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Celtic Array has announced its backing for engineering apprentices in Anglesey and north-west Wales. From September, the Centrica-DONG Energy joint venture will be investing £85,000 (€100,000) to support six new apprentices. They will undertake a three-year engineering apprenticeship run by Coleg Menai's new apprentice employment company, Cwmni Prentis Menai.

Dafydd Evans, principal of Coleg Menai, said: "We are very pleased with the commitment being shown to the up-skilling of our local young people so that they may position themselves for the job opportunities that the energy sector will be making available in the near future."

Celtic Array is planning to develop the 4.2GW Irish Sea Round 3 zone in phases. Phase one would be the up to 2.2GW Rhiannon wind farm, planned for a site 19km off the Anglesey coast. Rhiannon development manager, Kirsty McGuinness, said: "Whether these young apprentices choose to pursue a career in the energy industry or another path entirely, we’re delighted to be in a position to support the next generation of engineers in the region."

It is intended to submit a formal planning application for Rhiannon in 2014. The wind farm would comprise 146 to 440 turbines, depending on the model chosen.