Destination Renewables, a bilingual, award winning education programme developed by lead partners: Pembrokeshire College, EDF Renewables UK, DP Energy and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, is celebrating the roll out of the industry led course at two additional further education colleges, with further interest in the roll out.
In addition to the programme’s expansion, the event – attended by learners, education, and industry professionals – also celebrated the recent announcements that the programme has been shortlisted for a Global Offshore Wind Award and two Wales STEM Awards
The course, which prepares 16–18-year-olds with a Level 3 Extended Project Qualification has been adopted by Neath Port Talbot College, and Falmouth Marine School, for the new academic year.
This rollout comes as a result of a successful pilot programme undertaken at Pembrokeshire College, with over 110 learners engaged in the programme since its launch in 2022. A key aspect of the programme is the collaboration between industry and academia to bridge the skills gap and showcase the diverse careers available.
To date, 45 delivery partner companies from across the sector, and over 62 talented professionals, have delivered sessions to inspire, showcase opportunities, and provide expert insight into the skills required within the renewable energy industry.
Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty Engineering, Computing, 14-16, Quality Nominee and Strategic lead for Higher Education at Pembrokeshire College said:
“It is fantastic to see, that following the successful pilot programme at Pembrokeshire College, more further education colleges are embarking on this course, engaging with industry, powering green energy careers and putting renewable energy centre stage.”
Mark Hazelton, Project Director at EDF Renewables UK said:
“Destination Renewables aims to inspire students to explore future career options in the renewable energy sector needed to build the net zero energy system of the future. Working with the lead partners to expand this course to reach additional learners is very exciting and we look forward to working with the new education partners to empower tomorrow’s leaders.”
Tim Brew, Coastal Education & Skills Programme Director at Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum said:
“We are pleased to be part of Pembrokeshire College’s vision of industry involvement, tutor-led sessions using quality resources. We hope learners will get foresight of well paid careers with a positive impact available here in Pembrokeshire.”
The programme is underpinned by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent programme, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment.
Destination Renewables was established to provide an overview of renewable technologies including: wave, tidal, onshore wind, solar and offshore wind, demonstrate a renewable project development lifecycle and highlight the different career pathways within the industry. Students have opportunities to link with future employers to prepare them for work experience, apprenticeship opportunities and jobs in the ever-expanding renewable energies market.
