Business

Careers Wales launches Bluestone landmark addition to CareersCraft Minecraft world

Published

1 year ago

October 16, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEW CareersCraft landmark launched on 15 October 2024 at Bluestone resort with local school pupils

The resource enables pupils to be immersed in a 3D Minecraft version of the Bluestone resort to develop careers knowledge and awareness of the hospitality and tourism sector in Wales

Careers Wales, in partnership with Visit Wales Welsh Government and Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire, have launched a new landmark feature based on Bluestone’s 500-acre resort, within the award-winning CareersCraft resource.

CareersCraft is a Minecraft world featuring Welsh landmarks, designed to inspire and motivate school children aged 8 – 13, whilst developing their careers skills and knowledge. Each landmark is linked to an Area of Learning within the Curriculum for Wales, or a particular sector.

Through exploring the landmarks virtually through the platform and taking part in challenges, young people are encouraged to consider their own skills, attributes and interests, and how these can support their career journeys.

Bluestone, which is located near Narberth, is a new addition to the seven landmarks already within the CareersCraft world, all detailed below with the Area of Learning or sector they relate to:

Bluestone – hospitality and tourism
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – engineering
The Senedd – language, literacy and communications
Tenby – health and wellbeing
Cardiff Coal Exchange – maths and numeracy
Wales Millenium Centre – expressive arts
Big Pit – science and technology
Caernarfon Castle – humanities

To celebrate the release of the new landmark, Careers Wales hosted a launch event on Tuesday 15 October at the Bluestone resort with pupils from Templeton Community Primary School.

After an introduction to the new landmark, pupils were invited to complete the Bluestone challenges, including testing the safety of the Sky Walk at the Serendome, sorting the resources in the Well Spa and finding missing swimming floats at the Blue Lagoon.

This was followed by a tailored careers session, providing an opportunity for pupils to gain an insight into the world of hospitality directly from Bluestone staff. The exciting event ended with a personalised tour of Bluestone, letting the pupils explore the resort in-person, and learn more about careers within the industry.

Oliver Furneaux, a teacher at Templeton Primary School, said: “The children have thoroughly enjoyed today, as have I, and I think CareersCraft is an excellent resource. The children liked that the session was so interactive and that they’ve been using Minecraft, which they love anyway. Having potential jobs they can do in the future built into a Minecraft world creates a really interesting and engaging way for the children to learn.

“It’s definitely something I can take back to the school and share with the other teachers and classes, and schools within our local area as well. With Bluestone built into the resource, it is a fantastic way for the children to see how they might stay and work in the area in the future.”

A pupil from Templeton Primary School said: “I’ve loved that you get to go places and it looks the same as in real life. We’ve learnt about jobs that are actually real and it’s really cool how to get to experience them.”

A second pupil said: “I really enjoyed the Skywalk challenge, even though it’s hard, I found it really fun, especially when you get your high score. I’ve learnt not to give up on the challenges. I am definitely going to play it at home.”

Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive at Careers Wales, said: “It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with our colleagues at Bluestone and Visit Wales and launch the exciting new Bluestone landmark within CareersCraft.

“Bluestone is an iconic holiday resort, and this new landmark enables players to explore the vibrant hospitality industry and discover the opportunities within this sector in Wales.

“It’s fantastic to see local school pupils exploring the new features of CareersCraft, developing their careers knowledge and expanding their horizons, all whilst in the beautiful setting of Bluestone itself.”

“We’re thrilled to be part of CareersCraft, opening the doors of Bluestone to young minds throughout Wales and beyond,” said Helen John, Bluestone Academy Manager.

“This virtual experience showcases the exciting world of hospitality and tourism, inspiring the next generation of employees and industry leaders. It’s a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the diverse career paths available right here in the heart of Pembrokeshire and throughout Wales.”

The Minister for Skills, Jack Sargeant, said: “I want our children and young people to be offered as many opportunities as possible to be inspired and motivated about their future careers. Opportunities like the fantastic one Templeton Primary school pupils have had today – meeting employees at our award-winning Bluestone National Park Resort.

“Thanks to Careers Wales and Bluestone, this new virtual world in the CareersCraft resource will also give pupils across Wales an opportunity to find out about the breadth of valuable career options available in tourism and hospitality.”

CareersCraft is available to all pupils in schools across the country through Minecraft Education Edition, and is accompanied by lesson plans for teachers.

The resource is also available for anyone with a games console, tablet or laptop to download and has had over seven million downloads through Minecraft Marketplace.

In 2021, CareersCraft was nominated in the ‘Use of Technology in Career Development’ category at the CDI’s UK Career Development Awards.

You can find out more about CareersCraft on the Careers Wales website.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

10 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

14 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

22 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.