Principality Building Society has partnered with the office of the Future Generations Commissioner, Blake Morgan and Circular Economy Innovation Communities Wales to hold an event focused on supporting businesses to develop green skills for a more sustainable economy.
Deputy Director for Skills at Welsh Government Neil Surman, set out the Government’s work on sustainable skills and the recent Green Skills Review.
Julie-Ann Haines, CEO at Principality Building Society, explained how the society is supporting Wales’ move towards a greener economy.
Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, and Josh Miles, director for Wales at the Learning & Work Institute, both said it was important to make sure all communities can access green skills.
Business leaders from Orangebox, TSW Training, Welsh ICE and the Federation of Small Businesses (Wales) spoke about the green skills small and medium-sized businesses need and the barriers they face in getting these skills.
Cardiff and Vale College and Blake Morgan discussed apprenticeships for green skills and the job opportunities this pathway can offer.
Principality representatives talked about promoting greener housing through its green fund and said there is a skills gap when it comes to retrofitting existing housing in Wales.
The event focused on making sure the Welsh workforce is ready for a just transition, linking economic growth, social fairness and sustainability.
Harri Jones (pictured, right), interim head of brand, impact & communications at Principality Building Society, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Future Generations Commissioner, the partners and today’s industry panellists for highlighting the importance of green skills in driving the transition towards a greener economy.
“Green skills are the foundation for a sustainable future, and this collaboration demonstrates Wales’ commitment towards taking the necessary steps towards incorporating industry-wide sustainability practices to create long-lasting change in Wales.”
Eve Piffaretti, partner at Blake Morgan, said: “We deeply appreciate the Future Generations Commissioner, our partners, and all today’s panellists for spotlighting the vital role that green skills play in advancing towards a more sustainable and prosperous economy.
“Investment in green skills and apprenticeships which are open and accessible to all will help Wales build towards a more resilient future.
“This ongoing collaboration reflects a shared commitment and passion to embedding sustainability across industries to drive meaningful, long-term change to benefit the peoples of Wales.”
Jill Davies, programme manager for Circular Economy Innovation Communities Wales, said: “The move to a green economy is fundamentally a shift to a circular economy, and this event has perfectly highlighted the vital connection between the two.
“Green skills are not just about installing solar panels; they are about training the workforce to design out waste, refurbish products, and keep materials in use for as long as possible.
“CEIC Wales has been proud to be involved with an initiative that focuses on equipping Welsh businesses, especially our SMEs, with the practical, innovative skills they need to thrive and build a stronger, fairer Wales with a truly sustainable future.”
