ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, Pembrokeshire College proudly hosted the highly anticipated launch event of the Sustainable Power, Renewables, and Construction (SPARC) Alliance. This occasion celebrated women and effective collaboration between industry, notably the Alliance members: Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Energy, Ledwood Engineering, Port of Milford Haven and RWE Renewables, local secondary schools, and Pembrokeshire College.

The collective aim of SPARC is to promote gender diversity in these underrepresented industries. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, Fay Jones, delivered an empowering address, emphasising the importance of initiatives like SPARC in promoting gender diversity. Wales Office Minister Fay Jones said: “I was delighted to come to Pembrokeshire College on International Women’s Day to celebrate the excellent work that’s been achieved by all the partners in promoting opportunities for young women. Encouraging women into professions like engineering and construction is vital to ensure they have the chance of achieving fantastic well-paid careers in their local area.

It’s great to see the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal being used for such a brilliant scheme.” The event that was opened by Dr Barry Walters, Principal of Pembrokeshire College, reminding the audience of the current gender gap in the featured sectors and the role we all should play encouraging females into non-traditional roles.

Keynote speaker and trailblazer Jessica Leigh Jones MBE, captivated the audience with her insights into the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and progress in the green economy. A highlight of the event was the SPARC Alliance panel discussion Chaired by the former Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson. The highlight was the female ‘Careers’ panel, five female professionals took time out of their busy schedules to inspire the next generation of engineers by answering questions from learners.

The SPARC Alliance investment and the additional funding from the Swansea City Deal, will support school teachers to deliver SPARC engagement activities. Awareness raising, building confidence and interacting with industry will add to unlocking female potential in these underrepresented industries. “Pembrokeshire College and Pembrokeshire County Council extend their gratitude to all partners whose unwavering collaboration and support have brought this transformative initiative to fruition, breaking barriers and building a future filled with opportunities for future generations.” SPARC Lead, Hayley Williams.

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has appeared before magistrates charged with committing sexual acts against his step-daughter.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of engaging in ‘adult sexual activity’ with the girl between January 1, and June 4, 2021.

The acts included sexually touching the child, who was 16 or over at the time of the alleged offences, with his finger.

He faces a total of four charges of engaging in sexual activity with his family member.

No pleas were entered by the defendant when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Tuesday morning.

Following a request by the Crown Prosecution Service, magistrates declined jurisdiction in the matter, which will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court. Proceedings will commence on March 28.

The defendant was released on unconditional bail.

PRESELI Pembrokeshire Senedd Member has recently visited Dale Fort Field Centre, a residential centre in the south of the County that hosts school and university trips. Mr Davies met with Tom Stamp, the Residential Centre’s manager to learn more about its operations and to discuss the proposed Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill, which has been introduced by fellow Senedd Member Sam Rowlands MS.

Mr Davies said, “Dale Fort Field Centre is an impressive site that caters for school and university groups and provides an opportunity for children and young people to experience an outdoor residential as part of their educational journey. The facilities at the site are first-class and the staff are passionate about ensuring children have the opportunity to take a residential trip.”

He added “We also discussed the proposed Outdoor Education (Wales) Bill, which my colleague Sam Rowlands has been advocating at the Senedd. The Bill seeks to make it a statutory obligation for local authority-run and grant aided schools in Wales to be provided funding to ensure the opportunity for at least one week of residential outdoor education for young people at some stage during their school years.”

Mr Stamp said, “We were really pleased Paul could come to Dale Fort to see first-hand what we offer the c.3000 visiting students we host in Pembrokeshire each year and hope to welcome him back soon.”