Learners at schools across south west Wales have received a hands-on insight into careers in the clean energy sector through a new initiative from Careers Wales.
The ‘Work in Focus’ challenges, developed by Careers Wales in partnership with Green GEN Cymru and National Grid, help learners explore renewable energy, decarbonisation, and the skills needed for future jobs in the energy sector.
One of the recent events took place at St John Lloyd Catholic School in Llanelli, Year 7 pupils took part in a challenge designed to develop their persuasive communication skills. Learners explored Green GEN Cymru’s work and recorded podcasts debating the benefits and challenges of a renewable energy project, helping them develop communication skills while learning about careers linked to Wales’s green future.
At Ysgol Gyfun Emlyn in Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire, where Year 8 pupils worked with Green GEN Cymru to develop their persuasive communication skills through a real industry task. After learning about the organisation and the range of roles within the sector, learners worked in teams to explore the advantages and disadvantages of different electrical cabling systems, including pylons, underground cabling and telegraph poles.
Supported by industry professionals in the classroom, learners then developed their ideas and presented their findings to a panel, with two teams named joint winners for the strength of their final pitches.
The initiative was also supported by Net Zero Industry Wales, which helped to recruit the companies taking part.
Aled Evans, business engagement adviser at Careers Wales, said: “Working with employers across south-west Wales allows us to bring real industry experiences into the classroom and help learners understand how the skills they develop in school relate to future career opportunities.
“We’re grateful to Green GEN Cymru and National Grid for supporting these challenges and sharing their expertise with learners. The activities help young people explore renewable energy, decarbonisation and future green careers, while gaining an insight into the challenges facing the sector today.”
The ‘Work in Focus’ challenges are developed with employers from key growth sectors and are designed to support the curriculum for Wales by linking classroom learning to real industry challenges. They also help young people build essential skills such as communication, teamwork and critical thinking.
By working closely with partners like Green GEN Cymru and National Grid, Careers Wales aims to give learners a clearer understanding of emerging industries while helping employers play a direct role in shaping the future workforce.
For more information about future career events and resources, please visit the Careers Wales website.
