Pupils from Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Holyhead made the trip to the Senedd in Cardiff this week, thanks to an invitation from Careers Wales to showcase their work alongside Anglesey tidal energy scheme, Morlais.
As part of the Valued Partner Awards Ceremony, the year 10 pupils represented one of only two school invited to speak to delegates and guests about their Power of the Sea project. Working with Menter Môn, the initiative saw them design and test their own tidal‑turbine prototypes. The experience allowed the pupils to use their skills in an industry setting, as well as gave them valuable insight into tidal energy technologies and the wide range of careers available in the renewable energy sector.
The Careers Wales Valued Partner Awards celebrate organisations that make an exceptional contribution to careers education and employability across Wales. And, thanks to their work through the Work in Focus Challenge with Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Menter Môn Morlais came top of the class in the Best Supporter of the Net Zero Agenda category. The award recognises organisations that encourage and inspire young people to consider careers in environmental and climate-focused areas.
Lexi, one of the students who was part of the project and the team that travelled to Cardiff, said: “Working with Morlais and Careers Wales has made our work feel more important and valued. Knowing that professionals were involved increased our confidence and motivation. The project helped us to think more positively about our future and raises our aspirations, showing that the skills we are developing at school can lead to a real careers.”
Zalli Jones, is Head of Design and Technology at Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, she said: “The Morlais Power of the Sea project has allowed pupils to engage with employers and academics to develop skills and link classroom studies to the world of work. The partnership has given pupils the opportunity to experience meaningful, real world learning that connects directly to future career pathways.
“With Morlais just down the road from us – it’s important that our students understand what the opportunities are for them right here on their doorstep.”
Fiona Parry, Community Benefits Manager at Menter Môn added: “We’re delighted to have been nominated and to win this award from Careers Wales this year. But more importantly that the pupils had the chance to visit the Senedd and talk about their work with us.
“Our partnership with Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi has been made possible thanks to Careers Wales and their Work in Focus Challenge. Ensuring we develop the next generation of local talent and help them understand the potential of the green economy locally is very important to us and this project has meant we have been able to do just that.”
The nomination from Careers Wales acknowledges Morlais’ work in supporting young people in Ynys Môn to learn about future career opportunities within the renewable energy sector. This is also connected to Menter Môn’s vision of unlocking the potential of our people and resources to secure the future of our communities.
