STUDENTS training for careers at sea in Pembrokeshire are set to benefit from enhanced practical learning after fresh backing from the Port of Milford Haven.

Learners on the Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship at Pembrokeshire College will now receive additional hands-on maritime training, funded by the Port, alongside their classroom studies.

Launched in 2023, the enhanced programme is aimed at young people hoping to enter the maritime, deck and engineering sectors. It combines technical teaching with industry-focused skills to help students prepare for work at sea.

For the past three years, the Port has covered the cost of uniforms to encourage professionalism and team spirit among cadets. This year, its support has been widened to include a series of accredited practical courses delivered through the Royal Yachting Association.

These include radar operations, first aid training for mariners, navigation and seamanship, and professional practices and responsibilities — qualifications designed to give students recognised safety and operational skills before entering the industry.

Brian Stewart, Assistant Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven, said the training provides valuable real-world preparation.

He said: “The Pre-Cadetship training at Pembrokeshire College gives students a real insight into life in the maritime, deck and engineering sectors, while building key qualities such as discipline and teamwork. It’s great to see these enhanced practical opportunities being offered this year, which will provide students with invaluable experience and a clearer pathway into our diverse industry.”

Tim Berry, maritime lecturer in the college’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing, said the extra funding would make a “tangible difference” to learners.

He added: “These RYA-accredited practical courses allow the Pre-Cadets to translate classroom theory into real maritime skills, building their confidence and readiness for a career at sea. We’re incredibly proud of the opportunities this partnership continues to create for the next generation of marine engineers.”

The Port, one of the county’s largest employers, has increasingly worked with local education providers to encourage young people into maritime and energy-related careers, helping retain skills and opportunities within Pembrokeshire.

More information about the Marine Engineering Pre-Cadetship is available at pembrokeshire.ac.uk.

Cover photo:

Pre-Cadetship students with lecturer Tim Berry and Port of Milford Haven representatives Brian Stewart and Emily Jones (Pic supplied).

FROM the dragon’s fire to the boar’s roar, legends are on the move again this February half-term as Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre invites families to step into a world of myth, creativity and celebration in the lead-up to St David’s Day.

Running throughout half-term and into St David’s Day weekend, the programme brings together hands-on creative activities, immersive storytelling and one of Pembrokeshire’s most colourful annual celebration, the St David’s Day Parade. This year’s parade features Taith y Chwedlau /The Journey of the Legends, funded by the Welsh Government.

From Saturday 14 February to Sunday 1 March, young adventurers can take part in the Journey of the Legends Trail, following the troublesome Twrch and the determined Ddraig Goch as their story unfolds across the city of St Davids. Families can search for story stops along the trail, complete the challenge and earn a reward. Trail sheets are available from Oriel y Parc (£4 per child).

Creativity takes centre stage inside Oriel y Parc throughout half-term. The Discovery Room will be open from 14 to 27 February (excluding 17,18 and 19 February), offering free, drop-in sessions where families can create dragon headdresses and boar masks using a wide range of art materials. Suitable for all ages, these sessions give young makers the chance to become part of the St David’s Day celebrations by wearing their creations in the parade.

A special Make & Take Workshop: Dragon Wings & Giant Daffodils takes place on Wednesday 18 February, 11am–3pm, where children can create bold, wearable pieces ready for parade day (£4 per child, drop-in).

The celebrations reach their peak on Saturday 28 February, when the St David’s Day Parade fills the city with music, colour and creativity. Storytelling plays a key role in the day, with Taith y Chwedlau / The Journey of the Legends storytelling sessions taking place in the Oriel y Parc courtyard before and after the parade from 1.30pm, bringing the characters of the trail to life for audiences of all ages.

The parade begins at 2pm and is free to attend. Everyone is invited to line the streets and cheer on schoolchildren, community groups and local residents as they transform St Davids’ High Street in honour of Wales’ patron saint. The parade is funded by the Welsh Government.

Visitors are encouraged to bring pots and banging sticks to add to the atmosphere, and participants can enter the best parade outfit competition, with prizes for both the best dressed child and adult.

Following the parade, families can continue the celebrations with Celebrate St David’s Day with Clay! A relaxed, hands-on workshop inspired by Welsh themes and traditions from 3pm–4.30pm (£2.50 per child).

The day also features a Handmade Craft Market by Makers Bizarre, running from 10.30am–4.30pm, showcasing hand-picked local stallholders selling handmade crafts and produce (free entry).

Further details about events, opening times and a rich programme of changing exhibitions, both in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru, Museum Wales and local artists and makers can be found at www.orielyparc.co.uk and www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Grants of up to £10,000 available for local events across Wales and the UK

COMMUNITIES across Wales are being encouraged to organise their own Armed Forces Day celebrations after the Ministry of Defence announced a £500,000 funding package to support events nationwide this summer.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to help towns, schools, charities and community groups stage local events, with funding designed to match money raised from other sources.

The support forms part of preparations for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27, 2026, and the wider Armed Forces Week programme aimed at strengthening ties between the military and the public.

Wales is home to nearly two thousand serving personnel, while the defence sector supports close to four thousand jobs. The MOD says it spent £1.1 billion with Welsh businesses during the 2024–25 financial year, underlining the industry’s importance to the nation’s economy.

Previous events have drawn huge crowds. In 2018, Llandudno hosted the national celebrations, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors and a parade of around 1,000 service members.

‘Extraordinary sacrifices’

Defence Secretary John Healey said the funding would help communities properly recognise the contribution of service personnel and their families.

He said: “Our Armed Forces make extraordinary sacrifices to keep us safe. But they can’t do what they do without the support of their families, friends and communities across the country.

“In June we look forward to coming together as a proud nation to celebrate Armed Forces Day, and I want this funding to help make this year the best yet.

“If you back our Forces and want to thank them with a celebration in your local area, do apply for a grant and register your event with us so we can help you spread the word.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens added that the grants would allow communities across Wales to show their appreciation.

She said: “Armed Forces Day is a chance for people across Wales to come together to show their support for the service men and women who we all rely on to keep us safe.

“These grants mean that communities can put on special events to celebrate the contribution of our Armed Forces and their families and thank them for their sacrifice.”

Cover Image:

Armed Forces day celebrated in Haverfordwest in 2019 (File pic)