AN apprentice engineer is encouraging more young people to look for roles in the renewable energy sector.
Jack Goundrey from Holywell was set to study computer science at university until he discovered a degree apprenticeship opportunity with specialist onshore wind energy developer, Wind2.
Headquartered in Mold, Wind2 appointed the 18-year-old as an apprentice development engineer, who attends the office four days a week with one day at Wrexham Glyndŵr University.
Jack, who went to sixth form at Ysgol Maes Garmon, believes the qualifications and skills he is gaining will provide him with ‘a green job’ for life.
He said: “My Welsh Baccalaureate lessons during sixth form focused heavily on renewable energy, so it developed my interest in the industry and provided a strong foundation for me when I started my degree apprenticeship.
“The move to net zero is critical to our planet and building my knowledge and expertise on the topic means I am all set for the future.
“After three years I’ll have a degree and impressive work experience, which means the decision to apply was a no brainer.”
As part of the course, he is also developing his digital skills, using industry standard software such as computer aided design (CAD) to support with understanding how to assess the sustainability of systems and making improvements for development.
He added: “I’ve settled in well at Wind2. It’s such a positive and friendly working environment where every team member is a fantastic mentor to me.
“My day-to-day involves carrying out research for new locations for onshore wind farms and attending company meetings, which help me learn the jargon, as well as going out to site visits.
“My advice to other young people thinking about their career paths is if you’re not 100 per cent set on going to university, consider an apprenticeship as an alternative.”
Wind2, which employs more than 30 people, has a portfolio of wind, solar and energy parks in development across Wales, Scotland and England.
OTHER NEWS:
- North Wales Health Board announce mask wearing is no longer required in some cases
- Here’s how £1.6bn record transport funding is helping transform the North Wales Metro
- 'Absolutely devastating' - Readers views as two more north Wales care homes to close
Chris Thomas, Technical Director at Wind2, said: “It is so important to foster young careers, especially in the renewable energy sector, as more skills are needed in the industry to support the drive to net zero.
“Jack provides a fresh perspective at Wind2, as he applies what he is learning at university, to his day-to-day responsibilities.
“I started my career with West Coast Energy (formerly owned and founded by the founders of Wind2) on a graduate placement after finishing university. It’s fantastic to see how apprenticeships have developed, and I know If I’d had the same opportunity as Jack, I would have definitely considered it.
“This National Apprenticeship Week we’re celebrating his incredible tenacity and attitude to his role. Jack’s passion for the industry really shines through, making him a welcome asset on the team.
“We are excited to see him progress and flourish even more as he takes on more responsibility at the company.”
Established in 2016, Wind2 is a specialist onshore wind energy developer, founded by the former owners and founders of West Coast Energy, and partners in RDC, which have both successfully developed numerous sites in the UK.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here