Community

Green Careers Week report urges action to make green jobs accessible to all

Published

8 months ago

November 2, 2025

National Lottery partnership reveals practical ways to break barriers and create inclusive opportunities

A NEW report published to mark Green Careers Week (Nov 3–8) has revealed that many people from underserved communities are being shut out of green jobs due to lack of experience, financial barriers and unclear career pathways.

The study — a collaboration between The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder, and Greenworkx, an education technology start-up — highlights how employer recruitment practices and reliance on informal networks are preventing equal access to opportunities in the growing green economy.

According to the research, 88% of out-of-work green jobseekers said that employer demands for prior experience were the biggest barrier to entry, while 83% said that shadowing or work placements would most help them find work.

Seven key barriers identified

The report found that financial constraints, lack of awareness, unclear routes into employment and limited access to networks all compound one another — particularly for people with disabilities, new arrivals to the UK, and those already underrepresented in the workforce.

It recommends system-wide improvements through employer-led programmes, including:

job-shadowing schemes where graduates help newcomers gain experience,
clear ‘job-ready’ guides explaining what employers look for,
partnerships between employers, training providers and community groups, and
funding incentives for local green job creation.

‘Good quality green jobs are becoming available’

John Rose, Wales Director and Environment Lead at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“More and more good-quality green jobs are becoming available, from solar and heat pump installation to nature conservation. This report helps us understand the barriers and how to support more people into green careers.

“By working with innovative partners like Greenworkx, we’re making environmental action relevant and accessible to communities that might otherwise be left behind. Our Sustainable Steps Wales programme, for example, is helping young people with disabilities and from ethnically minoritised backgrounds into green careers, investing over £12 million in four regional partnership projects across North, West and South Wales.”

He added: “Whether through large-scale initiatives or grassroots projects, the organisations we fund can make a big impact by embedding green careers. We would urge anyone with an idea for an environmental project to visit our website and apply for funding.”

Lack of awareness still a major issue

Limited awareness of green job options remains a major obstacle. Research by WorldSkills UK found that 44% of young people don’t know what green jobs exist, while 41% are unsure what skills are required.

Community group Foothold Cymru, which works with people aged 15–30, has also found that young people are often unaware of the variety of green career paths, and that uncertainty over job security can lead parents, friends and even career advisers to steer them away from the sector.

As one young participant, Shabana (20), put it: “Nobody wants to hire you unless you have the experience — but where do you get the experience from if you don’t get hired?”

Building a resilient, inclusive workforce

The research concludes that with deliberate action and coordinated effort, the green transition can become a source of opportunity, resilience and inclusion for all.

The National Lottery Community Fund plans to use the findings to inform future programme design, while Greenworkx will expand its employer-informed pilot schemes to reach more candidates and employers nationwide.

Mat Ilic, CEO of Greenworkx, said: “At Greenworkx, we believe people are the answer to the climate emergency. The energy transition offers millions the chance of meaningful work — but only if those opportunities are accessible to everyone.

“Our partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund has gone beyond identifying barriers. We’ve developed and tested practical solutions that bridge the gap between training and employment, where challenges of confidence, readiness and recruitment are greatest.

“We hope this new report helps drive a systemic approach to green workforce development, building the skilled workforce needed to power the energy transition — and ensuring the benefits are shared by all.”

Community

Bongo Clive brings rhythm and smiles to VC Gallery celebration

Published

17 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK MARKED WITH MUSIC, LAUGHTER AND INCLUSION IN PEMBROKE DOCK

THE VC GALLERY in Pembroke Dock was filled with music, laughter and energy as visitors came together to celebrate Learning Disability Week.

The event saw popular entertainer Bongo Clive lead a lively session of singing, drumming and participation, with those attending joining in throughout the day.

The gallery said the session had created a joyful atmosphere, with music helping to bring people together and celebrate inclusion, creativity and wellbeing.

A spokesperson for The VC Gallery said: “The smiles said it all. A huge thank you to Bongo Clive for bringing your incredible energy, enthusiasm and positivity to The VC today. You certainly had everyone moving to the beat.”

Learning Disability Week celebrates inclusion and the abilities, creativity and individuality of people with learning disabilities.

The Pembroke Dock event highlighted the role of community spaces such as The VC Gallery in supporting wellbeing, friendship and confidence through shared creative activities.

Community

Sir Karl Jenkins named Eisteddfod President for 2026

Published

18 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SIR KARL JENKINS has been named President of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 2026.

The internationally acclaimed Welsh composer, one of the world’s most performed living composers, will take on the role as the festival prepares to welcome performers, competitors and visitors from across the globe.

Sir Karl is best known for works including The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, Adiemus and Requiem.

His appointment comes in a landmark year after The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace was voted the most popular work in the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2026.

Opening night return

Sir Karl’s presidential year will begin with the opening night concert, Uniting Nations: One World, on Tuesday, July 7.

The concert had been due to take place in 2025 but was postponed, causing disappointment for volunteers, performers and audience members who had travelled from across the UK and overseas.

The Eisteddfod has now brought the event back with support from the Arts Council of Wales.

Sir Karl said: “I’m delighted to be returning to the Llangollen Festival this year and especially honoured to do so in the role of President.

“Llangollen is always a very special place to be, with its unique sense of community and international spirit.

“I’m greatly looking forward to conducting my most recent choral work, One World, particularly following the postponement of last year’s performance.

“It’s a piece that I feel reflects the very essence of the festival, bringing together outstanding musicians from across the globe to form one powerful collective voice.”

Global chorus

The evening will feature a full performance of One World, conducted by Sir Karl and performed by an international massed chorus made up of WorldChoir and NEW Voices, accompanied by the Llangollen International Orchestra.

The work blends Jenkins’ distinctive musical style with themes of humanity, compassion and environmental stewardship.

The concert will also include a complete staging of Peace Child: The Musical, which places young people at the heart of its message of peace and global citizenship.

Opening the evening will be the world premiere of Greeting the Dawn, a newly commissioned bilingual work by emerging Welsh composer Sam Buttler.

The piece was written for the 2026 Eisteddfod through the Harmony Without Borders initiative, continuing Llangollen’s tradition of supporting new talent and giving Welsh composers an international platform.

‘Great cultural ambassador’

John Gambles, Chair of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Karl Jenkins has agreed to serve as President of the Eisteddfod for 2026.

“Few musicians have done more to promote the values of peace, friendship and international understanding that lie at the heart of our festival.

“Sir Karl is one of Wales’s greatest cultural ambassadors and his music has inspired audiences across every continent.

“The fact that The Armed Man has just been voted the nation’s favourite classical work is a testament not only to his extraordinary talent, but also to the universal appeal of the messages of peace, hope and humanity that run through so much of his music.”

Mr Gambles added: “The postponement of One World last year was heartbreaking for everyone involved.

“We knew how much the concert meant to audiences, performers and volunteers alike, and we were determined to find a way to bring it back.

“Thanks to the support of the Arts Council of Wales, we can now finally give this extraordinary concert the audience it deserves.

“With Sir Karl as our President, the return of One World, the world premiere of a major new Welsh composition and the powerful message of Peace Child, this promises to be one of the most memorable and significant opening nights in the Eisteddfod’s history.”

Festival programme

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod returns for its 79th year on Tuesday, July 7.

This year’s programme includes performances from Michael Ball, Emeli Sandé with the Absolute Orchestra, Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins, and the Choir of the World competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world will also take part in the daytime programme, with the Parade of Nations returning on Friday, July 10.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £33.

Further information is available at llangollen.net.

Community

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Published

21 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod

MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday evening as a giant Lord Rhys puppet emerged from the fog to begin a journey celebrating 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod.

Accompanied by traditional musicians and followed by crowds of spectators, the towering figure cut an imposing sight against the backdrop of the ancient cathedral.

The procession marked the start of Taith yr Arglwydd Rhys (The Journey of Lord Rhys), a cultural pilgrimage retracing the legacy of the Welsh prince whose gathering of poets and musicians at Cardigan Castle in 1176 is widely regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

As fog drifted across the city and church towers faded into the background, the scene felt more like a chapter from Welsh folklore than a modern-day celebration.

The giant puppet, accompanied by fellow performers and musicians, travelled from St Davids Cathedral to Oriel y Parc before beginning a wider journey through west Wales.

The travelling celebration will visit communities across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion before culminating in Cardigan, where Lord Rhys originally staged his famous cultural gathering eight and a half centuries ago.

Video and photographs shared by DrifterStDavids captured the remarkable atmosphere, with many describing the spectacle as one of the most memorable cultural events seen in St Davids for years.

Photo caption: Lord Rhys emerges from the mist outside St Davids Cathedral as celebrations begin to mark the 850th anniversary of the first recorded Eisteddfod

(Pic: SmallWorld – Video: Drifter St Davids)