There have been some exciting developments at Gower College Swansea lately with the introduction of a new Learning Area called Built Environment, which encompasses courses in plumbing, construction, electrical and energy.
And overseeing this new department is a brand new Learning Area Manager - Hannah Pearce.
Hannah, who previously worked at the College as an engineering lecturer, has a wealth of built environment and management experience from her time spent in industry where she worked as a civil engineer for Laing O’Rourke.
She has also worked extensively in schools, where she developed and delivered STEM workshops and lessons to pupils.
“Built Environment will be a department that delivers and inspires, with the student’s educational journey at the heart of what we do,” says Hannah.
“With an eye to developing courses across all levels from GCSE right through to Higher Education, we will nurture and build on our relationships within the industry itself, bringing in new links and opportunities.
“The industry is one which is rapidly changing and we as a College must dynamically adapt to suit that. We have a suite of new qualifications starting soon and we will also be looking at developing more courses in the renewable sector.”
Hannah will soon be joined by Richard Sellick as the Assistant Learning Area Manager for Built Environment.
Richard, who was previously Curriculum Area Lead in Construction at Bridgend College, has played a key role in curriculum development via focus groups for the new qualifications and developing students’ skills through construction shows and practical competitions.
The first new course to be offered under the Learning Area is an A Level in Built Environment which will start in September 2022. This course will enable learners to gain an in-depth understanding of professional roles within the industry such as architect, engineer, surveyor, health and safety officer, building inspector and site manager.