Riding the wave
Celebrating 10 years of Coastal Energy internships and securing a sustainable future for the programme.
Published: 7 November 2025
This year we are celebrating a decade of successful projects and placements for Coastal Energy Internships. Yesterday, almost 100 people from across East Anglia came to OrbisEnergy in Lowestoft to celebrate the successes and to look ahead to the future.
In the summer of 2016, four sixth form students in East Anglia completed an internship – a 20-day work placement that gave them a meaningful insight into STEM careers in their local energy sector. There have now been more than 250 placements in East Anglia, with more than 70 companies involved.
As the programme has grown, we have seen that community connections and regional energy sector networks can leverage the most meaningful engagement and opportunities for local students, and we are pleased to announce that leadership of the Coastal Energy programme in East Anglia has now been handed over to the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) – a trade body representing the energy sector and its supply chain in the region.
Read our report – Coastal Energy Internships: celebrating 10 years
“The local community aspect is a real strength of the programme,” says Clare Harvey, Chief Executive of the Trust. “EEEGR is a vital and vibrant energy sector hub for the region; they understand the challenges and the specific local needs, and they are committed to skills development.
“With EEEGR leading the programme, the Coastal Energy Internships are in safe hands. I am sure they will continue to grow and develop to best meet the needs of the region, and we will be championing the cause in the background.”
John Best has been instrumental in the success of the Coastal Energy programme, and he will continue as a lead consultant, building on his extensive experience and connections in the energy sector.
“I have been fortunate to have had the support and funding of The Ogden Trust in driving the Coastal Energy Internship programme,” says John. “I know that under the stewardship of EEEGR we will be able to continue to make a real difference.”
“I have always said that growing the talent pipeline is not someone else’s job. It’s our job,” continues John. “These internships provide a wonderful way for young people to gain experience in the world of work through an applied and meaningful project. We are seeing previous interns now building thriving careers both within and beyond the energy sector.”
“Coastal Energy Internships will be a vital part of our Skills for Energy programme,” says Kevin Keable, Chair of EEEGR. “We want to start working with young people from school age right through their careers and internships provide a perfect introduction.”
“The programme is already really important to this region,” continues Kevin. “So many companies get involved and students who maybe didn’t have any idea that the energy industry was even on their doorstep – they are learning about companies, they are learning about the industry, and they are thinking maybe this could be a career for me. We are looking forward to leading and growing the programme.”
“It is incredible to see what these interns can achieve in just 20 days – projects that are making a real and valuable contribution to the host organisations, who in turn provide a wealth of advice and experience to the interns. Connecting industry and education, and building knowledge of local opportunities and career pathways, is so important. It can provide a foundation of skills and networks that can support young people on their journey into higher education or into the workplace.”
Ed Ogden, Trustee, The Ogden Trust
About the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR)
EEEGR (https://eeegr.com/) is a trade body representing the energy sector and its supply chain in the East of England. Its mission is to be the source of news, knowledge and connections to enable member companies to strategically grow their businesses. Skills for Energy is one of their core programmes, with the main goal of ensuring ongoing diversity and volume of skilled individuals to support the current and future needs of the energy sector in the east.