- New UK-wide schools programme to spark children's interest in fusion energy and show them the future possibilities of what can be achieved with clean, green energy
- STEP Forward will educate children about the technology and career opportunities for young people in the clean energy sector
- The programme will be key in building a long-term skills pipeline for the STEP fusion power plant, which is expected to create over 8,500 jobs
A new schools programme to inspire the next generation of fusion energy scientists, engineers, technicians and project managers has been launched today (Tuesday, 25 November, 2025) by The University of Sheffield.
The programme, 'STEP Forward', has been developed by the University of Sheffield's Maker {Futures} team to enable and support primary school teachers to deliver sessions across a range of topics which underpin the cutting-edge science and engineering required to develop the UK's infrastructure for fusion energy.
A core pillar of both the Government's £2.5 billion investment into fusion energy and the 2025 Industrial Strategy's Clean Energy Sector Plan, STEP Fusion includes support for the world's first commercial fusion power plant at the site of a former coal power station at West Burton, in Bassetlaw, Nottinghamshire, on the borders of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
The plant is anticipated to generate 8,500 high skilled careers across the supply chain and reinforce the UK's place as a global leader within the sector. The generation of primary school children inspired by STEP Forward today will be entering the workforce as STEP Fusion comes online in 2040.
Children from Worksop Priory Primary Academy and Sparken Hill Primary Academy helped to test out the STEP Forward project activities by taking part in an interactive day at the Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop.
Learning how fusion uses the same process as the sun to create almost limitless energy, the children got hands-on with practical design tasks, coding and creative animation, to develop their curiosity, creativity and problem solving skills, and show them the future possibilities of what can be achieved with clean, green energy.
We are bringing together engineers at the cutting edge of sustainable energy production, with children and young people across the region to educate, enthuse and inspire the future generations that will power our nation.
"Following the launch, the programme toolkit will be made available to all schools in the UK in the new year, helping to build a long-term skills pipeline to provide opportunities for our young people for the careers of the future. By engaging children and young people today, the project aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow, full of creative thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers who can play a key role in the UK's clean energy transition.
Dr Alison Buxton
STEP Forward project lead and Senior Innovation Fellow at the University of Sheffield
STEP Forward will initially be trialled in 21 primary schools across the Bassetlaw region of north Nottinghamshire and made available to primary schools across the UK from February 2026. It is supported by Bassetlaw District Council, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) and is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineers Ingenious Scheme.
Caroline Wood, Interim Head of Skills at UKAEA, said: "Getting fusion into the classroom is crucial if we are to encourage more young people to consider working in the sector in the future. This starts at primary schools, where children can be inspired by clean energy technology and concepts. But primary school teachers also need support to deliver sessions, and we are very grateful to the University of Sheffield for working with UKAEA and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) to develop STEP Forward, and to the Royal Academy of Engineering for its support. This project can have a significant impact and we're looking forward to seeing it develop."
Debbie Kempton, STEP Director of Engineering Programme at UKIFS, said: "With this region set to become a globally significant hub for fusion and for clean energy technology in the future, today's primary school children will be the next generation of engineers, scientists, project managers, and technicians at STEP Fusion. Now is a really exciting time to get involved in science and engineering as these technologies will change the world, right here on your doorstep.
"Our teams are meeting with people all across the region, particularly young people - from primary school right up to PhD students - to sow the seeds of opportunity. We're hosting school assemblies and engagement events, interactive workshops, academic studies, careers events and much more, trying to reach as many people as possible."
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Bassetlaw District Council said: "This is an amazing opportunity for children and young people, as well as educators, to contribute to the significant impact that fusion energy and STEP Fusion is going to have on our region over the coming years.
"I'm delighted that the pilot for this national project is taking place in Bassetlaw where the benefit of STEP Forward could be felt the most. I am grateful to all partners involved and look forward to future generations being part of one of the most exciting and inspirational projects of our time."
Through STEP Forward, the University of Sheffield and its partners are not only supporting the UK's energy transition but also empowering local communities to take part in shaping a sustainable future.
