During Skills Competition Wales 2026, a series of dedicated Green Skills events brought sustainability and future-focused careers into the spotlight. Running alongside the competitions, four interactive events welcomed employers, industry experts and suppliers to showcase the knowledge and skills needed for the green workforce of the future.
The events travelled across Wales, beginning at Grwp Llandrillo Menai, moving on to Coleg Cambria, then to Coleg y Cymoedd, and finishing at Pembrokeshire College. More than 600 students attended, taking part in hands-on activities demonstrating how sustainability and innovation are shaping modern industries. The sessions connected learners with organisations working in environmental technology, clean energy and digital innovation, helping them see how their future careers could contribute to a greener Wales.
Designed to be highly interactive, the events allowed learners to experience real-world green technologies while speaking directly with industry professionals. Activities included exploring energy-efficient buildings with Construction Wales Innovation Centre, generating power with Ynni Da, researching sustainability pathways with Environmental Platform Wales, coding with STEMWorks and deep learning technology sessions with Yondur. Students also took part in Net Zero themed games with Xplore Science, VR learning with Metaverse and VR welding with Fronius, alongside other activities highlighting emerging green technologies and sustainable practices.
Engagement was extremely positive, with many students leaving inspired by the opportunities available in green careers. As industries across Wales move towards more sustainable practices, initiatives like these help raise awareness of the skills needed for the future.
The events also complemented the introduction of several new sustainability-focused competitions, including Retrofit, Sustainable Agriculture, Net Zero, Renewable Energy, Inclusive Sustainable Cleaning and Inclusive Sustainable Enterprise.
By bringing together education, industry and innovation, the Green Skills events at Skills Competition Wales 2026 highlighted opportunities for learners and reinforced the importance of developing the skills needed to support Wales’ journey towards a more sustainable future.
“Introducing the Green Skills wraparound events to the Skills Competition Wales programme this year has been a fantastic step forward. It was great to see so many students engaging with the activities and speaking with industry professionals. It was also fantastic to witness students' enthusiasm for learning more about the green technologies and careers shaping the future.” - Paul Evans
‘’The day was very well organised and the learners we brought were engaged throughout. There was lots on offer vocationally and everything was accessible. Our learners had a great day.’’ - Quote taken from feedback off of a lecturer.
To build on this success, we are already in the process of planning an even bigger and more ambitious programme of Green Skills events for the coming year. With a focus on expanding reach, increasing industry involvement and offering even more hands-on, interactive experiences, these events will continue to inspire and equip learners for the future workforce.
Further details will be shared in due course, so be sure to keep an eye on the Inspiring Skills Excellence in Wales website and social media channels for the latest updates.