THE SPARC Alliance recently hosted an information day at RWE’s Pembroke Net Zero Centre (PNZC), inviting nine secondary school teachers to learn about the latest green technology developments in Pembrokeshire.

Members including RWE, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis (Cierco Energy), Port of Milford Haven, Ledwood Engineering, ERM, and Morgan Sindall Construction delivered presentations on Green Hydrogen, Ports, Floating Offshore Wind, Engineering, and Sustainable Construction. Newly appointed Patron, CEO Luciana Ciubotariu, Celtic Freeport, spent the day with the teachers and toured the impressive PNZC site.

Ben Williams and Dr Mark Picton from RWE jointly commented, “The day aimed to equip the newly appointed SPARC Practitioners with knowledge about Net Zero’s positive impact in Pembrokeshire, the evolving job market, and future prospects — highlighting the potential rise in high-value technical jobs across the region”.

STEM teachers among the SPARC Practitioners welcomed the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, intending to integrate local Net Zero advancements into their classrooms. This initiative aims to inspire young female learners to consider careers in sustainable power, renewables, and construction — fields they might not have otherwise explored.

The SPARC Practitioners receive support from the Alliance’s full membership and a Schools/Industry Liaison, Holly Skyrme of Marine Energy Wales and Pembrokeshire College. Industry engagement is a crucial component to complement classroom learning, encouraging young female participation.

Starting in September, the SPARC Alliance programme offers bite-sized learning and careers education for 12–14-year-olds. The ‘Project Influencer’ unit culminates in an inter-school competition and prize-giving event next July ‘25. Additionally, the Alliance, which includes Pembrokeshire College, plan to launch a mentoring programme for post-16 females as part of the initiative.

For more information about the SPARC Alliance, please contact: [email protected]

CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.

The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.

“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.

Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.

WALES’ beer and pub sector supports 44,000 jobs but urgently needs the upcoming Budget to help it so it can keep people in work, the trade body has warned.   

These figures demonstrate that people around the country depend upon the industry to keep them in work and put money in their pockets, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.    

But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.    

Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It says the industry needs the Budget to help it continue to invest in business and people and remain a home away from home in communities across the country.     

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “Our brewers and pubs are helping people around the country earn money, gain skills and experience, and support both the local and national economy. 

“From those pulling pints to the farmers growing the hops, so many rely on our treasured beer and pub sector for their livelihoods and careers.  

“But for the job market to flourish – and for us to keep supporting those jobs – it’s vital our sector is given the support it needs to continue.   

“We are urging the Government protect the Great British brewing and pub sector – the beating heart of our communities – to ensure it can remain a driving force for growth, jobs, investment and social value whilst keeping the price of a pint affordable for all.”  

The BBPA is calling on the Government to use the upcoming Budget to cut beer duty, reform business rates, and pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief so that pubs and brewers can keep people in work and support more jobs. 

A 5% cut in beer duty in the upcoming Budget would result in up to 12,000 additional jobs across the UK, mainly in pubs. This is due to the dynamic effects of increased prices at the bar reducing demand from consumers, who are sensitive to costs rising. Decreased demand for drinks in pubs leads to closures and job losses so keeping the price of a pint affordable will allow the sector to thrive and employ even more people.  

The industry is facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging taxes and a potential beer garden smoking ban.   

The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.   

The BBPA warns any additional price increases, on top of the inflationary pressures of the last few years, would tip many beer and pub businesses over the edge.