Two representatives from Gower College Swansea recently attended the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Further Education and Skills, hosted by ColegauCymru | CollegesWales in Cardiff.
Young people from colleges across Wales met with Senedd Members from across the political spectrum and sector leaders at the final meeting of the CPG this Senedd term, which explored post-16 participation and the experiences of learners as they navigate Wales’ evolving tertiary education landscape.
The group included learners studying a range of subjects and levels including welding, Esports, restaurant services and A Levels travelled to Cardiff Bay to share their perspectives on access, independent advice and guidance, wellbeing, employer engagement, and the barriers and opportunities shaping their FE journeys.
Their contributions will inform ColegauCymru’s ongoing work to shape the Welsh Government’s future thinking on tertiary education.
Among the young people taking part were Cole Brydson and Rose Wahbi from Gower College Swansea. Both are very active members of the College’s Student Union - with Rose having been elected President in 2025 - and sit on the Corporation Board of the College, as Student Governors.
Cole is studying A Levels in Business Studies, Economics, Digital Technology alongside the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and was named the Welsh Young Economist of the Year by Discover Economics in 2025.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to join a student panel alongside learners from across Wales, where we discussed various barriers to post-16 education and how to overcome them,” says Cole. “I shared my views on improving equality of access to opportunity in colleges - something I'm working to improve as Student Governor - adopting flexible learning practices to improve attendance, and providing adequate resourcing for all further education providers, particularly school sixth forms.
“For progress to be made regarding participation and the quality of post-16 education, current learners are a key part of the conversation, so I’m really grateful to have been invited to this event. I was also delighted to be offered work experience with Plaid Cymru’s Economy Team and am really looking forward to the experience!”
Rose, who graduated from the College in 2025 after studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Physics and Maths, chaired the Learner Panel on the day which included students from Pembrokeshire College, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Coleg Sir Gâr, Cardiff and Vale College, and Coleg Cambria.
“We discussed a range of topics including fair access to advice and guidance, the financial and practical barriers to participation, employer engagement and industry experience, wellbeing and Additional Learning Needs support, widening access for learners from diverse backgrounds, and more flexible learning provision,” says Rose.
“It's crucial that the importance of Further Education is recognised by Welsh Government, as it has a big impact on the future of the Welsh economy. When students and young people are at the heart of decision-making, we can ensure decisions have a real life impact on the future generations of Wales.”
Reflecting on the day, ColegauCymru Chair Lisa Thomas, said,
“The meeting showcased exactly why learner voice matters. Hearing directly from young people - about their ambitions, challenges, and hopes for the future - reminds us that their experiences must be central to the decisions we make about post-16 education.”
This meeting marked a significant moment, as it was the final CPG chaired by John Griffiths MS, who will step down from the role after many years of support and leadership within the FE and Skills agenda.
More information can be found of the ColegauCymru / CollegesWales website.
Photos: ColegauCymru