Published 08/05/2026 | Last Updated 12/05/2026
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru spoke to dozens of students and graduates about the fantastic career opportunities that Wales’s energy transition has to offer at GradCon Cymru, Wrexham.
Open to those studying at local universities and colleges, or students returning home for the spring break from further afield, the event aimed to inspire young people looking to stay in Wales to live and work.
Tŷ Pawb, in the centre of the city, provided a perfect space for attendees to learn more about several top organisations across North Wales, and afforded individuals the chance to discover placements, internships, graduate schemes, and live job opportunities, creating key connections between employers and candidates.
The day, hosted by Darogan, was something of a full-circle moment for Owen Chennetier, Trydan’s Graduate Community Liaison and Communications Officer.
The 21-year-old first engaged with graduate hub Darogan at one of its events whilst at the University of Bristol. That initial conversation led to a summer internship, which developed into a second placement following the completion of his history degree.
That practical hands-on experience helped Owen secure a permanent role with Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru. He said: “Being at the first GradCon in Wrexham has brought back plenty of happy memories.
“Having been in a similar position myself, it’s wonderful to be able to chat to students and graduates alike.
“I can relate to the balance they have to strike, focusing on the final months of their degrees – with exams and coursework deadlines – and gaining an understanding of what they want and need to give them a competitive edge to find work.
“It’s also fantastic to be an example of someone who benefitted from attending such events as it showcases their value.”
As a renewable energy developer wholly owned by the Welsh Government, Trydan members were able to talk about a wide range of potential projects and subsequent employment prospects across Wales.
These include Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm, with the proposed site of the scheme approximately 8km south-west of Ruthin and sitting within Denbighshire and Conwy County Borough counties.
Dr Catrin Ellis Jones, Head of Public Involvement at Trydan, said: “It’s always great to chat to the country’s future workforce, whether they be undergraduates, recent graduates, postgraduates or young people considering more vocational training after school.
“We discussed the Trydan development portfolio, and the kinds of roles that drive a project’s evolution. Should Trydan’s projects proceed to construction and operation, very different roles are required from this early stage. Typically, they are quality, future facing jobs, with average salaries in the sector significantly higher than the national and public sector averages.
“Creating high-value, skilled jobs is essential for Wales’ economic growth, helping to prevent ‘brain drain’ by keeping young people here and enticing them back to the country.
“Several of our current suppliers, and potentially prospective ones, were in attendance, and so we were also able to signpost people towards companies active in the renewable energy supply chain.
“We hope that GradCon has renewed attendees’ confidence that a fantastic future, in growth sectors such as renewable energy, may await them back home in Wales.”
To keep up to date and get involved with Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm, visit: https://trydanclocaenogdau.wales/how-to-get-involved/