Staff recognised at Long Service Awards

Over 100 members of staff from Gower College Swansea have been invited to a special celebratory event at the Liberty Stadium.

The first-ever Long Service Awards was set up to recognise and thank those members of staff who have worked at the College for more than 20 years.

Lecturers, managers and business support staff from all areas of the organisation received personalised goodie bags before being invited to enjoy a champagne afternoon tea.

Entertainment was provided by International student Gieun Cho and the College choir, led by Curriculum Leader for Music Jon Rogers.

Recognised for working at the College for over 30 years were Curriculum Leader Steve Williams, Senior Caretaker Mike Jones, Lecturer Stephen Williams, SFI Regional Finance Manager and Project Officer Nigel Richards, Dean of Faculty Ruth Prosser, Oxbridge/HE+ Lead Tutor Felicity Padley, Lecturer Nikki Roderick, Exams Officer Carol Evans and Curriculum Leader John Bowen.

The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Mike Wildin who started working for the College in 1967 and is now an Engineering Technician at the Gorseinon campus.

There were some common themes among the staff interviewed for the event – namely a love of teaching, a wish to inspire young people and the rewards of working within a dynamic and ever-evolving sector.

“We felt it was very important to recognise the dedication and loyalty of those members of staff who have worked so hard for the College for so long,” says Director of HR Sarah King. “It’s truly amazing how many people who joined our legacy colleges at Gorseinon and Swansea ‘back in the day’ are still with us now – this suggests to me that they still really enjoy working here! These members of staff have mentored and supported generations of students and we wanted to give something back to them as a token of our appreciation.”

Photos: Peter Price Media