Published 17/07/2025 | Last Updated 17/07/2025
How best to engage young people in conversations about energy and the environment?
This is a question on the mind of Catrin Ellis Jones, Head of Public involvement at Trydan. She explains:
“As renewable energy developers acting on behalf of Welsh citizens, Trydan want everyone to feel and be involved in our power to prosper mission. But “young people” and “energy infrastructure planning” don’t often appear in the same sentence or space. We’d love to start to change that.”
“Our action or inaction on climate change will impact our children and future generations, more than the adults and elders of today, so it’s especially important younger voices are heard.”
Trydan is supporting careers initiatives run by close neighbours, The College Merthyr Tydfil. Trydan want learners to think about future jobs and roles they’ll find motivating while at school or college, which will be vital to Wales benefitting economically and socially from a more sustainable future. The renewables sector will need engineers, technicians, construction workers, ecologists, project managers, lawyers, and, of course, great communicators. Catrin went to Lianna James, Employability and Enterprise Coordinator with an idea. She responded by introducing Lecturer, Anna Williams, and Alisha Jones and Milly Stoneman (both 17 yrs old).
Catrin takes up the story again:
“I described what we hoped for: film content, that Alisha, Milly and their peers would not find cringey to watch, which could encourage new conversations about renewable energy, inspire curiosity, and leave viewers wanting to find out more, and get involved. We discussed practicalities: timeframe, branding, progress meetings. They took it on, and I let go – giving them creative control. Was it more scary for me, than for them? Yep!”
From the start, Millie and Aleisha aimed for an inclusive multi-generational, fun approach. The topic they reasoned affects us all, and Aleisha described how time outdoors with her grandad, observing nature has given her an appreciation for the Valleys and surrounding hills.
With support from Anna, Milly and Aleisha planned practicalities and legalities, they enlisted fellow students and staff at the college and practised with the kit. Trydan arranged for Owain from Treetop Films, Caerphilly, to join them for a day, helping to hone technical skills. Having recorded a lot of material in the College, the crew decided to find some other perspectives from shoppers in Merthyr town centre.
The result is great! With a light touch, this film highlights a serious subject. The true or false section is a brilliant way to start a conversation which any of us could try out. They used this source for inspiration: “Onshore renewable energy : common myths”.
Catrin and Trydan are delighted with the result. Huge thanks and congratulations to Aleisha, Milly, Anna, Liana and all the staff students and Merthyr residents who took part. Trydan are looking forward to more collaborations with The College on in the future.
Reflection on their achievement, Aliesha said:
“Making the video was a mix of fun, chaos, and learning as I went – definitely an experience I won’t forget.”
Milly said:
“Initially, I was worried about the filming as I’m not one to put myself out there. It was surprisingly enjoyable and very interesting through the process, to learn more about wind power and the energy transition.”
Anna Williams – Lecturer at The College Merthyr Tydfil said:
"It’s been fantastic to watch this idea grow into something meaningful. Aleisha and Milly have shown how much impact young creatives can make when they’re given space to take risks and explore what matters to them. It’s been informative, engaging, and the hands-on experience has provided insight into professional practice. I look forward to working with Trydan on future collaborations."
Liana James, Employability and Enterprise Coordinator, The College Merthyr Tydfil said:
“This has been an incredible opportunity for our learners—working to a live brief and producing content with real purpose. They developed key skills in digital media production and client collaboration and created something truly relatable for their generation. Their film helps break down barriers and dispel common myths around sustainability by showing that conversations about the environment can be inclusive, accessible, and even fun. We’re hugely grateful to Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru for their support throughout this project, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to offer more real-world, meaningful opportunities to our learners.”
Watch the film. Sign up to stay in touch with Trydan and our power to prosper mission. And try out your own TRUE / FALSE conversation starter!
