Elizabeth and Grace discuss green future at national energy conference

Two of Coleg Llandrillo’s RWE wind turbine apprentices took centre stage at this year’s Future Energy Wales 2025 conference.

Grace Dennehy and Elizabeth Sharpe are among a cohort of apprentices from across the UK studying at RWE’s wind turbine training facility at the college’s Rhyl campus.

They were invited to speak about apprenticeships at the Future Energy Wales conference, which was organised by RenewableUK Cymru and held at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.

The keynote speakers were First Minister Eluded Morgan and Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning. Both gave inspirational speeches on the importance of clean and green energy projects in Wales, for Wales and delivered by a Welsh workforce.

Grace and Elizabeth were joined on stage in Newport by a panel of education experts from industry, Welsh Government and the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, to discuss how apprenticeships and skills are playing a vital role in delivering a green and prosperous Wales.

The session, titled, ‘What do we want? Jobs! When do we want them? Now!’ gave Grace and Elizabeth the opportunity to talk about their journey to becoming wind turbine apprentices, and how the further education sector had opened their eyes to the need for specialist skills through apprenticeships.

Grace said: “The Future Energy Wales conference has been a highlight for me this year. I found it an amazing opportunity to be able to speak to other companies that work in the renewables sector and see how we all do our part in different ways to help the environment.

“Speaking and getting our personal experience out there about apprenticeships and career path opportunities was great, as I believe it is great to hear from younger people starting out in the field. This was a great opportunity to connect and learn more about other sides to renewable energy.”

Elizabeth said: “Attending the conference was an amazing experience which allowed for networking and a chance to build confidence within professional fields.

“Personally, I am not confident in public speaking even in front of our own class - however, it was pleasantly surprising how easily the conference flowed and it was a shock to myself the confidence and clarity in which I was able to answer the questions presented to us.”

The on-stage discussion was chaired by James Lord, the skills and social value manager for RenewablesUK. He set a final but challenging question to the two apprentices: ‘What should the panel of experts do to ensure young people realise the fantastic opportunities available in the renewable energy sector?’

Without hesitation, both Grace and Elizabeth said the profile of apprenticeships needed to be raised, starting with advice for schools, pupils and parents. They also suggested that social media had a large part to play in making young people fully aware of the apprenticeship opportunities available.

Damian Woodford, Assistant Principal at Coleg Llandrillo, said: “Grace and Elizabeth answered questions with confidence and gained the respect of the audience and panel immediately. Their contribution to the discussion was delivered with the enthusiasm and passion that we have become accustomed to in our RWE apprentices.

“Listening to their very different journeys to becoming wind turbine apprentices reinforced how young people from different backgrounds can, with the determination and aptitude for learning new vocational skills, be successful in the renewable energy sector.

“Both Grace and Elizabeth should be proud of their contribution to the conference and understand their valuable input as young people starting on a very important career pathway. They are great ambassadors for both Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and RWE.”

Luke Skeffington, RWE’s Offshore Training Specialist, said: “Grace and Elizabeth are fantastic examples for young people wanting to play their part in Wales’ and the UK’s renewable energy journey.

"Renewable energy is a fast-growing sector, with tens of thousands of roles predicted to be created in the coming years. As the sector grows, Grace, Elizabeth and their colleagues are well-placed to build sustainable careers.”