Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

Latest on Skills Partnership’s employment plan at Royal Welsh Show

Published

on

THIS WEEK (Jul 22) at the Royal Welsh Show, the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) unveiled its update to the Employment and Skills Plan 2022-2025. It addresses the region’s evolving employment and skills needs, reflecting sector growth and economic demands.

The updated plan incorporates new labour market intelligence and qualitative data, providing accurate growth forecasts for Powys and Ceredigion. The RSP collaborated with business-led cluster groups to gather industry-specific insights, ensuring the plan meets the Mid Wales economy’s current and future demands.

The updated plan highlights key growth areas up to 2028, including a 6% increase in the construction and advanced manufacturing sectors, a 9% rise in food and drink production, and a 4% growth in the digital sector. It also emphasizes the importance of skills linked to Net Zero and energy, highlighting emerging workforce requirements.

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, and Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, Co-Chairs of the RSP Board said, “We are pleased with the positive steps the region has made in growth. By collaborating with schools, colleges, universities, and training providers, the RSP is helping to ensure that the right skills are available at the right time to meet the demands of our Mid Wales employers.”

Emma Thomas, Chair of the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership, said, “The Employment and Skills Plan Update 2024 is a testament to our ongoing efforts to support the region’s economic development.

The Mid Wales RSP encourages stakeholders, businesses, and the community to explore the comprehensive Employment and Skills Plan on the Growing Mid Wales site: www.growingmidwales.co.uk/midwalesskillspartnership

The RSP is part of the Growing Mid Wales team, and works across the counties of Ceredigion and Powys, ensuring the development and delivery of the vision for Growing Mid Wales. This includes working to drive investment in skills by developing responses based upon local and regional need.

Stay updated on the latest developments with the work of Growing Mid Wales, by signing up for a monthly newsletter. Email [email protected].

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

on

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Continue Reading

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

on

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Continue Reading

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

on

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

Continue Reading

Education13 hours ago

Milestone for Welsh Education in Pembrokeshire as Ysgol Gymraeg Bro opened

EDUCATION Cabinet Secretary Lynne Neagle MS has officially opened Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro, a new £13.9 million Welsh-medium primary school...

Business14 hours ago

Secretary of State, Jo Stevens MP confirms Pembrokeshire’s role in green energy pilot

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES, Jo Stevens MP, was in Pembrokeshire today to confirm that the county will be part...

Crime2 days ago

Teacher feared for life during Ammanford school stabbing

A TEACHER injured by a knife-wielding pupil during a stabbing at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman in Ammanford thought, “Oh God, this...

Education2 days ago

Wales’ ‘best’ nursing college earmarked for closure in sweeping cuts

Cardiff University nursing school at risk THE PRESTIGIOUS Nursing School at Cardiff University, ranked the best in Wales and fifth...

Charity2 days ago

Coastguard and Lifeboat Team Bake Up a Storm

THE SMELL of freshly baked cakes wafted across the RNLI Fishguard Lifeboat Station on Sunday morning as lifeboat crews from...

Crime2 days ago

Protest outside Burton home of man accused of abusing baby

AROUND 40 people gathered outside a residential address in Burton on Tuesday (Jan 28) to protest against Christopher Phillips, 33,...

Crime3 days ago

Hakin woman prevented from seeing her mother after assault

A HAKIN woman has been banned from contacting her mother after admitting to assaulting her in front of young children....

Crime3 days ago

Pembrokeshire teenager remanded for ‘supplying crack cocaine and cannabis’

A SUSPECTED Pembrokeshire drug dealer has been remanded in custody following allegations of supplying crack cocaine and cannabis. Ieuan Duffy,...

Business3 days ago

Harlech Foodservice steps in after Pembrokeshire Foods owners retire

A FAST-GROWING food wholesale company has stepped in to support customers after the retirement of a couple who ran a...

Business4 days ago

Housing crisis in Pembrokeshire: Empty properties hold the key

SOCIAL or affordable housing in Pembrokeshire is one of the key challenges which the local authority is currently having to...

Popular This Week