Gower College Swansea has been recognised for its contribution to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Wales, winning the award for Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector).
The winners of the Wales STEM Awards 2025 were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Lucy Owen. Held at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, the event celebrated outstanding achievements across STEM, recognising the trailblazing individuals and organisations driving innovation and making significant contributions to the sector in Wales.
Alongside 13 other winners and five Highly Commended, Gower College Swansea took home the title of Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) in recognition for its work in increasing participation for women in STEM via the Education and Beyond initiative.
Education and Beyond addresses STEM and construction sector skills needs whilst tackling regional socio-economic barriers. Entirely funded by the College, it focuses on creating high-level talent pipelines through inclusive, employer-led education and outreach.
Since launch, the College has engaged over 150 employers, more than 50 staff across four directorates, and multiple awarding bodies to co-create six new sector pathways. Over 160 learners have already accessed new placements, with 74 additional enrolments on new part-time construction courses during the academic year of 2023/24.
Apprenticeship uptake in construction has grown by 28% while full-time and part-time construction enrolments rose by 15% overall. The initiative particularly supports underrepresented groups such as women, school pupils, economically inactive adults and career changers. Equality, diversity and inclusion have been central to the initiative, with outreach across community centres, schools and job fairs.
The Wales STEM Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the remarkable work being done within the STEM sector — addressing challenges such as skills shortages, sustainability, and the need for greater diversity. The awards not only celebrate innovation but also inspire the next generation of STEM professionals in Wales.
The ceremony brought together finalists from across Wales to compete in 14 categories, ranging from STEM Start-Up of the Year to Outstanding Contribution to STEM.
“Gower College Swansea is committed to advancing the STEM sector in Wales through a bold, inclusive, collaborative approach that aligns education, industry, and community,” says Interim Principal, Paul Kift. “We are absolutely delighted to have won the award for Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector), which is a huge testament to the dedication and vision of our teaching and support staff. It was an amazing event and we were up against some very stiff competition – many thanks to Wales STEM Awards for this honour, and congratulations to all!”
Co-Founder of the Wales STEM Awards, Liz Brookes, said:
“Every year, we’re blown away by the calibre of our finalists and winners. They are pushing boundaries, creating change, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. It’s a privilege to celebrate those who are driving Wales forward as a hub of STEM innovation and talent.”
Matthew Taylor, Director of Innovation at Cardiff Metropolitan University, headline sponsor of the awards, added:
“The 2025 winners exemplify the creativity, collaboration and commitment that define Wales’ growing STEM sector. At Cardiff Met, we’re proud to support an event that shines a light on the people and organisations shaping the future of science and technology in our nation.”
The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and creative communications agency jamjar, and are supported by Cardiff Metropolitan University, CSA Catapult and Wynne Jones IP.
2025 Wales STEM Awards Winners:
• Outstanding Contribution to STEM Award: Dr Drew Nelson OBE, BSc, PhD, FREng
• STEM Woman of the Year: Emily Roberts – M-SParc
• STEM Ambassador of the Year: Alexis Dabee Saltmarsh – Coleg Gwent
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Not-for-profit): The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector): Gower College Swansea
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector): Dragons Rugby Limited – Dragons STEM Education
• STEM Rising Star of the Year: Phoebe Rintoul – Ipsen Biopharm Ltd
• STEM Team of the Year: Science Made Simple
• Innovation in STEM Award: Gavin Griffiths Group
• STEM Start-Up of the Year: Nellie Technologies Ltd
• STEM Sustainability Award: Nellie Technologies Ltd
• STEM International Business of the Year: Laser Wire Solutions
• STEM Company of the Year (Over 50 Employees): DVLA
• STEM Company of the Year (Under 50 Employees): Cansford Laboratories Ltd
Highly Commended:
• Innovation in STEM Award: Genesis Biosciences
• STEM Team of the Year: Community Science Festival Team – University of South Wales
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector): SPARC Alliance – Pembrokeshire College
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Private Sector): M-SParc and Sgil Sparc
• STEM Rising Star of the Year: Lilly Phillips – Tenneco Walker and Ana-Mah Din – Techniquest