Four exceptional Engineering students from Neath College have achieved a remarkable milestone by winning Gold in the Skills Competitions Wales Net Zero competition. Thomas Morgan, Finley Jones, Daisy Cullen, and Timothy Stephenson, also known as “Sustainable Steps,” achieved the highest level of award at the recent Skills Competitions Wales Celebration event held at Swansea Arena, following a series of competitions held across Welsh Colleges earlier in the year.
Their groundbreaking achievement not only underscores their talent and dedication to green energy innovation but also reflects the power of collaboration and resilience in pursuing sustainable solutions through the ‘Destination Renewables’ Project. This project is underpinned by the Skills and Talent programme of the Swansea Bay City Deal, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment, and adopted by NPTC Group of Colleges in 2024. Creating the team Sustainable Steps, these students have demonstrated how passion, hard work, and guidance from experienced mentors can drive excellence in addressing critical challenges in renewable energy and achieving Net Zero goals.
Winning team member Daisy said: “I was really unsure about competing at first – I’ve always been passionate about green energy, but I’ve struggled with anxiety in the past, so putting myself forward felt daunting. But I knew it would be great for my confidence, my CV, and my overall experience, so I decided to go for it.
“Winning Gold with my team means so much. The last medal I won was for karate in primary school, and I have always envied the rugby and football players with their trophies. To win something like this, in something I care about, is just incredible. I’m so proud of what we achieved together, regardless of what the outcome might have been.”
Engineering Lecturer and Skills Competitions Wales Mentor Cheryl Cairns said: “It has been an incredible journey mentoring the Sustainable Steps team, witnessing their collaboration to implement innovative ideas, and seeing their presentation take shape. Their achievement is truly outstanding.”
“What an amazing and proud moment for my colleague and fellow mentor Jordan Briskham and the whole Engineering department at NPTC Group of Colleges. To win something like this, in something we care about, is just incredible. I am so proud of what we achieved together, and winning Gold was just the icing on the cake. Da iawn Sustainable Steps!”
The tutors proudly witnessed how the Sustainable Steps team worked diligently over three months to meet the competition’s challenging objectives.
Tackling a complex brief for competitors working up to Level 6 (degree level), the students were required to develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce the carbon footprint and achieve Net Zero in their local community. They successfully developed time-scaled initiatives and innovative technologies, complete with a detailed costing analysis, to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The students demonstrated exceptional teamwork and showcased employability skills highly valued in today’s business world.
They delivered their presentation with confidence, impressing the judges with their depth of knowledge, innovative ideas, and polished delivery. One judge even described their performance and presentation as outstanding!
Cheryl explained how the competition ties in with the ‘Destination Renewables’ project: “We believe our students have greatly benefited from studying the new unit, ‘Destination Renewables.’ This course has provided them with the opportunity to meet and learn from our Renewable Industry partners: Phil Williams, Bute Energy, EDF Renewables UK & Ireland, Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, RWE, Swansea University, Vattenfall, and WSP. This collaboration has been invaluable in inspiring and equipping them with insights into achieving Net Zero.”
‘Destination Renewables’ is a two-year Extended Project Qualification aimed at inspiring and educating the future green energy workforce. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 (A Level standard) qualification offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC. Graded like an AS Level, it can provide additional UCAS points. It provides opportunities for learners to expand their knowledge, work independently, and acquire new skills through a variety of activities which include guest speakers, workplace visits, and practical experiences.
A key aspect of the programme, which was rolled out in 2022, is the collaboration between industry and academia to bridge the skills gap and showcase the diverse careers available. Sessions are delivered to inspire and highlight opportunities and provide expert insight into the skills required within the renewable energy industry.
Enrolled students are given an insight into technologies (onshore and offshore wind, solar, wave, and tidal), a project development lifecycle, and hear first-hand from professionals about the exciting career pathways and growth within the industry.
Mark Hazelton, Project Director at EDF Renewables UK, said: ‘Destination Renewables’ aims to inspire students to explore future career options in the renewable energy sector needed to build the net zero energy system of the future. Working with the lead partners to expand this course to reach additional learners is very exciting, and we look forward to working with the new education partners to empower tomorrow’s leaders.”
The programme is underpinned by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent programme, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment.
‘Destination Renewables’ was established to provide an overview of renewable technologies including wave, tidal, onshore wind, solar, and offshore wind, demonstrate a renewable project development lifecycle, and highlight the different career pathways within the industry. Students have opportunities to link with future employers to prepare them for work experience, apprenticeship opportunities, and jobs in the ever-expanding renewable energies market.
