E.ON Next and Veloce Host 'Powering the Future' Panel to Champion Green Careers

Hosted by broadcaster Steph Wentworth, the panel featured racing drivers Jamie Chadwick and Kevin Hansen, alongside Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE, Founder and CEO of EqualEngineers, with input from Sally Lane, Head of People Development at E.ON UK.

The discussion focused on how the energy transition is creating new opportunities across industries and why it is vital that people can engage with, understand and help shape the transition. Drawing on their experience in motorsport, Jamie and Kevin explored how electrification, data and emerging technologies are driving innovation while creating new pathways into STEM and green careers.

Panellists also highlighted the need for a more diverse, future-ready workforce, stressing the importance of apprenticeships, inclusive talent pipelines and cross-sector collaboration to ensure the benefits of the energy transition are accessible to everyone.

Sally Lane, Head of People Development at E.ON said:

“The transition to clean energy is about people as much as it is technology. Through our partnership with Veloce, we're helping bring new energy to life in a way that is engaging, accessible and relevant to new audiences. By showcasing the innovation happening in electrified motorsport and creating conversations around future skills, sustainability and inclusion, we're inspiring the next generation to see themselves as part of the energy transition and the opportunities it creates."

Jamie Chadwick, three-time W Series Champion, said:

“It was fantastic to attend the E.ON Next House and be part of such an important discussion around the intersection of motorsport, energy and policy. Having been involved in motorsport for a number of years, I have already seen significant positive changes within the industry, but I am even more excited about what is still to come.

 It is important that the next generation coming through can see and understand these changes as they happen, rather than after the fact.”

Kevin Hansen, FIA Extreme H World Cup Champion, said:
“It was great to attend the E.ON Next House for the Powering the Future event. My career has already been shaped by developments in sustainability and the shift towards electrification and hydrogen technologies.

"Even within areas of motorsport where combustion engines are still prominent, we are seeing a clear and rapid move towards electrification. It is important to have these conversations about the near future, as sustainability and inclusion are becoming increasingly central, and giving this discussion a wider platform can only help drive progress.”

Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE, Founder and CEO of EqualEngineers, said:

“I really enjoyed contributing to this panel discussion - the conversation touched on a range of topics from diversity in STEM to how motorsports is a source of innovation of modern technologies with some innovations eventually making it through to our cars. I believe that the pull-factor of motorsports with the public is presently an untapped opportunity for showcasing more broadly careers in STEM. This event was one way of doing that.”

The event forms part of E.ON Next and Veloce's wider partnership to bring the energy transition to life for new audiences, using the appeal of motorsport to showcase electrification, inspire future talent and help build a more diverse workforce for the years ahead.

For more information on the opportunities available at E.ON, especially for young people, you can visit the EON Early Career's website