From November 6th to 11th, St David’s College observed National Green Careers Week by hosting a new Green Careers Fair. This ground-breaking event was exclusively dedicated to fostering awareness and understanding of sustainability and green career options among students. As climate change concerns intensify, with approximately 60% of young people expressing worry (Bath University, 2021 survey), the fair aimed to illuminate diverse career pathways available in various fields, emphasizing the crucial role each student can play in shaping a sustainable future.
The fair, open to all St David’s students exploring university admissions, apprenticeships, employment, or contemplating future opportunities, attracted an estimated 600 participants engaging with exhibitors. A dynamic mix of universities and companies participated, creating a vibrant platform for students to explore and connect with potential green career options.
Prominent universities such as the University of South Wales, Cardiff Met University, Cardiff University, and Swansea University seized the opportunity to showcase their green-focused degrees. Examples include the University of South Wales presenting sustainable fashion, Cardiff Met University highlighting sustainable leisure and tourism, Cardiff University’s Net Zero Innovation Institute and Swansea University promoting Environmental Science and Marine Biology degrees.
Leading companies, including Mott McDonald, EDF Energy, Principality Building Society, and entrepreneur Zoe Binning, added a practical dimension to the fair. Mott McDonald featured VR Headsets illustrating construction sites, EDF Energy spotlighted opportunities at Hinckley Point C, Principality Building Society shared sustainability initiatives for branches and headquarters, and Zoe Binning showcased her sustainable events business. The fair also welcomed engineering companies like Hoare Lea and SD Solutions, construction firms such as Tilbury Douglas, Encon, and Galliford Try, architects from Powell Dobson and Stride Treglown, and institutions like The Royal Town Planning Institute and Dwr Cymru.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all exhibitors who dedicated their time to inspire and educate St David’s students. Your contributions have played a pivotal role in shaping the green careers of the next generation, fostering a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
St David’s College’s Green Careers Fair successfully bridged the gap between students and green career opportunities. By showcasing a diverse array of options from esteemed universities and leading companies, the event not only inspired but also empowered students to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable future of our planet. We extend our gratitude to all involved for making this transformative event a resounding success.