Over 160 learners from both Gower College Swansea and local secondary schools including Cwmtawe, Dylan Thomas, Penyrheol and Birchgrove recently took part (Wednesday 22 May) in an insightful event run by the College in partnership with Microsoft.
Representatives from Microsoft and their partner network shared with learners their career journeys in areas such as data, AI and cyber security, and hosted discussions and Q&As around 'Women in Tech' and 'How to start a career at Microsoft'.
College staff hosted an exhibition where learners had a chance to get hands on with a variety of activities including 360-degree cameras, VR/AR kit, and the latest in Esports simulators. The College was also grateful to Swansea University's Technocamps for their engagement around robotics. The event also featured Academii who demonstrated their latest virtual reality software to help simulate solutions to real world business problems.
Speaking about the day, Digital Skills and Innovation Lead, Peter Scott said: “We really value events like this. They provide high quality encounters with employers and support our young people to understand more about the digital environment and careers that sit within it – it also helps them to start thinking about what qualifications they will need to pursue a career in digital. Providing our learners with opportunities to be innovative, engage in critical thinking and learn from professionals is fantastic!”
Reflecting on the event, Tina Owen from Microsoft said: "As an Account Executive for Microsoft and living in Swansea, it was a privilege to orchestrate a team of industry hosts who shared their inspirational stories, illuminating the myriad of opportunities a career in digital can offer.
“The purpose of the event was not only to engage learners, but also to influence their choices in learning and career pathways, fostering the growth of technical talent pools in the region.
“The mutual exchange of ideas and experiences made the event not just informative, but also a celebration of the potential that lies within the digital realm. This event was a testament to the power of community and collaboration in shaping the future of our young learners and the tech industry in Swansea.”