Gower College Swansea is celebrating the achievements of five apprentices from Swansea Council’s Digital Services team, who have recently completed their two-year Telecoms Professional apprenticeship programme. All five have successfully transitioned into career opportunities within the Council, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the College and Swansea Council.
This partnership, which began over two years ago, has not only enhanced the team, but also provided the apprentices with professional development opportunities. The College supported the Council throughout the process, from marketing and recruitment to ongoing tailored support that complemented the apprentices’ daily roles.
Apprentices reflect on their journey
Lewis James, one of the apprentices, shared his experience:
"I started my apprenticeship two years ago and recently completed it. I’m now beginning a full-time role with Swansea Council’s Network Team as an ICT Assistant. Over the past two years, I worked four days a week with the team and spent one day at College studying a Level 4 Diploma in IT Telecoms Professional.
“I gained hands-on experience across the Council’s Server, Desktop Support, and Network Services teams, which helped me apply my College learning directly to real-work situations. The support from both the Council and the College was excellent."
Joshua Longhurst reflected on his journey:
"During my apprenticeship, I gained invaluable hands-on experience as part of an operational IT team, learning from highly skilled staff and receiving exceptional support from tutors. Studying for my Level 4 qualification with Gower College Swansea allowed me to explore technologies like virtualisation, networking, and systems architecture. I’m excited to now progress into a full-time IT role."
Brandon Curran spoke about the lasting impact of the apprenticeship:
"This combination of study and real-world application has been invaluable, enhancing my technical skills and boosting my confidence. I’m looking forward to building on this strong foundation at university, where I plan to specialise further and grow my expertise."
Harvey Thomas shared:
"During my apprenticeship, I built a strong technical foundation that supports my role as a Junior App Developer. From programming to system security, I developed practical skills that I now use to create and enhance software solutions."
Logan Monday added:
"Completing my IT apprenticeship with Swansea Council and Gower College Swansea has been incredibly rewarding. It provided practical skills and knowledge essential for a successful technology career. The support from my tutor was invaluable, helping me navigate the programme with confidence. I’m looking forward to continue progressing in the IT field and building on the skills I’ve gained."
Celebrating success
Stella Elphick, Commercial Manager for Digital at Gower College Swansea is delighted with the success, she said:
“This is a fantastic example of how apprenticeships can drive innovation, develop talent, and add real value to an organisation. We’re thrilled to see the success of this partnership and look forward to supporting more employers in strengthening their workforce through apprenticeships."
Andrea Lewis, Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation said:
“It’s really great to see the successful completion of this apprenticeship scheme within our Digital Services team, aimed at fostering professional careers in public services. The talent exhibited by the five apprentices was outstanding. The dedication and enthusiasm from both the apprentices and the supporting teams have contributed significantly to the programme's success.”
This partnership between Swansea Council and Gower College Swansea exemplifies how strategic investment in apprenticeships can address skills gaps while providing a sustainable pipeline of talent for the future.
Supporting digital growth
Gower College Swansea’s digital portfolio empowers organisations with a wide range of training programmes, enabling businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
For more information about apprenticeships or to explore Gower College Swansea’s digital training options, visit Employers | GCS