Latest news with #GowerCollegeSwansea
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
Business News Wales
13-05-2025
- Business News Wales
VR Headsets Set to 'Revolutionise' Exam Preparation at College
Gower College Swansea is adding a cutting-edge twist to exam preparation by expanding its use of virtual reality (VR). The use of the technology aims to help students reduce anxiety and build confidence through immersive, lifelike exam experiences ahead of the big day. Learners can now experience exam rooms and timed assessment scenarios in VR, designed to demystify the unknown, reduce stress triggers, and empower them to feel calm and in control. Learner Engagement and Personal Development Lead at the College, Joshua Jordan, said: 'This idea comes from our in-house Digital Peer Mentors, whom alongside Jonathon Parker, digital media lecturer and college VR lead, are filming, developing and delivering this cutting-edge tech for our students. 'Stepping into a virtual exam room ahead of the real thing gives students a powerful sense of familiarity. It helps reduce anxiety by taking away the fear of the unknown and allows them to mentally rehearse success. 'Being able to experience the sights and sounds of the room, find their seat, and understand the layout makes the actual day feel far less daunting. It's a simple but effective way to boost confidence and put learners back in control.' Kelly Fountain, Principal of Gower College Swansea, said: 'While mental wellbeing is always a priority for us, we're especially proud of the proactive steps we're taking during exam season. These VR experiences help prepare learners in a truly unique way-supporting both emotional resilience and academic readiness. 'We also offer comprehensive, wrap-around support to meet learners wherever they are. From personal tutors, progress coaches, and in-class lecturer support, to pastoral coaches and student support officers providing personalised help, every part of the college is here to support student success. We even host yoga sessions, nature walks, have campus quiet zones, and campus wellbeing dogs, to help reduce stress levels. Wellbeing-specific VR headsets have also been introduced, offering 15 minutes of guided relaxation for students to encourage quality revision breaks. 'It is vital for us as a college to fully embrace new technology wherever possible, especially when it can have such a significant impact. We have already received positive feedback from learners and I'm looking forward to seeing how we continue to develop the use of VR across the college.' The use of VR headsets plays an important part of the college-wide wellbeing initiative, 'Just BREATHE'; which returns for a second year and is designed to help learners with exam preparation and stress management. Just BREATHE offers a memorable acronym to help learners with wellbeing steps during the revision period: B – Big breath – jump in! R – Read your notes E – Explore topics in more detail A – Ask yourself mock questions T – Take a break H – Highlights – recap your knowledge E – Evaluate – reflect on gaps
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
£5m to support students with additional learning needs in Further Education
NEW funding will transform educational facilities for students with additional learning needs (ALN) in FE Colleges across Wales. All 13 FE Colleges in Wales will benefit from the £5m to create more accessible and inclusive learning environments. On a visit to Gower College Swansea the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, toured the dedicated ALN department at the College and met with students benefiting from specialist support. She met learner Juno, who spoke about the importance of having support. Juno said: 'These facilities are essential to my time here at college, for example the quiet room I use daily and the environment there helps me. It's important to me that this support is available.' Vikki Howells said: 'The £5m I'm announcing today will make a real difference to students with additional learning needs in FE Colleges up and down the country, making sure they have the facilities they need to reach their full potential. 'The inclusive learning environment I have seen here today at Gower College Swansea, demonstrates how important specialist facilities are in providing a high-quality education for learners with ALN. This funding reinforces our commitment to making education accessible for all students, regardless of their learning needs.' The £5m of capital investment will enable colleges to: Upgrade existing specialist facilities Purchase new equipment Improve college buildings to enhance accessibility Gower College Principal, Kelly Fountain, said: 'We are delighted to welcome the Minister to Gower College Swansea to visit the staff and students within our dedicated ALN provision,' 'At the College, we have a team of experienced staff who are on hand to help our students with additional learning needs at every step of their journey, from supporting their transition from school to providing assistive technology support on campus. We also have a specialist Neurodiversity team who can provide support for students with a range of conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD and autism.
