Local software entrepreneur - and former Gower College Swansea student - Adam Curtis returned to the Gorseinon campus recently to deliver an inspirational talk to vocational IT students.
Adam is a software developer who created and now manages the Clockwork Bear agency in addition to founding Hoowla, an online conveyancing software for solicitors. He specialises in creating bespoke software for new start-ups and helping companies build systems to manage their business processes and documents online.
"This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain an insight into a successful career in IT and how it can open so many doors," says the college's Enterprise Officer Lucy Turtle. “Adam explained how the IT industry is currently understaffed so students' skills will be in demand whether it is programming, sales or project management - there is a pathway for all abilities and skills."
"He was hugely encouraging, advising students not to be afraid to contact a company for work experience. Keep asking and eventually one of the business owners will say yes! This was a really successful, positive event and IT lecturer Edmonds Morka received great feedback from the students."
“Running your own business will consume your life but if you love the challenge it brings, you will have already won," says Adam. "There has never been a better time to start your own tech business so build up your skills while in education and keep your eyes open for solutions to solve!”
This workshop was organised by the college’s Enterprise Officer Lucy Turtle via the Welsh Government’s Big Ideas Role Models programme.