We have a future change-maker in our midst!

James Rae, our Installations Coordinator, was recently awarded a place on Northern Ireland’s first 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers programme.

The 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme is designed to unearth, inspire, and equip 30 leaders under the age of 30 in Northern Ireland. This is accomplished through six prestigious, half-day workshops delivered by internationally renowned thinkers and leaders. At the end of the programme, the top five class members will be offered the opportunity to receive a bursary to pursue their own transformational project. One class member will also get the chance to receive a scholarship to attend the NAAEE Conference later in 2023. Launched for the first time in 2022, the programme was inspired by the North American Association for Environmental Education’s EE 30 under 30 initiative.

The programme is delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Podiem, and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Pacem, Pinsent Masons and Danske Bank.

Because of the impending sustainability changes in our industry, it’s important that we stay abreast of the associated technologies and processes. Specifically having James as our sustainability ‘champion’ at Solv, means we will be educated with the new knowledge, skills and connections he will gain from this programme. As a result, both James and his colleagues will be able to provide relevant and true information to our customers. Ultimately, Solv will stay at the forefront of the changes in the renewables sector, which affect our industry.

At the first couple of workshops, the 2022/23 class heard from leading figures in the economics, tech, finance, banking and legal industries, delivering a wealth of knowledge to the future Change-Makers. In their debut workshop on Finance, Economy & Business, the 30 Under 30 were treated to a masterclass from business and media commentator Justin Urquhart Stewart. Find out what quality he sees in the group by watching this video on YouTube: Workshop One: 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers 2022/23 – YouTube

James is looking forward to continuing to develop his skills to progress Northern Ireland’s call for a stable and fair climate future!