Community

Green Careers Week report urges action to make green jobs accessible to all

Published

6 months ago

November 2, 2025

National Lottery partnership reveals practical ways to break barriers and create inclusive opportunities

A NEW report published to mark Green Careers Week (Nov 3–8) has revealed that many people from underserved communities are being shut out of green jobs due to lack of experience, financial barriers and unclear career pathways.

The study — a collaboration between The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder, and Greenworkx, an education technology start-up — highlights how employer recruitment practices and reliance on informal networks are preventing equal access to opportunities in the growing green economy.

According to the research, 88% of out-of-work green jobseekers said that employer demands for prior experience were the biggest barrier to entry, while 83% said that shadowing or work placements would most help them find work.

Seven key barriers identified

The report found that financial constraints, lack of awareness, unclear routes into employment and limited access to networks all compound one another — particularly for people with disabilities, new arrivals to the UK, and those already underrepresented in the workforce.

It recommends system-wide improvements through employer-led programmes, including:

job-shadowing schemes where graduates help newcomers gain experience,
clear ‘job-ready’ guides explaining what employers look for,
partnerships between employers, training providers and community groups, and
funding incentives for local green job creation.

‘Good quality green jobs are becoming available’

John Rose, Wales Director and Environment Lead at The National Lottery Community Fund, said:
“More and more good-quality green jobs are becoming available, from solar and heat pump installation to nature conservation. This report helps us understand the barriers and how to support more people into green careers.

“By working with innovative partners like Greenworkx, we’re making environmental action relevant and accessible to communities that might otherwise be left behind. Our Sustainable Steps Wales programme, for example, is helping young people with disabilities and from ethnically minoritised backgrounds into green careers, investing over £12 million in four regional partnership projects across North, West and South Wales.”

He added: “Whether through large-scale initiatives or grassroots projects, the organisations we fund can make a big impact by embedding green careers. We would urge anyone with an idea for an environmental project to visit our website and apply for funding.”

Lack of awareness still a major issue

Limited awareness of green job options remains a major obstacle. Research by WorldSkills UK found that 44% of young people don’t know what green jobs exist, while 41% are unsure what skills are required.

Community group Foothold Cymru, which works with people aged 15–30, has also found that young people are often unaware of the variety of green career paths, and that uncertainty over job security can lead parents, friends and even career advisers to steer them away from the sector.

As one young participant, Shabana (20), put it: “Nobody wants to hire you unless you have the experience — but where do you get the experience from if you don’t get hired?”

Building a resilient, inclusive workforce

The research concludes that with deliberate action and coordinated effort, the green transition can become a source of opportunity, resilience and inclusion for all.

The National Lottery Community Fund plans to use the findings to inform future programme design, while Greenworkx will expand its employer-informed pilot schemes to reach more candidates and employers nationwide.

Mat Ilic, CEO of Greenworkx, said: “At Greenworkx, we believe people are the answer to the climate emergency. The energy transition offers millions the chance of meaningful work — but only if those opportunities are accessible to everyone.

“Our partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund has gone beyond identifying barriers. We’ve developed and tested practical solutions that bridge the gap between training and employment, where challenges of confidence, readiness and recruitment are greatest.

“We hope this new report helps drive a systemic approach to green workforce development, building the skilled workforce needed to power the energy transition — and ensuring the benefits are shared by all.”

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

13 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

14 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.