Decarbonisation hub addresses the skills gap in north Wales
A ground-breaking decarbonisation hub in Gwynedd has trained over 800 local tradespeople in retrofit and green skills in its first year of operating, as well as supporting 173 people through a skills and employment initiative.
Tŷ Gwyrddfai, a partnership between Adra, Bangor University, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, has addressed the skills gap in north Wales with over 200 businesses attending courses in 2024. This first-of-its-kind decarbonisation hub brings together housing, further and higher education in a groundbreaking collaboration. With esteemed strategic sponsors like Travis Perkins, Saint Gobain, and Nuaire, this project stands out as truly unique.
Tŷ Gwyrddfai features an operational climate-controlled research facility to test new housing products (both internal and external) and provide scientific validation for products already on the market. The hub also upskills Adra and local small medium enterprises with the latest green skills to support the Welsh Government and UK Government’s ambitious retrofit programme.
Academi Adra, an initiative that offers employment and skills development opportunities for Adra’s tenants, strengthens a culture of learning and growth within the community. It’s recognised for its significant contributions to national housing and community development and to date has seen 173 participants take part. This project has been funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
The Tendra project in 2024 supported 20 local construction businesses in bidding for contracts and establishing long-term sustainability. Funded by Arfor and operating directly from Tŷ Gwyrddfai, Tendra offered training sessions on procurement, social value, accreditations, health and safety, and job pricing. The aim was to support the local economy and keep local contractors in work locally. Tŷ Gwyrddfai is also a busy events venue, with its location in central Gwynedd being a convenient meeting point for many. In 2024, 35 external events related to decarbonisation took place.
Rhys Roberts, Tŷ Gwyrddfai’s Business and Development Manager said,
“One of the challenges Adra has encountered is the need for continuous innovation and adaptation to new technologies and materials. The expansion of Tŷ Gwyrddfai is central to addressing this challenge, as it champions innovation in new products and technologies.
“Adra anticipates challenges related to scaling up these initiatives and ensuring that all homes meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standards 2023 and achieve a minimum EPC C rating by March 2030 for all Adra homes. This would not be possible without the strong partnership between all three partners. Adra supplies the houses and workforce, Bangor University is developing and testing new decarbonisation products, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s business arm Business@LlandrilloMenai delivers the continuous training.
“To date, Tŷ Gwyrddfai has trained 824 tradespeople from Adra and the local supply chain in retrofit and green skills.”
In November 2024, Tŷ Gwyrddfai was officially opened by Ken Skates MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport and north Wales. The event highlighted the importance of the decarbonisation agenda and the collaborative efforts of Adra, Bangor University, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai. During the visit, Mr. Skates viewed the innovative research and development facility dedicated to testing and trialling new technology and materials. He praised the hub for its contributions to decarbonising homes, providing vital skills and training, and bringing together key partners in the region.
For further information, contact Rhys Roberts on info@tygwyrddfai.com