First Minister Boosts Island Energy Training Centre

by David Phillips
(Anglesey)

First Minister Carwyn Jones recently launched the building of a new energy sector training centre for young people at Coleg Menai at Llangefni on Anglesey.

The £6 million Energy and Fabrication centre is due to open in September 2010 and will offer training places for up to 150 young people.

Courses available will include acquiring skills for nuclear decommissioning as well as installation of sustainable and renewable energy systems.

While on the Coleg Menai site Mr Jones also saw the construction skills centre where he spoke with trainees learning bricklaying and other construction skills.

The First Minister was very impressed with the quality of training and enthusiasm for acquiring new skills shown by the young people.

He emphasized the value of investing in such a skills training centre on Anglesey, given the potential demand for jobs with engineering and construction skills on this “Energy Island”with the forthcoming decommissioning of Wylfa as well as the prospect of a new Wylfa B power station.

Mr Jones said: “This training centre provides the foundation for a highly-skilled workforce in the growing energy sector. We aim to maintain high quality employment on Anglesey.”

Local MP Albert Owen, accompanying the First Minister, said that “it’s essential to build this skills base here so that it can support the “Energy Island” concept.

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