Breaking Barriers in Welsh Renewables: Our Partnership with Big Issue Recruit

We’ve partnered with Big Issue Recruit to support people facing barriers to employment in accessing career opportunities in Welsh renewables.

This innovative pilot programme will prepare local jobseekers from Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf for roles connected to Twyn Hywel Energy Park – Bute Energy’s major new onshore wind development, set to begin construction in 2026. The initiative forms part of our commitment to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities that host its renewable energy projects.

Local Jobs with Lasting Impact

Through this partnership, Big Issue Recruit will provide a dedicated job coach to work intensively with approximately 50 candidates over a six-month pilot. These individuals will receive tailored support from Big Issue Recruit – a national service which helps candidates break down a number of complex and often deeply entrenched barriers to work, such as poor mental health or digital exclusion, and prepare them for employment.  

Following a structured 12-week training programme, candidates will be certified ‘work ready’ and supported into roles with local businesses involved in delivering the Twyn Hywel Energy Park. Big Issue’s job coaches will continue with regular check-ins with any candidates that find work at contractors supplying goods and services to Bute Energy as we develop the Twyn Hywel Project.  

Community-First Investment

This is a great example of our Social Value Standard in action – which aims ensures that investment in clean energy also delivers meaningful social impact. The company is committed to developing skills for future green jobs and ensuring those furthest from the labour market benefit from its projects.

In addition to job creation, we will establish a Community Benefit Fund linked with the energy production capacity of the energy park.  We’re committing over £30 million over 40 years to local projects – shaped in partnership with community representatives since we starting building relationship and insight in 2021.