A New Horizon: Former Oil Expert Advocates for Renewable Energy Careers in Wales

Naomi Bowen worked in oil and gas in Pembrokeshire for over 14 years, and recently transitioned to the renewable energy sector to help in the fight against climate change. Now, she wants to encourage prospective school leavers to choose this industry to start their career journey.

The call to arms comes as part of a wider push by Pembrokeshire County Council, its schools, Pembrokeshire College and industry leaders. A number of projects are being delivered this year to inspire young people to consider career pathways in the sector, including the launch of a new film that showcases exciting opportunities in net-zero careers in Pembrokeshire.

Recent research has shown that young people, Gen Z in particular, highly value environmental impact as a factor when looking for jobs. A recent survey from KMPG[1] found that one third of Gen Z workers said they wanted jobs aligned with their environmental values, and had even claimed to reject job offers because of a company’s poor green credentials.

Pembrokeshire already supplies a fifth of the UK’s energy needs, but demand for green energy is increasing with Wales, and the UK, looking to achieve net-zero by 2050.

There is a significant green energy skills gap associated with this transition, which is why professionals like Naomi want to highlight to prospective school leavers the opportunities available in the renewable energy industry.

Naomi was born and raised in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire. Driven by the fight against climate change, she decided to transfer her skills and knowledge to the renewable energy sector after over a decade of working in fossil fuels, and now works as an assistant project manager at RWE looking after on-shore wind projects.

Speaking about the renewable energy sector in Pembrokeshire, Naomi said: “I don’t think young people are aware of all the different roles available within the sector, and the transferrable skills needed for many of the roles. Even though there is interest, they just aren’t aware of what is out there.

“There is so much variety and choice, especially for young women coming from STEM backgrounds, from tech and engineering to project management and design. Diversity within the renewables industry is getting better each year too, with more and more equality, it’s never felt more inclusive.

“There are so many career opportunities here. I would urge the next generation of workers to seriously consider the renewable energy industry in Pembrokeshire.”

Another industry professional who grew up in Pembrokeshire, Jack O’Shea, believes there is a great future outlook for young people joining the renewables sector from the county. Reflecting on his journey to securing his role as environment and sustainability assistant at the Port of Milford Haven, Jack said:

“Growing up, it wasn’t guaranteed that I would be able to forge a successful career in my home county, but it feels like times are changing. There’s never been a better time for young people to enter the sustainability space than now. With lots of new projects planned and underway, I hope opportunities continue to flourish for those entering the sector in Pembrokeshire, and across Wales.”

Steven Richards-Downes, director for education in Pembrokeshire, said: “A renewable energy revolution is kick starting in the county. We have a huge opportunity to become pioneers of renewable energies and trailblazers in technology, working alongside existing industries. Thousands of new careers are in the pipeline – from chemists, scientists and engineers to plumbers, pilots, project managers and everything in between. There has never been a better time to consider a career in renewable energy in Pembrokeshire.”