Young ambassadors shine on screen as careers inspiration rewarded by Humber Marine & Renewables

Director and sponsor, Lee Blanchard, left, congratulates Sam Hunt, right, and Ollie Harrison, for their efforts as part of Humber Marine & Renewables’ Young Ambassadors programme. 

Budding filmmakers intrigued by the region’s role in renewables have been rewarded as part of an initiative to introduce young ambassadors to the sector.

Students from Hull have had their efforts celebrated after a call for inspirational videos was put out by trade body Humber Marine and Renewables. Several short films were submitted with judges selecting the best as part of a competition.

Wyke College A-level student Sam Hunt, 17, was awarded the first prize, £250 of Amazon vouchers, with Ollie Harrison and Alan Bajgot, also from Wyke, runners-up – alongside Jack Hall from Wilberforce College. Both received £50.

Judges were particularly impressed with how the winning video connected the work of Humber Marine & Renewables to the region’s economy, identity and future growth, while encouraging peers to invest time in understanding the wide range of careers available.

Sam, who is studying Media, English Language and Graphic Design, said: “It was quite a long process, but I stuck with it and I’m very proud of myself.  I’m debating career options within the media industry, but planning this project has given me an insight into renewables, and there are roles suited to that there too.”

Ollie is looking at the maritime industry or the RAF, having studied at Trinity House.

Jack, who was not able to attend the presentation, has already had his work used professionally. His monologue to camera was shot in the same style as Ed Miliband’s 2025 video address to HM&R’s Offshore Wind Connections conference and exhibition. Such was the similarity, but from the opposite end of the spectrum, compere and fellow HM&R director, Dave Laister, chose to feature it as the focus of his opening remarks.

The programme has been led by HM&R stakeholder manager Dave Dawson, supported by funding from Maritime UK. He said the level of engagement and quality of entries received was extremely positive, “reflecting the fantastic support being provided across our schools and education partners”. A total of 13,000 students aged between 16 and 19 were introduced to the programme, with the section of the Humber Marine & Renewables website recording 4,500 hits.

The presentation was held at sponsor Rix Renewables’ head office at Humber Quays, looking out over the Energy Estuary. Lee Blanchard, director, said: “A huge well done to everyone who participated, especially the three shortlisted entries. It is always fantastic to see young people fully engaging with projects like this and showcasing such enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism.”

Humber Marine & Renewables would like to thank Carl Southcoat at HEY Growth Hub and Nick Keen and Sara Fletcher at East Riding of Yorkshire Council for their support, as well as Steve Gowans at Wilberforce College, Adam Coles at Wyke College and Dave West and James McNamara at DN Colleges Group.