led Destination Renewables programme adopted by Neath Port Talbot College and Falmouth Marine School for the new academic year.

Destination Renewables, a bilingual, award winning education programme developed by lead partners: Pembrokeshire College, EDF Renewables UK, DP Energy and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, is celebrating the roll out of the industry led course at two additional further education colleges, with further interest in the roll out.

In addition to the programme’s expansion, the event – attended by learners, education, and industry professionals – also celebrated the recent announcements that the programme has been shortlisted for a Global Offshore Wind Award and two Wales STEM Awards.

The course, which prepares 16–18-year-olds with a Level 3 Extended Project Qualification has been adopted by Neath Port Talbot College, and Falmouth Marine School, for the new academic year.

This rollout comes as a result of a successful pilot programme undertaken at Pembrokeshire College, with over 110 learners engaged in the programme since its launch in 2022. A key aspect of the programme is the collaboration between industry and academia to bridge the skills gap and showcase the diverse careers available.

To date, 45 delivery partner companies from across the sector, and over 62 talented professionals, have delivered sessions to inspire, showcase opportunities,  and provide expert insight into the skills required within the renewable energy industry.

Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty Engineering, Computing, 14-16, Quality Nominee and Strategic lead for Higher Education at Pembrokeshire College said:

“It is fantastic to see, that following the successful pilot programme at Pembrokeshire College, more further education colleges are embarking on this course, engaging with industry, powering green energy careers and putting renewable energy centre stage.”

Mark Hazelton Project Director at EDF Renewables UK said:

“Destination Renewables aims to inspire students to explore future career options in the renewable energy sector needed to build the net zero energy system of the future. Working with the lead partners to expand this course to reach additional learners is very exciting and we look forward to working with the new education partners to empower tomorrow’s leaders.”

The programme is underpinned by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent programme, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment.

Destination Renewables was established to provide an overview of renewable technologies including: wave, tidal, onshore wind, solar and offshore wind, demonstrate a renewable project development lifecycle and highlight the different career pathways within the industry. Students have opportunities to link with future employers to prepare them for work experience, apprenticeship opportunities and jobs in the ever-expanding renewable energies market.

Notes to editors:

About EDF Renewables UK:

EDF Renewables UK and Ireland (www.edf-re.uk) is a subsidiary of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies, and our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities.

With our operating portfolio of 38 renewable energy sites including battery, solar PV, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling more than 1 GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 5 GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV.

About DP Energy:

DP Energy is an Irish company that develops large renewable energy generation projects across the world. Head-quartered in Cork, Ireland, and operating for over 30 years, DP Energy has enabled 1.5GW (1,533MW) of renewable energy generation through 21 significant infrastructure projects worldwide.

DP Energy was founded with a commitment to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all its energy developments whilst also minimising impact on other species. This commitment remains at the core of the company’s activities today. 

Currently, DP Energy has an immediate 9.7GW pipeline of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada. “DP Energy has been operating extensively in the UK since the 1990s and, in 2021, opened an office in South Wales, staffed by an experienced development team.

About Pembrokeshire College

Pembrokeshire College, located in Haverfordwest, is the county’s leading provider of post-16 education and training. With a modern campus, it offers a wide range of courses, from A-levels to apprenticeships and higher-level courses, catering to both young people and adults. The college, with around 2,000 full-time and 12,500 part-time learners and has excellent facilities, including study spaces, IT suites, and specialized centres.

About Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) is a multi-award winning coastal partnership that has been best practice in coastal management since 2000. Coastal partnerships are uniquely placed to engage all relevant stakeholders from local community members through to national policy makers. PCF has an extensive contact database, developed over many years through collaborative project working. Our long-term relationships with coastal communities have been built on trust, understanding, independence and a proven record of delivery.  ‘The successful PCF model should be applied more widely across the coastal areas of the National Landscapes’ The Independent Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales. 

Contact:

Ffion Davies – 0131 3770045

External Affairs Manager for Wales

EDF Renewables UK

Ffion.davies@edf-re.uk