Jones Bros gives next generation a glimpse into civil engineering16th Sep 2025

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has helped inspire the next generation at the inaugural Green Horizons: Future Skills event.

More than 120 year 11 students from secondary schools across Ynys Môn explored careers in renewable energy, low-carbon future industries, and the wider green economy at Morlais substation in Holyhead.

It gave Jones Bros the chance to showcase its commitment to net zero and innovation, share expertise, and inspire and connect with potential future apprentices and employees.

As part of the event organised by Menter Môn Morlais, the Ruthin-headquartered firm created a challenge, Morlais Bridge Repair Mission – storm surge at Morlais.

The scenario centred around a fictitious Atlantic storm damaging critical infrastructure, including an access bridge to the substation, which is the only route for emergency supplies and technicians to restore power to the energy grid.

Teams of prospective engineers were given 25 minutes to assess the damage, retrieve scattered parts, and rebuild the 17-metre-long and three-metre-high bridge under pressure.

The session flow was as follows:

• Safety and PPE briefing (five minutes)
• Scenario briefing and job assignment (three minutes)
• Bridge repair (13 minutes)
• Bridge crossing
• Debrief and close
• Scenario learning objectives

Jones Bros head of business management support Tony Murphy was in attendance on the day, along with contracts director Eryl Roberts and the company’s latest cohort of apprentice engineers.

Tony said: “It’s invaluable to Jones Bros to be able to showcase our expertise to the future generation.

“Giving young people a practical challenge with time constraints also helps engage them straight away and gives them a focus within a team environment.

“We thoroughly enjoyed meeting with every student in attendance and hope to see some go on and flourish in the world of civil engineering and renewable energy.”

Fiona Parry, project officer: skills and training at Menter Môn Morlais, highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation for a low-carbon future.

She said: “Events like Green Horizons are vital because they show young people that sustainable careers are not just possible here in north Wales but they’re also exciting.

“We want students to leave here inspired and informed about the opportunities ahead and to want to think about a career with the likes of Morlais on Ynys Môn.”

This event was part funded by UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn.

Nikki Lawrence, chief executive at Careers Wales, who attended the event, said: “We were delighted to support Morlais with this initiative. It’s so important for young people to be given the chance to explore the growing opportunities in sustainability and green skills.

“Careers events like this connect pupils with employers in their area, expand their horizons and raise their awareness of opportunities available to them.”

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited hundreds of apprentices over the years.