Green Skills and Built Environment
Panel discussion at the Green Skills and Built Environment event.
The North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) in partnership with Adra and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai recently hosted a Green Skills and Built Environment engagement event at Tŷ Gwyrddfai, attracting around 50 delegates from across the region. Representatives from the Welsh Government, housing associations, education providers, local authorities, and SMEs came together to explore current challenges and opportunities in workforce development within the construction and built environment sector.
While the event identified several ongoing challenges, it also highlighted strong opportunities to strengthen the construction and built environment workforce in North Wales. Delegates recognised that more needs to be done to raise awareness of construction careers, with teachers and other influencers requiring greater understanding of the sector. Early engagement through vocational tutors, industry ambassadors, and improved careers education will be key to inspiring the next generation of talent.
Access to training also remains an issue, particularly following the removal of the direct Level 2 apprenticeship route, but there is now positive recognition that Medr are now reviewing the potential reintroduction of a Level 2 standard apprenticeship, which would open opportunities for more learners to enter the sector.
Employers also stressed the importance of bridging the gap between qualifications and day-one job readiness, calling for stronger links between training and workplace practice. Apprenticeship reform remains a priority, with fairer wages and better incentives needed to make placements sustainable for both learners and employers.
On a positive note, the event highlighted several promising opportunities to drive change. The Teacher–Employer Encounters pilot has demonstrated how schools can deliver more relevant and inspiring career guidance, while the RSP’s Construction Employer Cluster Group continues to serve as an effective forum for ongoing collaboration between educators, training providers and employers.
Local initiatives such as Tŷ Gwyrddfai and CIST are delivering accessible upskilling opportunities, and partnerships with organisations like CITB are ensuring training provision remains closely aligned with industry needs.
Technology and digital tools also offer exciting potential to personalise pathways and track future skills demand more effectively. Finally, the sector has a significant opportunity to diversify its workforce by engaging underrepresented groups, including women, ex-offenders, people with disabilities and career changers – bringing fresh skills and perspectives to the industry.
Next Steps:
The North Wales RSP and partners are taking concrete actions to strengthen workforce development in the construction and built environment sector:
- Promote employer–school engagement to strengthen vocational pathways and raise awareness of construction careers among young people.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to identify and develop local talent, support career development and improve access for underrepresented groups, including women, ex-offenders, people with disabilities, and career changers.
- Continue influencing policymakers, including Welsh Government officials and local politicians, to support green skills and construction pathways in North Wales.
- Build on the Anglesey pilot to recruit young people into the construction sector and enhancing teachers understanding of available career opportunities.
- Promote collaboration and upskilling initiatives, leveraging local projects such as Tŷ Gwyrddfai and CIST, and supporting inclusive and sustainable workforce development.
The message from the event is clear: collaboration is key. By aligning education, employers, and government support, North Wales can build a diverse, skilled, and future-ready workforce to deliver on the region’s decarbonisation and built environment ambitions.
To find out more about the North Wales RSP’s work over the last financial year, and their focus moving forwards, take a look at the Annual Report 2024/25.
North Wales Regional Skills Partnership
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