To tie in with the national 2018: Year of Engineering campaign, Gower College Swansea recently held a series of talks and interactive sessions for students wishing to carve a career in this innovative sector – with the focus on the exciting opportunities shortly arising on the doorstep!
The first event was hosted by Paul Kift, the College’s Director of Skills and Business Development, at the Gorseinon campus. It featured guest speakers including Principal Mark Jones, Ioan Jenkins (Development Director at Tidal Lagoon Power), Professor Karen Holford (UK Ambassador for the Year of Engineering and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff University), Professor Chris Arnold (Swansea University) and Professor Graham Howe (University of Wales Trinity Saint David.)
“This was a fascinating opportunity for our students to hear directly from key industry players and to ask questions about the kinds of academic and career pathways they could follow,” says Paul.
“The talks covered a broad range of topics from the advantages of the Swansea Bay City Deal to the exciting opportunities on the horizon with the Tidal Lagoon for young people within the engineering and construction industry. Emphasising the likely high demand for a skilled local workforce, our speakers talked about the rise of degree apprenticeships which combine working with learning. It was also fascinating to hear from Professor Holford who talked about her experiences as a woman in an industry which is still male-dominated.”
After the presentations, students were invited to take part in interactive sessions led by Cardiff University, who showcased the Formula No 1 student car which helped them become the first UK team to win the prestigious Formula Student UK event, and Gower College Swansea’s STEM students who demonstrated their 3D printing of a model rocket.
In the afternoon, the College hosted information sessions led by James Collins, Vice-President of the Oil-Field Cementing Branch of Halliburton, and Shaun Kologinczak, Company Strategic Manager, which was directed at students who wish to pursue subjects such as engineering and geology at university.
James is a former student of the College, completing A Levels in mathematics, physics and geology before progressing to Southampton to read Mechanical Engineering.
Engineering and construction students at the Tycoch campus were also invited to a seminar with Ioan Jenkins, where he gave an insight into job opportunities within these disciplines in the Swansea area, the region and the wider world.
“The College is delighted to work with Ioan and the Tidal Lagoon team to ensure that the curriculum we offer can equip the future workforce with the skills they need to find well paid and sustainable employment whether that is in Swansea or overseas,” says Dean of Faculty Hayley Thomas. “There were lots of questions from the students about future job opportunities and it was great to see them engage so enthusiastically with Ioan and all our speakers during these special events.”
Photos: Peter Price Media