Gower College Swansea Leads the Way with Exclusive User Centred Design Apprenticeship
Gower College Swansea emerges as an educational pioneer once again, proudly launching a brand-new apprenticeship pathway in User Centred Design (UCD), establishing itself as the first and exclusive provider of this innovative program in Wales. With a dedication to innovation and fostering talent, the College marks a significant milestone by introducing a curriculum that aligns with the demands of contemporary industries.
The newly launched fully-funded UCD programme is a testament to Gower College Swansea's commitment to shaping the future of vocational education. Developed in close collaboration with industry experts and leaders, this pathway stands as a testament to the institution's dedication to staying at the forefront of cutting-edge educational offerings. To launch this new pathway, Gower College Swansea marked the occasion with a breakfast event on November 23 at Sketty Hall Business School, aiming to introduce the pathway to prospective learners and industry employers.
This ground-breaking apprenticeship pathway is designed to equip apprentices with a comprehensive skill set that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Grounded in the principles of user-centric design, the curriculum emphasises problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to craft seamless user experiences across various platforms and technologies. This course is aimed to help design and development teams to create highly usable and accessible websites and applications by utilising user’s data, goals and feedback.
"We're thrilled to introduce this pioneering apprenticeship program in User Centred Design, underscoring our commitment to providing innovative and industry-relevant education," stated Bruce Fellowes, Head of Gower College Swansea Training. "Being the exclusive provider of this pathway allows us to offer an unrivalled learning experience, empowering our apprentices to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.”
The UCD apprenticeship, accredited by Agored Cymru, is available at Levels 2, 3, and 4, and offered as a degree by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Already benefiting from this new programme is Centre for Digital Public Services (CDPS), who the College has worked in partnership with to create this new pathway and already have three UCD apprentices joining CDPS.
“We’re extremely grateful of how quickly Gower College Swansea has reacted to the need of creating this new apprenticeship and rolling it out with already three new apprenticeships. It is really refreshing to see how an FE institution supports vocational training and shows commitment to not only create better career opportunities in Wales, but also the digital industry in general.” said Lauren Power, Product Manager from CDPS.
“It’s nice to be doing this apprenticeship with two other learners as we’re learning together along the way. Also, James, our UCD tutor has been really supportive from the start, guiding us every step, and ensuring our success in this digital learning journey” – added Sarah Floyd, CDPS apprentice.
The announcement of this exclusive apprenticeship pathway has generated widespread excitement and anticipation among aspiring designers and industry professionals. Employers are lauding this initiative for its potential to produce a talented pool of individuals adept at meeting the intricate needs of modern consumers through innovative user experience solutions.
“The business world is increasingly recognising the value of User Centred Design. Companies are actively seeking professionals with these skills to gain a competitive edge. Undertaking a course in UCD, therefore with Gower College Swansea, opens up a plethora of career opportunities in fields, such as UX design, product management, and digital strategy.” said James Holloway, Trainer and Assessor for Digital Routes, who delivers this new apprenticeship.
To learn more about User Centred Design, please visit the website here, email hello@gcs.ac.uk or call 01792 284400.