Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Education

Time to SPARC female interest in sustainables, renewables and construction

Published

on

PEMBROKESHIRE is on the cusp of a transformative energy revolution, poised to reshape not only the local employment landscape but also extend its influence far beyond its borders, Pembrokeshire College has said. As we embark on this exciting journey towards a sustainable future, green energy skills clusters are forecasting a remarkable surge in local employment opportunities in south west Wales. The Port of Milford Haven projects the current energy sector surrounding the Waterway could support 8,000 Welsh jobs by 2030, with plans for Celtic Sea floating offshore wind having the potential to create 10,000 new jobs across the region by 2050. If this generational opportunity is to be realised educators and training providers will play a pivotal role in preparing learners.

These opportunities also bring challenges, as the demand for skilled workers will be more than Pembrokeshire can supply. Females are still hugely underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) based industries and gender disparity continues to perpetuate stereotyping and contributes to the UK gender pay gap. In response to these issues RWE Renewables, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Port of Milford Haven and Ledwood Engineering have joined forces to collaborate with Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College to create a careers initiative called SPARC, helping to inspire a new and more diverse workforce in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, said: “It important we inspire young people to develop their STEM skills and consider future careers in renewable energy. Women are under-represented in this sector, particularly in engineering. That’s why I’m so pleased that initiatives such as SPARC are enabling young people, especially girls, to discover the amazing opportunities available to them in this emerging employment sector.”

Vidette Swales, HR Director at the Port of Milford Haven, added “We are delighted to be part of this new careers initiative, SPARC. As the UK leading energy port, we’re committed to creating opportunities for the next generation and we are eager to see greater diversity in the workforce. Pembrokeshire is making strides towards an energy revolution and its essential we support our young people to gain the skills to be able to succeed.”

Find out how your business can support this engagement in Pembrokeshire Secondary Schools and College by contacting Hayley Williams, 07971 123464 or email [email protected]

Photo caption: Dr Mark Picton, RWE Renewables, David Jones, Blue Gem Wind, Sara Jones, Floventis Energy, Naomi Bowen, Blue Gem Wind, Jess Turfery RWE Renewables, Vidette Swales, Port of Milford Haven, Ben Williams, RWE, Mark Davies, Ledwood Engineering; SPARC is also supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College.

Education

Planning for a greener future at Pembroke Dock Community School

Published

on

LEARNERS at Pembroke Dock Community School are being inspired to think of a future in renewable energy as they found out more about how the energy sector is changing in Pembrokeshire.

The whole school focused on the topic and discovered more about wind turbines, energy testing areas, combating climate change, solar power, and more, in a number of engaging and practical workshops.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and the Darwin Centre brought the subject to life and learners enjoyed getting involved in researching and testing their work.

Some groups designed and built model floating platforms for offshore wind turbines as well as model turbines, children learnt all about how renewable energy is generated and used in modern life, as well as storage energy, while others went on a visit to Dragon LNG in Waterston to see a solar power farm.

Science, maths, problem solving and key thinking skills were all incorporated into the projects.
Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “The work of the school this term has been inspired by the exciting opportunities in net-zero careers in Pembrokeshire, as Wales heads towards being net-zero by 2050.  

“We want our learners to be knowledgeable about renewable energy across many levels, and to experience what it would be like to be a scientist or an engineer in the field. We have also strived to empower our learners to take social action on matters that are important to them and their lives, as well as on local decisions that impact on the global population. 

“The staff have been hugely creative in their curriculum design, which has in turn engaged and inspired all of the learners right across all school.”

Continue Reading

Education

Tenby school built just eight years ago could need new roof

Published

on

A £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof for the school built just eight years ago, has been backed by senior councillors, with the potential of seeking redress from those who built it.

A report for Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet members at their November meeting, presented by Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “Since being established in 2016, and having been built as part of the Band A tranche of the Council’s 21st Century Schools Programme, the Tenby VC School building has experienced water ingress in roof areas.

“A number of these have been repaired, but unfortunately a number of leaks have resulted in a weakening of the structure and components within the roof construction. In order to reduce the load on the roof, the PV/Solar array which was installed at the time of the school’s construction has been removed; furthermore, a number of ‘props’ remain in place internally in order to support vulnerable areas of the roof.

“Over the past months, a number of discussions have taken place between the council’s professional construction services team and an external structural engineer to determine some possible options going forward.

“Such options range from limited intervention with a reliance on ongoing repair and maintenance, to a replacement of the entire roof structure. Given that the preferred option could result in a funding requirement in excess of £300,000, the council’s Capital Strategy requires Cabinet to approve feasibility funds.

“A project board has been established to review progress until the agreed works have been completed, the membership of which includes the headteacher and chair of the governing body.”

The report added: “As an operational school, it is considered essential that the roof issues at Tenby VC School can be resolved at the earliest opportunity. A feasibility exercise is required to be undertaken, but due to the constraints imposed by the terms and conditions of the most recent Welsh Government Capital Maintenance Grant, it cannot be funded via this grant.

“In accordance with the council’s Capital Strategy, Cabinet is asked to approve a £75,000 feasibility budget to explore the above options. Unless funded from an existing revenue budget, the feasibility study will be funded from the programme for administration reserve.”

Members agreed to approve a budget of £75,000 to fund a feasibility exercise to explore the options identified and to see whether there is potential redress from the contractors involved in building the school.

Continue Reading

Education

More Pembrokeshire schools championing going mobile phone free

Published

on

SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire are leading the way in reducing issues with mobile phones with the Council among the first in Wales to develop a policy to support it.

The rationale behind the policy is the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and devices that presents significant challenges to how pupils behave and learn in school settings.

Increasingly, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the unchecked use of mobile phones in schools is having a detrimental impact on pupils’ mental health and academic progress, while also draining the energy of school staff who must manage resulting problems.

As well as distraction by normal messaging there are the risks of bullying, sexting or sharing inappropriate chats and images.

Education officers set up a Local Authority and Schools working group to develop guidance on removing mobile phones during the school day following the success Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi had when it was introduced last year.

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Milford Haven School, Haverfordwest High, Pembroke Dock Community School and Gelliswick VC Primary School were involved in the group which has developed mobile phones guidance for schools to introduce this academic year.

Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “Establishing good habits in primary school to be mobile free supports the transition into secondary schools with the same policy. 

“Nearly all Pembrokeshire schools prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day, which has helped learners have a clearer focus on their work and reduces distractions.  In addition the policy reduces the risk of any inappropriate use.  The policy has been working well and will have long term benefits all round.” 

Rachel Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi added: “The prohibited use of mobile phones and storage of them during lesson time has changed our entire school community’s safeguarding, wellbeing and learning environment completely.

“My latest mantra is that we live in a society where children are banned from playing conkers but are allowed mobile phones and online devices which put their safeguarding, wellbeing and childhood at risk.”

Funds have also been allocated to support schools with the logistics of removing phones, such as storage facilities, and all secondary schools are now implementing or are planning to introduce the policy guidance this year.

Sean Thomas, Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour, Culture and Ethos at Milford Haven School said: “As a school, we anticipated this policy being challenging to implement, at least for the first few weeks. However, the pupils, staff and parents have bought into it fantastically, it has been a huge success. 

“Pupils and staff have all commented on an increased focus during lessons, less distractions and a calmer environment.”

The Prefect Team, Communications Team and Headteacher collaborated to create a fun and informative video for social media, addressing concerns about the new mobile phone policy after the pupil voice session to ensure pupils felt heard and informed about the changes ahead. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=8392736097461562
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2163212714061878

Headteacher Ceri-Ann Morris added: “I am extremely proud of how our pupils have embraced this positive change. Listening to our pupil voice prior to implementing the new policy has been instrumental in its success as their input and cooperation have helped shape a smoother, more positive transition for everyone.

“The Prefect Team did a wonderful job addressing concerns from our pupil voice in a fantastic video that was released to parents and pupils prior to the new policy being in place. We have seen tremendous positive impact in classrooms as pupils are more focused and an increase in social interactions at break. The feedback from staff, parents, and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “Our schools are leading the way in improving safety and learning for their learners, this mobile phone policy supports them in this work to protect young people.

“‘I’d like to thank all those involved in developing and implementing this new and effective policy.”

Continue Reading

Business1 min ago

Bristol Trader to temporarily serve menu at the Castle Hotel

The team of a popular riverside pub in Pembrokeshire, devastated by a recent fire, will relocate to a new town...

News1 day ago

Ferry diverts to aid yacht after medical emergency alert in Irish Sea

FISHGUARD RNLI lifeboat launched on Sunday night (Nov 10) after HM Coastguard requested assistance for a 40ft yacht, approximately 28...

Community1 day ago

Those who gave their lives in service honoured at Freshwater West

A REMEMBRANCE service took place at 11:00am on Monday (Nov 11) at Freshwater West Bay, South Pembrokeshire, marking a poignant...

Community2 days ago

Remembrance service honours fallen at Haverfordwest’s war memorial

CROWDS gathered in Salutation Square for a solemn Remembrance Service at the historic Pembrokeshire County War Memorial, paying tribute to...

News5 days ago

Large fire at Bramble Hall Farm – Arson suspected

FIREFIGHTERS have brought a large blaze under control at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock. The fire broke out in...

News5 days ago

Fire strikes popular Pembrokeshire pub – no staff or customers hurt

A FIRE broke out at The Bristol Trader pub on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, today (Wednesday, Nov 6), impacting two floors...

News6 days ago

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum updates Pembrokeshire Marine Code

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and...

News6 days ago

Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street

FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub....

Crime1 week ago

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his...

News1 week ago

Motorcyclist dies after collision on A40 near Canaston Bridge

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred around 11:15pm on Friday (Nov 1) on the A40, just...

Popular This Week