north Suffolk.

Its final is to be filmed in Norwich in a University Challenge-style show hosted by television and radio presenter Helen McDermott. Heats are already under way and some of them - and the final, on April 29 - are to be broadcast on radio stations the Beach, North Norfolk Radio and Radio Norwich.

The final, with teams of four students, will be recorded at the Epic television studios in Magdalen Street, Norwich.

Students have the chance to win £500 for the winning school, with £250 each for two runners-up.

They will be tested on their energy knowledge as well as on general knowledge, entertainment, music and sport.

John Sewell, operations manager of Yarmouth-based oil and gas company Perenco, which is sponsoring the programme, said the energy issue was now so important that the message should be spread further afield.

“The energy industry is not just about Yarmouth,” he said.

“We have the largest terminal in the UK at Bacton and Norwich is a major hub for the sector.

“We're delighted to give the event our support and the main aim is to get local schools to understand more about energy.

“You can ask many people in the Bacton area about what goes on offshore and they do not know, so this is an education and also a way of interesting young people in possible careers in the industry. We are part of the Skills for Energy partnership and we are aiming both at attracting young people and retraining some older ones.”