Six Pembrokeshire secondary schools came together at Haverfordwest High School at the end of the summer term to mark the conclusion of the inaugural year of the SPARC Programme with a special Celebration and Awards Ceremony.
“The event recognised the remarkable achievements of pupils who took part in SPARC (Sustainable Power, Renewables and Construction) – an initiative designed to empower young women to explore careers in STEM, particularly within the energy and construction sectors. This year’s successes have been made possible by our Alliance members: RWE, The Port of Milford Haven, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis, Ledwood Engineering, Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Swansea Bay City Deal,” said Hayley Williams, SPARC Co-lead at Pembrokeshire College.
The ceremony featured several awards including:
- Most Engaged Practitioner – awarded to Claire Phillips, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to supporting the delivery of SPARC.
- Contribution Awards – presented to pupils from each participating school for their enthusiasm and dedication.
- Welding Awards – recognising the skill and determination demonstrated during hands-on workshops.
Guest speaker Alex Britton, Marine Superintendent at Svitzer and one of only three female operational leaders within the company across the UK, shared her inspiring journey into the maritime sector. Her powerful keynote encouraged pupils to embrace non-linear career paths and to value not only technical expertise but also inclusive values-driven leadership.
Reflecting on her own experience leading teams in traditionally male-dominated environments, Alex emphasised the importance of visibility and representation: “Representation matters. Role models matter. We need more women in this space—not just at the table, but at the helm, commanding the ship.”
She credited her success to the strong women in her family and the guidance of inspiring mentors, championing the belief that empathy, resilience and curiosity are just as vital as technical training in building a meaningful career.
“This year, 172 girls enrolled in the SPARC Programme, with over 90 engagement sessions delivered—many in collaboration with local industry partners. From designing floating wind platforms to trying their hand at welding, pupils gained hands-on experience, tackled real-world challenges and built new skills,” said Rob Hillier, SPARC Alliance Co-lead at Pembrokeshire College.
If you or your business is interested in becoming a member of the SPARC Alliance, or would like to offer an engaging session for learners, please contact:
Hayley Williams – hayleyw@pembrokeshire.ac.uk or
Holly Skyrme – holly.skyrme@pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk
