Winter Enerhack Camp – this time for girls only
During the first week of this year, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) hosted the Enerhack Camp, specifically designed for girls this time. The winter camp focuses on encouraging girls to explore the fields of technology and energy, breaking the stereotype that these are male-dominated areas, and inspiring them to shape a future of their own in these industries.
Approximately 300 children aged 7–18 participated in the camp. Over the course of the event, they experienced a diverse program, including lectures on energy-related topics, practical insights from company representatives, and motivational talks. To balance the theoretical sessions, each day offered hands-on workshops, chess lessons, and engaging orienteering activities to keep the atmosphere lively and interactive.
Adven contributed with a practical lecture, led by our Energy Solutions Project Manager Kerli Kaelep and Environmental and Quality Manager Merilin Kalmaru. The session captivated the children’s interest, and many questions were asked.
Questions about fuels and heat solutions
Their excitement peaked when they learned about our client portfolio, which includes spas, shopping centers, and industries. This provided a better understanding of the variety of buildings we supply with energy beyond district heating. Children were curious about topics like the amount of fuel needed to keep a spa warm and whether we are paid to supply heat to buildings. They also wondered if there are situations where maintaining heat supply is a challenge.
The girls were interested in the fuels brought along to the lecture, sparking discussions about which could produce more energy: shale oil or biomass options like pellets, firewood, and woodchips.
Providing inspiration to future talents
Our lecturers Kerli Kaelep and Merilin Kalmaru explained what Adven does, the nature of energy, the types of fuels used, how heat is produced in boiler houses, how it is delivered to consumers, and what solutions are implemented to ensure environmental sustainability. Kerli and Merilin also shared their personal career journeys, providing inspiration for future talents.
Kerli Kaelep reflected on her choice of career: “Energy topics had already caught my attention, but in the 10th grade, when I had to write about my future plans, my interest in energy deepened. I read about various energy sources and learned that energy could be provided from sea waves, and that even waste is a valuable fuel for producing electricity and heat. This sparked my interest to study energy.”
“I’m happy I had the opportunity to introduce children to the field of thermal energy. Giving the lecture was a very positive experience as the children were highly interested and asked good questions. For example, one student asked how long it would take to heat up a shopping center if it had been unheated for some time. Curiosity is a key attribute in engineering – it drives us to ask questions and find solutions to problems.”
Curiosity drives progress
Merilin Kalmaru also shared her thoughts and career journey:
“At the end of high school, I was torn between studying economics or environmental science, but I chose the latter. Looking back, I’m glad because this field allows me to work across various industries, including energy.”
Reflecting on the Enerhack lecture, she added: “The girls were active and brave of asking questions, and by the end of the lecture, the most intriguing topics had become clearer. Talking to kids always brings a lot of positive energy and reminds us how curiosity about the world around us drives progress. As adults, we tend to forget this.”
We hope our presentation inspired and encouraged the participants, showing them that girls can find their calling in what might seem like a masculine environment.
“We are proud to have dedicated professionals in our company who share their knowledge and experience. At Adven, we have a fantastic opportunity to work with extraordinary people and teams, and passing on our expertise helps everyone improve. Participating in the Enerhack program is a wonderful way for us to contribute to the future by helping young people find their path. Why not inspire them to explore the exciting world of energy?” says Ivi Aluoja, HR Director at Adven.
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