For hundreds of students across Swansea, the summer will have been an emotional rollercoaster of excitement and nerves as they patiently awaited their GCSE exam results. Although that day has now come and gone, some feelings of uncertainty could still be an issue for many young people. Here to offer some advice and reassurance to those still unsure about what to do next is Mark Jones, Principal at Gower College Swansea.
The thought of leaving school, moving on to college or starting a job can be a daunting prospect, especially if you feel like everyone around you seems to be confident in their decision-making abilities and assuredly moving forward. But the important thing to remember is that you still have time to consider your future path.
At Gower College Swansea, we still have a range of A Level and vocational courses that students can enrol on ahead of the new term starting in September. I’ve outlined a few of these courses and the opportunities they offer for your consideration, but it’s always worth getting in touch with the College directly to chat through your options and decide what’s best for you.
Performing Arts
Previous students have gone on to secure places at prestigious performing arts colleges including RADA, Arts Ed, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Laban Centre. While many graduates progress directly to stage and screen, others have pursued rewarding careers behind the scenes – within arts education / arts administration.
On our Level 3 course, performance techniques in acting, singing and movement will be fully developed. Compulsory course units include performance workshop and performing to an audience, but students can choose from almost 30 different pathway units, depending on their individual skillsets, from dance improvisation and theatre for children, to film and TV acting and audition theory and practice.
For more information on studying performing arts at Gower College Swansea, visit https://www.gcs.ac.uk/course-search?cat=Performing%20Arts&type=Full-Time§ion=Music,%20Media%20and%20Performance
Hairdressing
Perfect for aspiring stylists and colour specialists, our hairdressing courses allow students to develop their skills by learning within the realistic salon environment of our Broadway Hair, Beauty and Holistic Centre.
Students will learn how to colour and lighten hair, as well as styling and finishing techniques. Many of our former students have gone on to be salon owners or travel the world as senior stylists.
For more information on studying hairdressing at Gower College Swansea, visit https://www.gcs.ac.uk/course-search?cat=Hairdressing&type=Full-Time§ion=Hairdressing,%20Beauty%20and%20Holistics
Motor Vehicle
With courses available for a variety of skill levels, budding mechanics and motorsport engineers can start their careers at Gower College Swansea this September on a variety of courses including Vehicle Maintenance and Repair, Vehicle Systems Maintenance and Vehicle Technology.
All students learn through practical demonstrations which are supported with realistic working tasks.
Working within our motor vehicle workshops, students will develop a range of skills including identifying different motor vehicle types, and performing service repairs on brakes and tyres, engine cooling systems and transmission services.
For more information on studying motor vehicles at Gower College Swansea, visit
https://www.gcs.ac.uk/motor-vehicle#!pnl_full-time
Holistic Therapies
Learn how to create a calming spa environment and develop practical skills in spa and massage related treatments. The College boasts specialist spa facilities where students undertake practical assessments and a weekly work placement, delivering treatments to paying clients. Students will learn how to perform a number of treatments including Swedish massage, Indian head massage and body wrapping, as well as learning the academic theory behind anatomy, physiology and pathology.
For more information on studying spa therapies at Gower College Swansea, visit https://www.gcs.ac.uk/course-search?cat=Holistics&type=Full-Time§ion=Hairdressing,%20Beauty%20and%20Holistics
Plumbing
People are always going to need plumbers! That’s why it’s certainly a career pathway you should investigate if you’re looking for something challenging and practical that is unlikely to ever experience a dip in demand.
We offer a range of courses beginning with a Level 1 Diploma that is the ideal introduction to the sector, with modules covering safe working practices, plumbing system processes, installation techniques and environmental technologies.
For more information on studying plumbing at Gower College Swansea, visit https://www.gcs.ac.uk/course-search?cat=Plumbing&type=Full-Time§ion=Plumbing