Pembrokeshire is on the cusp of a transformative energy revolution, poised to reshape not only the local employment landscape but also extend its influence far beyond its borders. As we embark on this exciting journey towards a sustainable future, green energy skills clusters are forecasting a remarkable surge in local employment opportunities in south west Wales. The Port of Milford Haven projects the current energy sector surrounding the Waterway could support 8,000 Welsh jobs by 2030,, with plans for Celtic Sea floating offshore wind having the potential to create 10,000 new jobs across the region by 2050.  If this generational opportunity is to be realised educators and training providers will play a pivotal role in preparing learners.

These opportunities also bring challenges, as the demand for skilled workers will be more than Pembrokeshire can supply. Females are still hugely underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) based industries and gender disparity continues to perpetuate stereotyping and contributes to the UK gender pay gap. In response to these issues RWE Renewables, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Port of Milford Haven and Ledwood Engineering have joined forces to collaborate with Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College to create a careers initiative called SPARC, helping to inspire a new and more diverse workforce in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “It important we inspire young people to develop their STEM skills and consider future careers in renewable energy.  Women are under-represented in this sector, particularly in engineering. That’s why I’m so pleased that initiatives such as SPARC are enabling young people, especially girls, to discover the amazing opportunities available to them in this emerging employment sector.”

Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven, added “We are delighted to be part of this new careers initiative, SPARC. As the UK leading energy port, we’re committed to creating opportunities for the next generation and we are eager to see greater diversity in the workforce. Pembrokeshire is making strides towards an energy revolution and its essential we support our young people to gain the skills to be able to succeed.” 

Find out how your business can support this engagement in Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools and College by contacting Hayley Williams, 07971 123464 or email h.williams@pembrokeshire.ac.uk.

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Photo caption: Dr Mark Picton, RWE Renewables, David Jones, Blue Gem Wind, Sara Jones, Floventis Energy, Naomi Bowen, Blue Gem Wind, Jess Turfery RWE Renewables, Vidette Swales, Port of Milford Haven, Ben Williams, RWE, Mark Davies, Ledwood Engineering; SPARC is also supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College.

Notes to Editors

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas.  It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.

The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.

The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites. 

One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities.  Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes.  All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives. 

For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:

Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk