Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership in the Welsh Government, recently visited Ynys Môn tidal energy scheme to see first-hand how it is helping to inspire the next generation about careers in renewable energy. He was joined at the Morlais substation by David Roberts, Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (NWRSP), who emphasised the importance of linking local talent with the growing opportunities in low-carbon industries.
The visit followed the Green Horizons: Future Skills, careers event hosted by Menter Môn Morlais at the substation near Holyhead earlier in September. Over 150 Year 11 pupils from secondary schools across Ynys Môn attended, meeting local employers, exploring interactive displays, and learning about future pathways in renewable energy and sustainability.
Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive of Careers Wales, Martin Noble and Bethan McCrohan from Babcock were also part of the visit, highlighting the role of employers and career services in supporting young people to explore future opportunities.
Skills Minister, Jack Sargeant, said: "Projects like Morlais show how we can inspire young people to think about a future in green industries, while also creating opportunities that support communities here in north Wales. Skills are at the heart of the transition to net zero, and it's vital we work together with businesses, schools and regional partners to make sure young people see these as exciting, achievable career paths."
David Roberts welcomed the Minister's visit and underlined the importance of continuing to raise awareness of career opportunities in the low-carbon sector. He said: "Highlighting the growth of green industries in north Wales is vital if we are to equip young people with the skills they need and give employers confidence in the workforce of the future. Partnerships like this show what can be achieved when education, government and industry work together."
Fiona Parry, Skills Project Officer at Menter Môn Morlais, added: "We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Morlais today and to share with him how projects like ours are working with schools, employers and partners to open up opportunities for young people. His visit helps raise awareness of the importance of investing in green skills, and on the potential for Ynys Môn to play a leading role in the low-carbon economy."
Morlais, run by social enterprise Menter Môn, is the largest consented tidal stream energy scheme in Europe. As well as generating clean electricity, Menter Môn Morlais is committed to delivering lasting benefits for local communities - from creating jobs and supporting supply chains to helping young people take their first steps towards a career in the green economy.
For further information please contact:
Llinos Iorwerth on llinos@atebcymru.wales or 07970 997124.
Notes
- Morlais is owned and run by Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, a subsidiary of social enterprise, Menter Môn. It is the largest consented tidal energy scheme in Europe and the largest to be run by a social enterprise. Once operational it has the potential to generate up to 240 MW of clean electricity from local tidal resources. The first turbines are expected to be deployed by 2027.
- Menter Môn is a social enterprise which works across Wales to deliver a range of regeneration, environmental and cultural projects for the benefit of local communities. By working in partnership with government, the third sector, business and individuals, Menter Môn attracts funding from different sources to add value and to contribute to creating a sustainable future.
- The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership is one of four regional partnerships established across Wales. It brings together employers, skills providers and key local stakeholders to better understand employer skills needs at both local and regional levels. The partnership promotes the value of training and upskilling new and existing staff as a driver of business growth. By working closely with employers, it helps ensure that skills provision is aligned with business needs.
