College News

College / industry collaboration leads to apprenticeship opportunities

Gower College Swansea has developed an exciting collaboration with industrial electronics specialists Kontroltek, who are based in Bridgend, after both organisations saw a potential opportunity to move students seamlessly from the college environment into successful, motivating apprenticeships.

Kontroltek specialise in electronic, electrical and mechanical repairs and supply. They currently have 40 employees but have extensive ambitions to grow their workforce using the ‘next generation’ of electronic engineers.

Caswell Bay dip for fund-raising students

A group of very brave staff and students from Gower College Swansea recently took to the icy waters of Caswell Bay for a very good cause – to raise money for the Kenya Community Education Project (KCEP) charity.

This ‘walrus dip’ was part of a series of endurance events, including the 40 mile Cannock Chase Walk and a Snowdon climb, that the students will attempt in the coming months.

ESOL students walk for Care International

Thanks to everyone who supported the ESOL team's annual 'Walk in her Shoes' sponsored stroll for Care International - staff and students braved the rain to walk from Llwyn y Bryn to Brynmill, then Singleton, the seafront (Oystermouth Rd) and back again.

So far they have raised £351.43 - which is a fantastic achievement.

Gower College Swansea sees double success at PQ Awards

ACCA’s (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Platinum Approved Learning Partner Gower College Swansea achieved wins in two categories at the PQ Magazine Awards 2017 held on 21 February in London.

Paul Sizer, Curriculum Leader for Accountancy and Finance, was named Accountancy Personality of the Year and Jayne Walker, Lecturer and Mentor for Accountancy, picked up the award for Training Manager/Workplace Mentor of the Year.

Refurbishment of Tycoch campus begins

The redevelopment of the front of Gower College Swansea’s Tycoch campus is set to begin, with the old façade to be replaced with new and improved facilities that will benefit all students and staff.

Together with Welsh Government support, the College will be investing over £3.5million in the project which will see contractors TRJ create modern learning and social accommodation.

The ground floor will consist of a brand new reception, space for student support services & student funding, a coffee shop and common room area.

Welsh Language Music Day

Gower College Swansea’s Gorseinon campus was full to the brim last week when it celebrated Welsh Language Music Day – a national day established to celebrate modern Welsh language music.

Menter Iaith Abertawe visited the college to DJ a Welsh language playlist from bands such as Candelas, Sŵnami, Bryn Fôn and Llareggub Brass Band and raise awareness amongst students of the variety of Welsh music.

Minister sees local benefits of Skills for Industry investment

Skills for Industry (SFI) is supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, and aims to increase the skills levels of employed individuals by supporting the delivery of training through a wide range of courses and qualifications.

The project, in the past three years alone, has benefitted over 5700 learners and 1500 employers in the South West Wales region and continues to go from strength to strength.

Relocation of Tycoch reception

We are pleased that refurbishment work at Tycoch is starting and therefore we will be relocating Reception from the front of the Tycoch Campus to the old Faculty Office in the Engineering Block with effect from Monday 13 February.

Signs will be put up to direct the public. Parking will also be available for disabled badge holders and visitors outside the new Reception area.

Lecturer heads to Hungary to present Tidal Lagoon project

A Science lecturer from Gower College Swansea has been selected to attend the largest European educational fair, which will see primary and STEM teachers from 30 countries gather to exchange innovative teaching concepts and present their most innovative ideas.

Denise Thomas, who teaches Chemistry at the Gorseinon campus, will participate in the prestigious Science on Stage Festival 2017 when it takes place in Hungary in June.

Mock interviews for Bridge students

Students taking part in the Bridge Programme at Gower College Swansea were involved in a recent ‘mock interview’ day which introduced them to potential employers from the local community.

The Bridge Programme targets young people who are at high risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training) and aims to engage them in a range of opportunities that could lead them into work or study.