Forty future engineers enrol in industry led programme heading for Destination Renewables

Destination Renewables, a new pioneering programme preparing students for the future renewables’ jobs market launched this week at Pembrokeshire College with forty students signed up. EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy have signed an MoU with Pembrokeshire College to design and deliver the two year course which will transfer real-world sector knowledge and inform career journeys for 16-18 year olds.

Rt. Hon Stephen Crabb MP, Member of Parliament for Preseli Pembrokeshire said:

“Without a doubt it is an exciting time for the energy sector on the Haven. There is a clear vision emerging for a low carbon future that includes both new projects such as floating offshore wind and hydrogen.  With its energy-rich heritage, and strategic national importance, Pembrokeshire is well-placed to be at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon future.

It has the potential to bring benefits nationally and locally through the creation of high skilled green jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for the people of Pembrokeshire. I am delighted to see industry partners joining with Pembrokeshire College to deliver a renewable energy programme which will help to drive this agenda forward.”

Simon De Pietro, DP Energy’s CEO said about the MoU agreement:

“We are delighted to have partnered with Pembrokeshire College and EDF Renewables to launch this innovative programme to inspire and educate the future green energy workforce.”

In addition to the lead partners, the young adults will learn from a range of renewable sector leaders; Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Milford Haven Port Authority, Marine Energy Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, Regen, ORE Catapult MEECE, Celtic Sea Power, Swansea University, Energy Kingdom, Mainstay Marine, Marine Space, Bombora, Insite, Williams Shipping, Marine Power Systems, TYF, 3DW and Cadno Communications. This collaboration with industry will help to bridge the skills gap and showcase the diverse range of careers within the sector, all the while supporting net zero targets and maximising regional benefits.

Ryanne Burges EDF Renewables’ Offshore Director said:

“The case for greater renewables capacity has never been stronger, creating an equally increased need for skilled workers in our sector. At EDF Renewables UK and Ireland we put significant efforts in to creating accessible opportunities for the local workforce to support delivery of our projects and ensure that local communities are able to experience all of the benefits of such significant infrastructure projects being developed off their coastlines. We are really proud to be delivering this programme and believe that Destination Renewables is one way in which young people can access these future career opportunities.”

Joshua Thomas, L3 Mechanical Engineering at Pembrokeshire College enrolled onto Destination Renewables said:

“I have signed up to Destination Renewables as I am concerned about climate change. I would love to work in the renewable energy sector following my studies. I hope that this course will help me stand out. I am most looking forward to meeting businesses, learning how they got to where they are now and finding out what I need to do to get there too.”

With an increasing focus on tackling climate change and securing energy supplies, there is an urgent need for renewable technologies to be developed.  EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy are jointly developing the up to 1GW Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm in the Celtic Sea and recognise that a skilled workforce is a prerequisite to rolling out these technologies quickly.

Destination Renewables is underpinned by the Skills and Talent programme of the Swansea Bay City Deal, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment. Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum will support the renewables industry in the delivery of this private sector and education partnership to manage high-quality industry content standards and ensure a positive learner journey. 

Notes to editors:

Destination Renewables is a two-year Extended Project Qualification. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a level 3 (A-level standard) qualification offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC – graded like an AS level it can provide additional UCAS points. It provides opportunities for learners to expand their knowledge, work independently and acquire new skills through a variety of activities which may include: guest speakers, workplace visits and practical experiences. The first cohort of 40 students begin their studies in September 2022.

In September, the pilot programme will be rolled out to Diploma Level 3 Engineering students, and a further opportunity for Business, IT and Construction learners to participate in sessions.  Following on from the first year pilot, DP Energy and EDF hope that the college can offer the course to a wider cohort of students to attract skills and talent from all disciplines into the diverse career pathways offered by the sector.

Staff from DP Energy and EDF Renewables UK will have a hands-on role in delivering the learning programme alongside other delivery partners, as well as providing mentoring opportunities to students in the second year of the course programme.

About EDF Renewables:

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, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling 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, hydrogen, battery and solar PV.

About DP Energy:

DP Energy has a long history of renewable project development and is a global developer of wind, solar and ocean energy projects across the UK, Ireland, Australia and North America.

To date DP Energy has consented over 1GW of projects across a multitude of jurisdictions and across multiple sites with the majority already built and operational.  DP Energy currently has over 2GW of onshore wind under development and is jointly developing over 4GW of offshore wind with its JV partners.

Whilst headquartered in Ireland, DP Energy has operated extensively in the UK since the 1990s and early 2000s to deliver large scale onshore wind projects principally across Scotland, including Hadyard Hill wind farm which at 130MW was one of the largest projects of its day.

As part of its overall expansion plans DP Energy has now opened a UK South Wales office staffed by an experienced development team. In addition to delivering the Gwynt Glas Offshore Wind farm, DP Energy will be developing a portfolio of 100% sustainable energy projects in the UK across the renewable technology range.

www.dpenergy.com

Pembrokeshire College

Pembrokeshire College is a dynamic and high quality provider of further, higher and work-based education and training with nearly 2,000 full-time and 13,000 part-time learners and apprentices. The College employs over 500 talented and dedicated staff who are well-qualified, supportive and who care passionately about their students.

Pembrokeshire College offers a comprehensive academic and vocational offer, covering all curriculum areas, including the priority sectors of Health and Care, Engineering, Construction, Food and Farming, Life Science, Information Communication & Technology, Finance, Tourism, Hospitality, Catering and Creative Arts.

www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Further information:

[email protected] Welsh External Affairs Manager, EDF Renewables, 0131 377 0045

[email protected] Stakeholder and Communications Manager, DP Energy, 07890 636898

[email protected] – Curriculum Development Manager, Pembrokeshire College,07971 123464