A new generation of Welsh-speaking marine specialists is being supported to build careers close to home, as two north Wales graduates secure internships with Menter Môn’s flagship tidal energy scheme, Morlais.
Amy Quaeck-Evans from Porthmadog and Siôn D’Arcy from Bangor, have joined the team this week through the Marine Futures Internship programme. Funded by The Crown Estate, the aim is to give aspiring marine professionals the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop the skills they need for careers in the sector.
For Menter Môn, that local focus is central to its vision for Morlais – not only creating quality jobs in a growing green industry, but ensuring those opportunities are available through the medium of Welsh.
Welcoming Amy and Siôn to the team, Menter Môn Managing Director, Dafydd Gruffydd said: “Morlais has always been about more than generating clean electricity. It’s about making sure the benefits are felt here in north Wales – through jobs, skills, and training opportunities.
“We’re delighted to welcome two talented young people from the area to the team. They’ll gain first-hand experience of an exciting and fast-growing sector, while contributing to work that will shape the future of tidal energy in Wales.”
Dafydd added: “Keeping talented young people in north Wales benefits everyone. It strengthens our economy, supports our communities and helps protect and grow the Welsh language. Creating opportunities like these is an important part of what we do at Menter Môn.”
Amy, who graduated from Bangor University with a degree in Marine Biology and Oceanography, said: “I’m looking forward to develop practical skills and expand my knowledge of marine issues in north Wales and the Irish Sea through this internship. This is a great opportunity, and I’m sure it will give me the confidence and experience I need for a career where I can contribute to protecting and managing our marine environment.”
Siôn, who studied Biological Sciences at Cardiff University before completing a Master’s in Conservation and Land Management at Bangor University, said: “I’m excited to have been selected and to be able to contribute to environmental research projects linked to Morlais. As a fluent Welsh speaker, the opportunity to develop and use the language in a professional setting and so close to home means a lot to me and is another valuable part of this internship. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
The Marine Futures programme is managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust and, as well as Menter Môn, is delivered in partnership with The Crown Estate, M-SParc, and Natural Resources Wales. It provides interns with opportunities to develop specialist skills across marine conservation, renewable energy development, marine policy and community engagement. Sion and Amy will divide their time between the partners and the placement will end with a final presentation.
Menter Môn Morlais manages 35km² of the seabed off the coast of Ynys Môn. Once fully operational, the scheme has the potential to generate up to 240MW of low-carbon electricity. The first tidal energy devices are expected to be deployed in the sea and to generate electricity from 2027.
