A PIONEERING Pembrokeshire skills initiative encouraging young women to consider careers in sustainable power, renewable energy and construction has welcomed The Crown Estate as its newest partner.

The SPARC Alliance works with secondary schools across the county to bring future local career opportunities to life for girls aged 12 to 14, with a particular focus on STEM-related pathways.

The programme is already supported by RWE Generation and RWE Renewables at Pembroke Power Station, the Port of Milford Haven, Blue Gem Wind and Ledwood Engineering.

It has now announced new backing from The Crown Estate, the independent organisation which manages land, property and the seabed across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Crown Estate is playing a key role in the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, with South West Wales expected to be at the centre of a new clean energy industry.

Three sites for new windfarms are being taken forward by some of the world’s leading offshore wind companies, creating major opportunities for the region and its supply chain.

The Crown Estate has also awarded funding through its £50m Supply Chain Accelerator Programme, including projects in Pembrokeshire, and is co-funding the regional Fit For Offshore Renewables programme in South Wales with the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.

Supporters say the growth of the sector could create significant demand for engineers, welders, construction workers, environmental specialists, business support professionals, maritime experts and port operatives.

Current forecasts suggest more than 5,000 jobs could be created through new Celtic Sea windfarms and their associated supply chains.

However, with an ageing population and changing demographics, there is increasing pressure to ensure local young people have the skills and confidence needed to take advantage of these opportunities.

SPARC aims to help meet that challenge by engaging young women who have historically been underrepresented in engineering, construction, manufacturing and clean energy careers.

Through direct contact with industry, pupils are given insight into the range of roles being created by renewable energy, from traditional power generation to offshore wind and hydrogen technologies.

Hayley Williams, of Pembrokeshire College, the lead partner for SPARC, said: “The Crown Estate’s commitment to SPARC will enable the programme to expand its reach across more schools and strengthen its support for young women aspiring to become STEM professionals.

“This includes enhanced mentoring opportunities, helping participants explore both university pathways and work-based apprenticeships as routes into the industries that will shape Pembrokeshire’s future.”

SPARC Alliance partners say the programme is helping ensure local young people are informed, inspired and equipped to seize the opportunities presented by one of the most significant economic developments Wales has seen in a generation.

VOLUNTEERS’ Week this year (June 1-7) brought organisations together across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, to celebrate and say a heartfelt “thank you” to the incredible people who give their time to support others.

Volunteering brings wide-reaching benefits – for organisations, for the communities they serve, and for the volunteers themselves.

This contribution is recognised in the Social Model for Health and Wellbeing Charter, adopted by partners across the region, including Hywel Dda University Health Board, in March 2025.

Senior leaders from the Health Board joined celebrations across the three counties to show their appreciation in person.

Professor Phil Kloer, Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, attended a vibrant multi-agency event hosted by Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS). The event, held at Parc Dewi Sant, was organised and funded by CAVS and supported by Lucy Cummings, New Business Development Officer.

The gathering brought together a wide range of organisations supporting local communities, including Dolen Teifi, Angor, People Speak Up and many more. Carmarthenshire County Council Chair, Councillor Giles Morgan, was also in attendance.

Professor Kloer said: “Health Services make just a small contribution to our health and wellbeing – connection, belonging, education and opportunity make a significant contribution to our health and wellbeing.

“The Health Board is keen to recognise and celebrate the fact that everyone has a contribution to make. I want to thank organisations and our partners across the region who work together to grow this understanding and important work on behalf of the Health Board.”

In Pembrokeshire, Dr Bruce Bolam, Deputy Director of Public Health, took part in a community event at Simpson’s Community Hall and Gardens. The event was organised and funded by Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS) and brought together partners including Community Connectors, Bluestone, South Hook, 2Wish and the VC Gallery, who provided a much-enjoyed lunch for attendees.

Meanwhile, in Ceredigion, Megan Harris, Consultant in Public Health, joined one of the eight multi-agency celebrations in Ceredigion, in Llandysul to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions. The event was organised by Arts4Wellbeing and funded by Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Organisations (CAVO), with contributions from organisations including Dolen Teifi and Pont Tyweli.

Across all three counties, the events were marked by warmth, gratitude and a shared recognition of the essential role volunteers play in supporting health and wellbeing in local communities.

FAMILIES planning a summer visit to Carew Castle and Tidal Mill, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc will benefit from reduced prices on selected tickets, events and children’s lunch boxes from June 25 to September 1.

The temporary reduction follows the UK Government’s decision to reduce VAT from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on eligible children’s menu meals and family leisure activities during the summer period.

Eligible child and family day tickets at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill and Castell Henllys will be included, along with selected events such as open-air theatre, concerts and Carew’s Grand Medieval Joust. Young Squires lunch boxes from Nest Tearoom at Carew Castle will also be reduced.

Discounts will be applied automatically at the till point, or at the online checkout for eligible event bookings.

James Parkin, Director of Nature and Tourism at Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, said: “The summer holidays are an important time for families to enjoy days out together, but we know that costs can quickly add up.

“This temporary reduction will help make selected visits, events and children’s meals more affordable at the attractions run by the Authority. Our hope is that this will give families more opportunities to enjoy the National Park this summer.

“Carew Castle, Castell Henllys and Oriel y Parc each offer something different, from heritage and hands-on history to family events, exhibitions, food and outdoor space, and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the coming weeks.”

To find out what’s on across the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer, visit www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.