Pembrokeshire College’s pioneering SPARC Alliance has been shortlisted for a prestigious UK and Ireland Green Gown Award, recognising its innovative approach to improving diversity, equity and inclusion in sustainability and energy careers.
The College has been named a finalist in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Sustainability category for its groundbreaking Powering Progress for Women project, which is inspiring more young women to consider careers in renewable energy, engineering, construction and other sustainability-focused industries.
The SPARC Alliance (Sustainable Power, Renewables and Construction) was established to address the significant underrepresentation of women in the energy and construction sectors, where women currently account for fewer than 15 per cent of the workforce. Through collaboration between education providers, employers and local government, SPARC is creating meaningful opportunities for young women to explore high-value careers across the energy, engineering, construction and maritime sectors.
Launched in 2024, the Alliance was co-designed by Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire County Council and leading industry partners, including RWE, Blue Gem Wind, Floventis Wind, Port of Milford Haven and Ledwood Engineering. Together, the partnership provides learners with accredited learning, industry site visits, employer engagement and practical experiences designed to bring future careers to life.
The model has attracted significant investment, alongside funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills and Talent Programme, enabling SPARC to develop a sustainable approach to supporting future workforce needs across the Celtic Freeport region and beyond. The Crown Estate has also recently become an investment partner in the Alliance.
The success of SPARC is now generating interest from across Wales, with further education colleges signing a Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for a wider rollout of the model.
The latest independent evaluation provides strong evidence of the initiative’s impact. The most recent figures (Sept 2025 / July 2026) showed SPARC engaged 197 girls across seven Pembrokeshire secondary schools through 41 employer engagement activities. The evaluation found significant increases in learners’ knowledge of renewable energy careers, qualification pathways and local employment opportunities, alongside increased confidence and STEM aspirations.
Awareness of renewable energy careers increased from 30% to 70%, while awareness of local career opportunities rose from 47% to 68%. SPARC is also helping to challenge gender stereotypes, with 77% of learner drawings depicting women in STEM roles following participation. Early evidence also suggests an influence on subject choices, with 65% of Year 9 participants selecting a STEM GCSE.
The initiative is also strengthening relationships between schools and employers, with industry partners increasingly recognising SPARC as a workforce development initiative that can help build stronger connections between education, industry and future talent pipelines.
Pembrokeshire College Principal, Dr Barry Walters, said:
“To be recognised by the Green Gown Awards is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the strength of collaboration between education, industry and our wider community. Through the SPARC Alliance, we are helping young women see themselves in careers that will shape the future of energy and sustainability, while ensuring local employers have access to the diverse talent they need to support the transition to net zero.”
The Green Gown Awards celebrate exceptional sustainability initiatives across the further and higher education sectors, recognising projects that deliver environmental and social impact while creating positive change for future generations.
