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Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Gower College Swansea Hosts Apprenticeship Fair
Gower College Swansea Tycoch Campus.- Copyright © 2025 by Adrian White Gower College Swansea is set to hold an Apprenticeship Fair. More than 94 specialist subject areas will take part, including accountancy, legal, construction, engineering, health and social care, IT and creative media. There will also be an opportunity to meet employers such as Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB), Swansea Council, Atkins Accountants, Vale Europe (known locally as 'The Mond') and Freedom Leisure – LC Swansea. The fair is due to take place on Wednesday, 4 June, from 3.30pm to 7:30pm, at the Tycoch Campus. Gower College Swansea offers apprenticeships from Level 2 all the way to degree-level apprenticeships. Antonia Williams, Training Manager for TUI Group, explained how apprenticeships with Gower College Swansea have transformed TUI's workforce. She said: 'The staff at TUI feel like they've got a purpose, they're happy they're being developed. It improves company culture, and it improves your employee turnover because staff feel you're invested in their growth and development. And of course, you have a great talent pipeline for future staff and managers.'' Kelly Fountain, Principal at Gower College Swansea, said: ''Apprenticeships are a win-win for our region. Learners gain valuable, real-world experience and industry-specific skills, setting them up for long-term career success. At the same time, employers benefit from a motivated and skilled workforce that's tailored to their needs. 'As an award-winning provider, we collaborate with 673 employers and support nearly 3,000 apprentices each year. We pride ourselves on tailoring programmes to your specific needs, working with you to co-create training solutions that align perfectly with your goals. 'At Gower College Swansea we believe apprenticeships are not just about jobs—they're about building a stronger, smarter local economy for everyone.'
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Apprenticeships: driving skills, careers and business growth
The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel In recent years, apprenticeships have become one of the most powerful tools for strengthening the local economy, tackling skills shortages, and creating real career opportunities for people of all ages. At Gower College Swansea, staff see firsthand how apprenticeships are changing lives and transforming businesses. Apprenticeships are all-age, work-based learning programmes for individuals working 16 hours or more a week. They offer a unique blend of hands-on experience and formal training, allowing learners to earn while they learn and emerge work-ready for the demands of today's job market. For young people, apprenticeships provide a practical alternative to full-time courses or university study, with clear career progression routes. For adults looking to reskill or upskill, they open doors into industries that are actively seeking qualified workers such as digital, construction, manufacturing, and health and social care. A wide range of apprenticeships are available at Gower College Swansea, from Level 2 all the way to degree-level apprenticeships. Apprenticeship Fair There's no better way to explore apprenticeship options than by speaking directly with expert College staff. On Wednesday, June 4, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm, Gower College Swansea will open its doors at the Tycoch Campus for an exciting Apprenticeship Fair. It's an ideal opportunity to discover real options, ask questions, and take the next step toward a rewarding future. Over 94 specialist subject areas will be represented, including accountancy, legal, construction, engineering, health and social care, IT, and creative media. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet employers such as Swansea Bay University Health Board (SBUHB), Swansea Council, Atkins Accountants, Vale Europe (known locally as 'The Mond'), and Freedom Leisure - LC Swansea. Click here to register for the Apprenticeship Fair (Image: Gower College Swansea) Unlocking success Just as importantly, apprenticeships support the growth of local businesses. They equip learners with the practical skills employers need, while giving businesses the opportunity to grow with homegrown talent. They allow businesses to fill critical skills gaps by bringing in fresh talent or by upskilling existing teams, ensuring organisations remain competitive, agile, and prepared for the future. Antonia Williams, Training Manager for TUI Group, says apprenticeships with Gower College Swansea have transformed TUI's workforce. She explained: 'The staff at TUI feel like they've got a purpose, they're happy they're being developed. It improves company culture, and it improves your employee turnover because staff feel you're invested in their growth and development. And of course, you have a great talent pipeline for future staff and managers.' End-to-end support Apprenticeship programmes at Gower College Swansea continue to go from strength to strength, earning national recognition through accolades such as the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru, the Inspire! Tutor Awards, the TES FE Awards, the Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards, and the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards. While these accolades reflect the high standards set by the College, it is recognised that some businesses are still hesitant to engage with apprenticeships due to perceived challenges. That is why Gower College Swansea is committed to making the process as smooth and supportive as possible. The College handles the administrative burden, guiding employers through setup and paperwork. Staff work closely with businesses to co-create bespoke training programmes tailored to specific needs and offer expert advice on funding options and grant opportunities. 'A win-win for our region' The goal is to make apprenticeships not only accessible, but truly valuable for every employer involved. Kelly Fountain, Principal at Gower College Swansea, said: 'Apprenticeships are a win-win for our region. 'Learners gain valuable, real-world experience and industry-specific skills, setting them up for long-term career success. 'At the same time, employers benefit from a motivated and skilled workforce that's tailored to their needs.' As an award-winning provider, Gower College Swansea collaborates with 673 employers and supports nearly 3,000 apprentices each year. The College prides itself on tailoring programmes to specific needs and working with employers to co-create training solutions that align perfectly with their goals. At Gower College Swansea, apprenticeships are not just about jobs - they're about building a stronger, smarter local economy for everyone. Find out more For further information about apprenticeships at Gower College Swansea, see
