More than 150 female secondary school students from the SPARC (Sustainable, Power, Renewables and Construction) Alliance initiative came together for a successful Career Connections event at Pembrokeshire College on International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The SPARC Alliance, a Pembrokeshire-based initiative dedicated to empowering young females to explore career opportunities in STEM, low carbon energy, and construction, introduced the young women to leading industry professionals to explore career opportunities in renewable energy, construction, engineering, and maritime industries.
Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport and SPARC patron, delivered an inspiring opening speech encouraging students to embrace curiosity, stay open to new opportunities, and step boldly into industries where women have historically been underrepresented.
Luciana said:
“This event is all about you—your future, your possibilities, and the incredible careers waiting for you. All industries need more women, and even though some spaces haven’t always seemed open to us, they absolutely are. You belong wherever you want to be.”
Designed to inspire, empower, and connect, the event included the recording of a podcast interview hosted by Apollo Engineering, and a closing talk from Captain Louise Sara and Kristy Dawson (Carnival Corporation), who shared their experiences of navigating the maritime industry.
There was also an interactive ‘Career Connections’ session where SPARC pupils used Career Passports to engage directly with industry professionals and discover skills essential for Wales’ fastest-growing sectors.
Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers and with the UK’s low-carbon energy workforce set to grow by nearly 500,000 jobs by 2030, initiatives like SPARC play a critical role in ensuring young women see themselves in these careers and have the confidence and knowledge to pursue them.
Throughout the day, students engaged in career discussions, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences with professionals from Apollo Engineering, Blue Gem Wind, Celtic Freeport, ERM, KIER, Laing Rourke, Ledwood Engineering, Lincweld, INSITE Technical, Morgan Sindall, Marine Power Systems, Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the Port of Milford Haven and RWE.
