Gower College Swansea is inviting employers to explore Degree and Higher Apprenticeship opportunities available in September 2026, offering new and existing employees a funded pathway towards Chartered or Registered status.
Designed in partnership with leading universities and awarding bodies, the programmes combine day-release academic study with practical workplace learning, enabling learners to develop advanced skills that directly support career ambitions and employer needs. Learning is contextualised, with staff conducting some of their learning and research on workplace-set topics.
Fully funded by Welsh Government, the qualifications provide a cost-effective route for employers to develop specialist skills while enabling apprentices to earn, learn and gain nationally recognised Higher Education qualifications.
Degree Apprenticeship: Integrated Engineering (BEng) – Level 4 to 6
Delivered in partnership with Cardiff University.
The BEng Integrated Engineering Degree Apprenticeship develops versatile professionals able to work across mechanical, electrical and electronic, control and systems disciplines. Graduates are equipped for multidisciplinary project work and technical leadership across manufacturing, maintenance and design roles.
The programme combines workplace learning with academic study and incorporates a broad range of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering modules. This in-demand blend is designed to produce well-rounded engineers with the knowledge and practical capability to respond to the evolving demands of industry.
By combining workplace experience with Higher Education study, Degree Apprenticeships enable learners to apply their knowledge immediately, rapidly developing confidence and expertise.
Lewys Brill, an Integrated Engineering Degree Apprentice at Forged Solutions, said:
“The apprenticeship allows me to achieve various things including progression in my own company, but also a chance to learn about real world instances and apply them into my job day-to-day.”
Higher Apprenticeships: HNC/D – Levels 4 and 5
Delivered in partnership with University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Pearson.
Gower College Swansea also offers a range of Higher Apprenticeships that combine nationally recognised HNC and HND qualifications with workplace experience. Designed to meet regional and national skills needs, the programmes help employers develop technical specialists while enabling apprentices to build the knowledge, confidence and practical expertise needed to progress into higher-level roles.
The following programmes are available in September 2026:
- HNC Construction Management – for site and construction managers
- HNC/D Mechanical Engineering – for maintenance, manufacturing, design or CAD
- HNC/D Electrical and Electronic Engineering – for electrical design, power systems or telecoms
- HNC Applied Science (Chemistry) – for laboratory, quality control or process chemistry lab technicians.
The College will also be introducing Higher Apprenticeships in Quantity Surveying and Civil Engineering. Employers interested in these programmes are encouraged to get in touch to find out more.
For employers, Degree and Higher Apprenticeships provide an effective way to develop specialist skills within their workforce. By investing in new and existing employees, organisations can address current and future skills shortages, improve staff retention, increase productivity and develop talent tailored to their business needs.
Dr Patricia Xavier, Director of Higher Education at Gower College Swansea, said:
“Whether supporting existing employees to progress or recruiting new talent, Degree and Higher Apprenticeships provide employers with an embedded and responsive approach to developing capability.
We work closely with employers to shape the curriculum and skills to emerging industry needs. It’s wonderful to see the skill development, career progression and innovation that these qualifications support.”
Alongside its Degree and Higher Apprenticeship provision, Gower College Swansea’s Higher Education offer provides a flexible, employer-focused route for developing and retaining talent. With an established portfolio that includes ACCA professional qualifications, Business and Finance programmes, Computing, Applied Science, HNC/HNDs in Engineering and Construction Management, Foundation Degrees, Degrees, and Degree Apprenticeships, the College can support organisations with diverse functions and workforce requirements.
This breadth of provision enables employers to create clear progression pathways across technical, operational, digital, scientific, commercial and leadership roles, supporting talent development and upskilling throughout the employee lifecycle.
Gower College Swansea’s Degree and Higher Apprenticeships offer a partnership between education and industry, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, experience and confidence needed to thrive in the workplace while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need.
Applications are open for September 2026. Employers looking to upskill existing staff or recruit new talent are encouraged to register their interest, while prospective apprentices are also invited to find out more about the opportunities available.
For further information or to register your interest in the Degree Apprenticeships available, complete Gower College Swansea’s Higher Education Enquiry form, or contact he@gcs.ac.uk.