Wales’ largest building society came together with the office of the Future Generations Commissioner and key partners to host an event aimed at empowering business to unlock solutions for a green economy.
The ‘Skills for a Just Transition to a Green Economy’ event was hosted in partnership with Principality Building Society, the Future Generation Commissioner’s office, Blake Morgan, and Circular Economy Innovation Communities Wales to highlight the critical role of green skills in building a fairer, more sustainable economy for future generations.
Deputy Director for Skills at Welsh Government, Neil Surman, provided an insight into Welsh Government’s initiatives around sustainable skills, including its Green Skills Review.
Principality Building Society’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie-Ann Haines, showcased the Society’s role in supporting Wales’ transition to a greener economy. Keynote speakers Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, and Josh Miles, Director for Wales at the Learning & Work Institute, highlighted the importance of fair access to green skills to ensure no community is left behind.
Small businesses and industry leaders including Orangebox, TSW Training, Welsh ICE and the Federation of Small Businesses (Wales) shed light on the green skills small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) need to succeed and considered the barriers small firms face in acquiring these skills and how these challenges might be overcome.
Cardiff and Vale College and Blake Morgan shared insight around the vast landscape of apprenticeships for green skills and the career opportunities this crucial pathway can provide learners. Representatives from Principality discussed its work in encouraging greener housing development through its Green Fund and outlined the skills gap concerning Wales’ ambitions to retrofit its existing housing stock.
Together, the discussions underscored the vital importance of equipping Wales’ workforce with the skills needed for a just transition, ensuring economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
Harri Jones, 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 (CEIC), 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.”