SPARC’s Career connections event inspires next generation of young women in stem and low carbon energy

Pembrokeshire College, 11 February 2025.

Last week’s Career Connections event at Pembrokeshire College proved to be a resounding success, bringing together over 150 female students across 7 secondary schools in Pembrokeshire from the SPARC Alliance initiative with leading industry professionals to explore career opportunities in low carbon energy, construction, engineering, and maritime industries. 

Encouraging the Future Workforce 

The SPARC Alliance, a Pembrokeshire-based initiative, is committed to supporting young women in STEM, low carbon energy, and construction. At Career Connections, students had the chance to engage with leading industry professionals, gaining first-hand insights into some of the fastest-growing sectors in Wales. 

Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport and SPARC Patron, set the tone with an inspiring opening speech, encouraging attendees to be curious, seize new opportunities, and challenge industry norms. Luciana’s message was clear: 

“This event is all about you—your future, your possibilities, and the incredible careers waiting for you. All industries need more women, and even though some spaces haven’t always seemed open to us, they absolutely are. You belong wherever you want to be.” 

Industry Engagement and Hands-On Learning 

The event featured a variety of interactive sessions, including: 

• A recorded podcast interview, hosted by Apollo Engineering, featuring experts from Marine Power Systems and RWE, sharing their career journeys. 

• “Career Connections”, an interactive session where SPARC pupils used Career Passports to engage directly with industry professionals and discover essential skills for Wales’ growing energy and infrastructure sectors. 

• An inspiring closing talk from Captain Louise Sara and Kristy Dawson (Carnival Corporation), who shared their experiences of navigating the maritime industry and forging successful careers. 

Addressing Gender Imbalance in STEM 

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers. With the UK’s low-carbon energy workforce set to grow by nearly 500,000 jobs by 2030 (UK Government, 2022), initiatives like SPARC play a critical role in ensuring young women can see themselves in these industries and pursue careers with confidence. 

Industry Partners Making an Impact 

Throughout the day, students engaged with professionals from a range of organisations, including: 

• Apollo Engineering 

• Blue Gem Wind 

• Carnival UK 

• Celtic Freeport 

• ERM 

• KIER 

• Laing O’Rourke 

• Ledwood Engineering 

• Lincweld 

• INSITE Technical 

• Morgan Sindall 

• Marine Power Systems 

• Pembrokeshire College 

• Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum 

• Port of Milford Haven 

• RWE 

From engineering and welding to project management and environmental science, attendees explored various career pathways and developed an understanding of the valuable skills required in these industries. 

A Bright Future for Women in STEM 

The event coordinators, Hayley Williams (Pembrokeshire College), Rob Hillier (Pembrokeshire County Council), and Holly Skyrme (Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum), expressed their gratitude to all partners and industry professionals who contributed to the event’s success. 

Holly Skyrme of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum said:

“A huge thank you to all the industry professionals who gave their time to support and inspire the next generation. Your engagement and enthusiasm have made a real impact, helping students to recognise the exciting career paths available to them. We’re looking forward to seeing what this incredible cohort of young women achieves in the future!” 

Looking Ahead 

With growing interest in low carbon energy in Pembrokeshire, the SPARC Alliance will continue to build connections between young females and industry, ensuring that Wales’ future workforce is diverse, skilled, and ready to take on the challenges of a changing world. 

About SPARC Alliance 

The SPARC Alliance is a Pembrokeshire-based initiative dedicated to empowering young women to explore careers in STEM, low carbon energy, and construction. Through hands-on learning, industry mentorship, and inspiring role models, SPARC is helping young females see their place in the future of energy and innovation. 

SPARC Alliance Partners 

RWE, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis, Port of Milford Haven, Ledwood Engineering, Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Swansea Bay City Deal. 

Contact Information 

For more details about SPARC Alliance and upcoming events, contact holly.skyrme@pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk or follow SPARC Alliance on Facebook. 

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