E.ON colleague inspires future innovators with clean energy challenge at Bracken Hill School

As part of E.ON’s Employer Advisor Scheme, Matthew Saxton, Strategic Business Partner in Digital Technology, has been working in partnership with Bracken Hill School in Nottinghamshire to support their SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students. As part of this ongoing collaboration, he recently delivered an interactive clean energy session, helping to build understanding and engagement through a sustained relationship rather than a one-off visit.

With strong roots in Nottingham, E.ON has a long-standing presence in the region and remains committed to supporting local communities and creating opportunities for future talent. Engaging with schools like Bracken Hill is an important part of that commitment, by helping to inspire young people, raise aspirations and demonstrate the wide range of careers available in the energy industry.

The session introduced students to the role energy plays in everyday life and the importance of transitioning to greener solutions. Drawing on E.ON’s ambition to lead the energy transition, Matthew explored how technologies such as wind power, solar energy, heat pumps and electric vehicles are shaping a cleaner future. The activity also connected the school with the EMCCA Careers Hub at East Midlands Combined County Authority, linking students to wider regional careers support and opportunities.

Students were then challenged to think like “playmakers”, a core E.ON mindset, by designing and building their own mini wind turbines or solar ovens. The activity was tailored to be inclusive and engaging, encouraging creativity, teamwork and problem-solving, while ensuring all students could participate and contribute in a way that suited them.

Matthew Saxton, Strategic Business Partner in Digital Technology at E.ON said: “Visiting Bracken Hill School was a fantastic opportunity to bring energy and technology to life for students. It was inspiring to see them embrace the challenge, think creatively and work together to solve real-world problems. At E.ON, being a playmaker is about making a positive difference — and these students really demonstrated that mindset.”

The project also brought a global perspective into the classroom, building on the school’s established relationship with volunteers who have spent time in Malawi and previous learning about life there. Students were challenged to think about how renewable energy solutions could support communities in countries such as Malawi, where access to electricity can be limited and traditional cooking methods can pose health and environmental challenges, helping them connect their existing knowledge to real-world applications.

Michaela Gregory, Careers Lead at Bracken Hill School, said: “It has been fantastic to work with E.ON on this project. The presentation has introduced our students to both a range of jobs in the energy sector and to thinking about more sustainable use of our resources. This direct involvement has really inspired our students, and getting to present their findings to you at the end of the week has kept them focussed and motivated.”

This initiative reflects E.ON’s wider commitment to supporting education, powering the workforce of tomorrow, and making a positive difference in the communities it serves. By connecting colleagues with schools, the Enterprise Advisor Scheme helps bridge the gap between education and industry, giving young people insight into future pathways and the skills needed for adult life. In a SEND setting, it also plays an important role in inspiring students to feel confident in their own abilities and to recognise that they can make a positive difference in the world around them.

Through initiatives like this, E.ON continues to empower young people, support education, and play an active role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future workforce.