Education
Minister launches new educational resource


‘Keeping learners safe
a key priority’: Huw
Lewis, AM
A NEW educational resource aimed at safeguarding and educating young people to stay safe and prevent child sex exploitation has been launched by Education Minister Huw Lewis. ‘Hidden’, developed by the Welsh Government and Barnardos Cymru includes lesson plans and extension activities for use within Personal and Social Education (PSE) and Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) lessons in secondary schools. It contains advice for teachers on creating a safe learning environment and guidance for all staff working with children and young people to understand child protection procedures and policies, and to aid early identification of sexual exploitation.Also included are posters with a list of ‘Help’ numbers for young people and two videos, ‘Hidden’ and ‘What’s Happening Frankie?’, an animation suitable for 14–18 year olds.
‘What’s Happening Frankie?’ was written by a group of young people from the South Wales Valleys who were identified as being at risk of sexual exploitation and is based on the true story of a young person who is groomed by a friend of the family. The young people developed ‘What’s Happening Frankie?’ with the aim of highlighting the risks associated with child sexual exploitation and reducing the likelihood of other young people being sexually exploited. It is hoped that after watching the videos young people will recognise the different stages of the grooming process and engage in discussions that will enable them to better understand the impact sexual exploitation has upon young people and explore ways of keeping safe.
The ‘Hidden’ educational resource (external link) is designed to supplement and strengthen the support provided to education services in the Welsh Government’s existing statutory safeguarding guidance “Keeping learners safe”. The Minister launched ‘Hidden’ at a conference in Cardiff; ‘Keeping Learners Safe – Everybody’s Business’. Addressing the conference the Minister said: “I am delighted to launch this education resource that we have developed in partnership with Barnardo’s Cymru. “There is a strong appetite for strengthening the education response to safeguarding and child protection arrangements, which I greatly welcome. This is a key priority which underpins the delivery of all education provision in Wales.
“This education resource will support practitioners and help strengthen the response of education services in this very challenging area of safeguarding. “It will also support education practitioners in engaging in difficult discussions with children and young people about the dangers of sexual exploitation, and risky behaviours that might put them in harm’s way”. Training will be available to practitioners early in the New Year to ensure they are supported in implementing the resource in schools and colleges. T h e r e s o u r c e will be produced in digital format and will be accessible through the all-Wales digital learning platform Hwb. The videos and the facilitator’s guide are free resources that will be made available on both Barnardo’s and the Welsh Government website.
Education
Children learn how delicious potatoes are produced locally in Pembrokeshire

SCHOOL children from across Pembrokeshire, aged from five to 16, learnt how the food produced locally is delicious and nutritious during a highly successful ‘Food Story / Stori Bwyd’ event, held by the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
During the event potato, dairy, sheep and poultry farmers from all over the county volunteered their time to talk to the children and give hands-on demonstrations. They explained to the children how they produce potatoes, dairy products, eggs and meat. They also demonstrated how they farm sustainably, look after local wildlife and how they care for the countryside.
The event was held on the Pembrokeshire County Showground and the focus was on potato growing, production and supply. The children also got the opportunity to taste locally produced jacket potatoes with a variety of toppings cooked perfectly and served by staff from Castell Howell.
Kathy Wilson, a former teacher and now an Honorary Pembrokeshire Show Governor, organised the event on behalf of the Society’s Food Story / Stori Bwyd. She said, “I would like to say a massive thank you to each and every one of the volunteers and who took two days out from their busy work on the farm to come and talk to the children and demonstrate how they produce food and drink. A big thanks also to the local providers who contributed to the event. The smiles on the faces of the children said it all, they listened intently, enthusiastically took part in the demonstrations and the teachers took resources back with them to their schools to continue the learning.
“One of the important elements of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s work is educational and spreading the word around the county about how local food is produced by farmers. Everyone enjoyed eating the jacket potatoes after they had learnt how hard the farmers work to produce them.”
As well as food production, the event was an opportunity to teach the children about the seasonality of what farmers produce locally and how the weather and climate affects the work farmers do as well as the different food groups and healthy eating.
Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s President was one of the farmers who volunteered their time to talk to school children at the event. He said, “The Society would like to thank Kathy Wilson and Jo in the show office for all the hours they have put in to organise this magnificent event. To see how much the children enjoyed learning how their food is produced through hands-on demonstrations is heart warming.”
Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society would like to thank NFU Mutual Pembrokeshire, the CLA Charitable Trust and Women in Wales, for their financial support. Thanks also to the Camrose Vintage Working Day for their support as well as the NFU, Wales Farm Safety and Puffin Produce for providing educational resources and buckets for the schools and pupils.
Food Story volunteers will be at the County Show on 20 and 21 August 2025 with an interactive display and demonstrations for children to have fun and take part in to learn where their food comes from.
Education
Pembrokeshire College learners inspired by St Fagans museum visit

LEARNERS from the UAL Level 3 & 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course at Pembrokeshire College recently embarked on an enriching cultural study visit to St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for learners to gather source material, which they later developed into creative works through screen printing workshops back at the College.
The outdoor museum features a remarkable collection of relocated and reconstructed historical buildings from across Wales, spanning a variety of time periods. The immersive experience allowed learners to engage with diverse architectural styles, objects, and environments, deepening their understanding of Welsh cultural heritage.
Inside the museum, learners explored artefacts showcasing traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, pottery, wood carving, blacksmithing, and furniture-making, all of which highlight the richness of Welsh cultural identity both past and present.
The visit coincided with temporary exhibitions. ‘The Wool Coat’ project, for instance, explored sustainability and cultural heritage through the repurposing of Welsh blankets into contemporary garments. This project also involved the independent Cardiff-based printmaking studio ‘Printhaus,’ which designed screen printed lining fabrics. Learners were particularly engaged by the project’s social impact, as it also provided sewing skills to immigrants in Cardiff to help with workplace integration. Issues of sustainability, re-use, culture, traditional skills and immigration were addressed through this multi-faceted project.
Another art installation explored colonialism featuring furniture once owned by ‘Clive of India,’ the installation highlighted the powerful role of visual artists in raising awareness of injustice and driving cultural change. Adding to the dynamic experience, learners witnessed the film industry in action as a production team adapted historic buildings and filmed scenes for ‘Young Sherlock,’ offering a fascinating glimpse into how historical settings can be reimagined for contemporary storytelling.
Back in the College print workshop, learners translated their observations into a collaborative screen-printed banner. They explored both hand-stencil and photographic exposure techniques to create a bold visual response to their visit. The final design reflected elements of the day’s experience, incorporating imagery gathered through drawing and photography.
A highlight of the visit was the warm praise from members of the public, who sought out staff to commend the learners on their conduct, their consideration for others and their interest in and engagement with the Museum and staff members.
We are incredibly proud of our learners and their ability to translate this inspiring experience into innovative artistic outcomes in such a short period of time. Their visit to St Fagans has not only expanded their creative practice but also deepened their appreciation for Welsh cultural heritage and the role of art in shaping contemporary discourse.
This impressive banner is now proudly on display in the College’s atrium.

Education
Emerging career opportunities for Gen-Z in Wales’ evolving job market

Certain regions like Wales hold strong promises for sustainable careers. This is because as technology evolves, so too does the job market. Today, Gen Zs looking for stable and rewarding careers can find opportunities in different emerging fields.
Emerging job opportunities in healthcare
Healthcare is one area that still presents lots of opportunities for Gen Z, despite a rapidly changing job climate and ever-evolving AI technologies. From traditional roles like nurses to more modern, tech-driven positions, the list is endless. Here are some of the more popular opportunities.
Pharmacist
The roles of pharmacists in any nation, city, or neighbourhood are still relevant today. These individuals are needed everywhere because they work hand in hand with healthcare professionals like doctors to help patients. Wales offers many opportunities for Gen Z individuals, as they could work in both independent and community pharmacies, hospitals, or even academic research institutions.
Nurse
The roles of nurses range from providing medical support to caring for patients. Nursing roles in Wales are abundant, as private healthcare providers, public hospitals, and educational institutions are ready to accept nurses. Typically, academic training and certification are necessary to become a full-fledged nurse in Wales.
Nurses in Wales earn between £30,000 and £50,000 per year, with most opting for hourly rate pay.
Biotech and pharmaceutical research
Imagine being the mastermind behind the world’s next revolutionary medicine. Such is the potential of young scholars and researchers in biotech and pharmaceutical research in Wales.
Wales has a growing biotech industry, with several internationally recognised research facilities. Even the academia for this industry is world class. So, it’s easy to see how Gen Zs can easily pursue and obtain a successful career in this field.
Therapist
Gen Zs can also explore careers in therapy, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapy. These roles offer meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on people’s lives and demand a human touch that can’t be easily replaced by AI.
However, the steep learning curve and medical certification involved drive most Gen Zs to other less demanding career paths.
Emerging job opportunities in data and technology
Wales offers many opportunities in this field thanks to the never-ending innovations in data and technology.
Data analyst
Data analysts are among the major, high-demand remote careers in Wales. This community of multiple industries and businesses presents a huge need for these experts. Usually, all a person needs to enter this career path is mastery of data analysis tools like SQL, Excel, Python, and Power Bl.
However, a degree in related fields like mathematics, statistics, and ICT technology can also be a plus, especially when seeking opportunities in top-tier private organisations like BAIN&COMPANY.
Gaming
The gaming industry has evolved from mere entertainment to a massive income generator. The BBC reports that there are about 100 gaming companies in Wales, and more than 35,000 people are employed in creative industries.
Generally, opportunities like gaming content creation have proven very lucrative for Gen Zs, thanks to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, which allow gamers to monetise their gameplay.
However, in Wales, more profitable opportunities exist, like Esports and game development. Numerous startups in Wales work on developing next-generation video games, providing surplus job roles from game testers to programmers, artists, designers, and so on. And then there’s ESports or competitive gaming, where Welsh pro gamers can participate and win massive cash prizes.
Software developer
A software developer designs and maintains software apps. According to sources, software developers make around £38,611 per year in Wales.
In Wales, there are multiple tech companies and startups ready to employ these developers. There are also opportunities in sectors like public health and e-government. Furthermore, software developers in Wales can work remotely for companies at home and abroad or sell their services as freelancers.
Emerging job opportunities in blockchain and defi
Here are some of the emerging job opportunities that Gen Zs in Wales are seizing daily.
Crypto Trader
A modern-day tech skill that Gen Zs have successfully developed a career in is crypto trading. Crypto assets are new but exciting and have made many young people millionaires in this decade.
Investors do not need a certificate or degree before venturing into this financial market but will need to take courses to maximise their profits fully.
Influencer/brand ambassador
A fairly quick and easy career for Gen Zs to enter into is social media influencing and brand ambassadorship. Thanks to social media and the internet, Gen Zs with a strong social media presence in Wales can partner with both local and foreign brands for deals and partnerships. These deals are easy to find in the blockchain world (crypto, NFTs, etc.), as startups need such young influencers to bring visibility to their brands/products.
Although this career path isn’t traditional, it can be very lucrative. According to reports, influencers earn over £50,000 per year on average. Meanwhile, mega influencers can easily rake in millions per year from brand deals and sponsorships.
A bright future for Gen Z in Wales
There’s a strong job market in Wales for Gen Zs of all ages. Young professionals can build future-proof careers in any of the mentioned paths in this article. More importantly, opportunities exist for individuals seeking remote and hybrid roles.
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