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Education

‘State-of-the-art’ energy transition skills hub opened by Pembrokeshire College

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Opening on the college site in Haverfordwest, the Energy Transition Skills Hubs is one of three being launched. It will focus on providing people with the skills and knowledge to find employment in energy projects through an immersive and interactive learning experience.

More than 50 representatives from local industry joined Anthony Harte (Head of Social Impact for Shell UK), Paul Davies (MS), Sam Kurtz (MS), Simon Ames (Managing Director Dragon LNG and Dragon Energy), and College and Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams, as they officially opened the Hub.

During the opening Anthony Harte, Head of Social Impact, Shell UK commented: “We want as many people as possible to benefit from the energy system of the future. And we’ve seen this coming to life in Pembrokeshire with the first new energy transition skills hub. This is part of our ambition to support 15,000 people into jobs with a focus on the energy transition by 2035. It is the latest important step to ensure the energy transition is an opportunity for everyone.”

Shadow Minister for Economy and Energy Sam Kurtz added: “The opportunities offered to students by the Energy Transition Skills Hub match the ambitions that Pembrokeshire has in the green and renewable energy sector. This is an exciting investment and a statement of commitment from Shell UK, Dragon Energy and Pembrokeshire College into developing the skilled workforce of today and the future.”

“Pembrokeshire College has quickly become a real centre of excellence, and I congratulate everyone for flying the flag proudly for our part of the world.”

The aim is to train 600 people by July 2026, this will supply Pembrokeshire with an expanse of talent that will have the knowledge and experience of control systems needed for projects such as offshore floating wind farms and the Haven hydrogen power plants.

Current Dragon LNG apprentice Kelly Williams brought the learner perspective to the opening: “The past four years of my apprenticeship have been nothing short of amazing. Whilst on site I have had the privilege of working with some of the most experienced and talented professionals in the industry and spent one day a week in College where the lecturers are just as passionate and inspiring. The blend of practical, hands-on work and theoretical learning through my qualifications has been incredibly rewarding.”

“Today, having toured this incredible new process control simulator, and experimented with the software, I can’t help but feel excited about the future. This facility is truly state-of-the-art, and it’s going to further elevate an already outstanding programme in the energy sector. I can’t wait to make the most of this space as I continue to learn and grow in my field.”

“The suite will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers, equipping us with the skills needed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

College Principal, Dr Barry Walters added: “This cutting-edge Skills Hub will enable training in control systems for a wide range of sectors including: Offshore Floating Wind; Hydrogen Plant; Solar PV; Tidal/Marine and gas power stations and comes at an important time for the energy sector.

“We would like to thank Shell UK, Dragon LNG, the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Fund and City and Guilds along with industry partners and local Members of the Senedd, Paul Davies and Sam Kurtz for supporting this important facility which will not only train college learners and industry professionals but will also support the local community and schools by giving them the opportunity to understand more about how energy transition will impact the way we live and work in the future.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added: “I’m delighted that UK Government funding, via the Swansea Bay City Deal, is being used for such a great facility. Pembrokeshire has an important part to play in achieving our mission for clean energy by 2030.”

“This training facility will mean that local people will be able to gain the skills they need to access the good jobs of the future.”

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Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

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MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School. 

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”  

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

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Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

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WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

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Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

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IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.

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