Education
Inspiring our next generation renewable workforce
Building a sustainable and net zero future depends on the next generation of skilled, innovative, and ambitious individuals.
Educating and inspiring a regional labour work force will ensure that communities realise the economic, social and environmental benefit of Gwynt Glas and other floating wind projects for years to come.
The Gwynt Glas team have been working on a number of education, skills and outreach activities, including: school visits, sponsoring extra and super curricular educational events, and developing a Extended Project Qualification Level 3 programme called ‘Destination Renewables‘ in partnership with Pembrokeshire College.
Destination Renewables
“Inspiring and educating the future green energy workforce.”
A pioneering 2-year initiative, readies 16-18 year-olds with a Level 3 EPQ, which inspires and educates them on the growing renewable energy sector. The programme has been developed by lead partners: Pembrokeshire College, EDF Renewables, and DP Energy, and is underpinned through the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent programme.
The course covers a variety of renewable technologies and highlights the diverse career paths needed in the industry. During the pilot year (2022-2023), the program engaged 90+ learners through sessions delivered as seminars, workshops, and site visits, showcasing opportunities and skills required in the industry. Further match funding has been secured for Destination Renewables which is now in the phase 2 of developing the programme.
A groundbreaking initiative
Destination Renewables has been tailored to inspire a skilled green energy workforce for the expanding renewable energy sector. Designed as a comprehensive 2-year program, the course is geared towards 16-18 year-olds, offering Level 3 learners studying engineering, business, construction, or A Levels, a valuable EPQ qualification.
Pioneered and developed by lead partners Pembrokeshire College, EDF Renewables UK, and DP Energy, Destination Renewables is underpinned by the Skills and Talent program of the Swansea Bay City Deal, jointly funded by both the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment.
The programme delves into various renewable technologies like wave, tidal, onshore and offshore wind, solar power and energy storage. It not only introduces students to the project development lifecycle in the renewable energy sector, but also highlights the diverse career paths within the industry. The initiative strategically connects students with potential future employers, showcasing to them the ocean of opportunities that currently exist in the renewable energy sector.
Engaged with over 90 learners
Throughout the programme’s pilot year which was delivered in Pembrokeshire College, with the contribution from industry experts, Destination Renewables engaged with over 90 learners in a variety of activities, including theatre sessions, seminars, workshops, and site visits.
In 2022 the initiative secured the prestigious ‘Offshore Wind Energy Skills Award’ at Renewable UK’s Global Offshore Wind Awards, earning recognition for its role in shaping the industry’s future workforce. In the same year the programme was also recognised by the Wales STEM Awards and shortlisted for ‘Education Programme of the Year’.
Destination Renewables Course Development
Following the recognition received by the pilot programme, additional funding was awarded by the Skills and Talent Programme of the Swansea Bay City Deal to continue with programme development. Lead partners, in collaboration with Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, are developing the course content which will enable other colleges to roll-out the programme to benefit many more students and attract new talent to the renewable sector.
If you would like to get involved with the programme, please contact Pembrokeshire College in the first instance.
Destination Renewables is underpinned by the skills and talent programme of the Swansea Bay City Deal, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment
Skills Competition Wales
In February 2022, Gwynt Glas sponsored the first Renewable Energy Skills Competition Wales at Pembrokeshire College. Around 30 students from Welsh colleges formed teams to create innovative renewable energy solutions for a fictional coastal island dependent on old diesel generators. Industry experts set the scene and shaped the challenge, and throughout the day DP Energy/Gwynt Glas consultants provided guidance to the ambitious Welsh learners. The day ended with the teams presenting their innovative energy solutions to a panel of expert judges with years of industry knowledge and experience behind them.
Seren
SEREN, a Welsh Government initiative, empowers the brightest state-educated learners to reach their academic potential by offering extra-curricular and super-curricular activities, enhancing their education and ambitions. In collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council, Gwynt Glas organized and sponsored a workshop for SEREN learners from three counties across Wales. The VR experience put them in the shoes of a windfarm developer introducing them to the challenges associated with building an offshore wind farm.
Gwynt Glas is linking in with specialist education programmes and supporting Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, The Darwin Centre and Careers Wales with primary and secondary school outreach activity.
British Science Week
In celebration of British Science Week, the Gwynt Glas team held workshops in Haverfordwest High School with 75 year 8 students demonstrating the environmental, economic and social importance of renewable energy to the local region.
Education & Research
Pilot Program Delivery Partners
