Blake Morgan champions green skills at landmark Welsh event: Skills for a Just Transition to a Green Economy
Blake Morgan co-hosted a landmark event in Cardiff focused on equipping Wales with the skills needed for a fair and sustainable transition to a green economy.
The ‘Skills for a just transition to a green economy’ event in partnership with the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Principality Building Society, and CEIC Wales – Cardiff Metropolitan University, brought together leaders from government, business, education, and the third sector to explore how Wales can ensure no community is left behind as it moves towards net zero. The day featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and practical workshops, all aimed at unlocking solutions for a greener, more inclusive Welsh economy.
Collaboration for a sustainable future
Keynote speakers included Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, and Josh Miles, Director for Wales at the Learning & Work Institute, who both emphasised the importance of fair access to green skills and the need for systemic change to support Wales’ ambitious climate and social equity goals. Neil Surman, Deputy Director for Skills at Welsh Government, provided valuable insights into the government’s Green Skills Review and ongoing initiatives to embed sustainability across the Welsh workforce.
Industry leaders and small business representatives, including Orangebox, TSW Training, Welsh ICE, and the Federation of Small Businesses (Wales), shared practical perspectives on the green skills required by SMEs and the barriers they face in accessing training and resources. The discussions highlighted the need for targeted support and innovative solutions to help small firms thrive in the green economy.
Education and opportunity
Cardiff and Vale College and Blake Morgan contributed insights into the expanding landscape of apprenticeships for green skills, illustrating the career opportunities available to learners and the vital role of education in equipping the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable economy.
Principality Building Society, Wales’ largest building society, showcased its commitment to greener housing development through its Green Fund and addressed the skills gap associated with Wales’ ambitions to retrofit its existing housing stock. The Society’s Chief Executive Officer, Julie-Ann Haines, reinforced the importance of industry-wide collaboration to drive meaningful, long-lasting change.
A shared commitment to Wales’ future
Eve Piffaretti, partner and Head of Office (Wales) at Blake Morgan, said:
We deeply appreciate the Future Generations Commissioner, our partners, and all today’s panellists for spotlighting the vital role that green skills play in advancing towards a more sustainable and prosperous economy. Investment in green skills and apprenticeships which are open and accessible to all will help Wales build towards a more resilient future. This ongoing collaboration reflects a shared commitment and passion to embedding sustainability across industries to drive meaningful, long-term change to benefit the peoples of Wales.
Harri Jones, interim head of brand, impact & communications at Principality Building Society, added:
“Green skills are the foundation for a sustainable future, and this collaboration demonstrates Wales’ commitment towards taking the necessary steps towards incorporating industry-wide sustainability practices to create long-lasting change in Wales.”
Eve Piffaretti speaking at the event. Photo courtesy of Principality.
Looking ahead
The event concluded with a call to action for all sectors to work together to equip Wales’ workforce with the skills needed for a just transition—ensuring economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.
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