Gower College Swansea has held its first ever awards ceremony for apprentices and employers.

The special event, hosted by BBC Wales Scrum V Live’s Ross Harries, was held to honour the outstanding commitment and dedication of the ‘best of the best’ apprentices and partner employers.

“Undertaking an apprenticeship is not an easy option - it is an achievement to be extremely proud of,” says the College’s Director of Skills and Business Development, Paul Kift.

Gower College Swansea is in the running for more awards after being named as a national finalist in the AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2019.

More than 350 entries were submitted from UK colleges, training providers and employers for these prestigious awards, which are organised by FE Week and the Association of Education and Learning Providers.

Gower College Swansea - the only Welsh finalist - has been shortlisted in two categories, the first of which is Health and Science Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Gower College Swansea is looking forward to supporting VQ Day 2017.

The College currently offers around 40 vocational pathways for full time learners, which includes courses in subjects as diverse as catering, digital technology, beauty, sport and travel and tourism.

One student who is thoroughly enjoying his college journey is Josh Neill, who is studying towards a Level 3 qualification in Hospitality and Catering.

Gower College Swansea has developed an exciting collaboration with industrial electronics specialists Kontroltek, who are based in Bridgend, after both organisations saw a potential opportunity to move students seamlessly from the college environment into successful, motivating apprenticeships.

Kontroltek specialise in electronic, electrical and mechanical repairs and supply. They currently have 40 employees but have extensive ambitions to grow their workforce using the ‘next generation’ of electronic engineers.

The award-winning Hair Lounge Salon (which has premises in Fforestfach and Skewen) looks to its apprentices to assist in the smooth running of the business on a day to day basis.

Senior stylist Adrian took the apprenticeship route and has worked at the Hair Lounge for almost five years.

Gower College Swansea is currently supporting four young female apprentices as they take their first steps towards a career in science.

Hazel Hinder, Sally Hughes and Courteney Peart (Tata Steel) and Meghan Maddox (Vale Europe) are studying BTEC Diploma in Applied Science and NVQ Lab Technician at the Tycoch campus.

Attendees at Swansea Bay Business Club’s October lunch enjoyed a talk held by entrepreneur and winner of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, Joseph Valente.

Joseph delighted the audience at the Marriott Hotel as he shared stories of his time on the hit TV show and working with business magnate, Lord Alan Sugar.

During the event, which was sponsored by GCS Training, guests were encouraged to ask Joseph questions about his career and business - Impra Gas - as they enjoyed a three course meal and networking opportunities with businesses from across Swansea Bay and beyond.

A Hairdressing apprentice from Gorseinon got a taste of the ‘absolutely fabulous’ life at London Fashion Week, thanks to her links with Gower College Swansea.

Lucy Britton, who is studying towards a Level 2 NVQ at the college’s Broadway Centre, has worked full time at the Hair Lounge in Fforestfach for the past year. The owner of the salon, Marc Isaac, is also employed by the college as a tutor / assessor in hairdressing.

Two students have represented Gower College Swansea at prestigious national apprentice competitions.

Mariusz Gawarecki, who is studying towards a Level 2 Diploma in Plumbing and Heating, was put forward for the HIP UK Heating Apprentice of the Year by his lecturer Mike Morris.

“Mariusz is an exceptional student – in fact, he was our overall Engineering Student of the Year in 2015 - and was a fantastic ambassador for the college at this year’s competition, being placed second out of ten,” says Mike.

Gower College Swansea’s Engineering Technology department (Tycoch) has celebrated its most successful Level 3 BTEC cohort to date.

From the graduating class of 2015, seven are heading to top universities around the UK including Swansea, Manchester, Lancashire and Bristol, to study degrees in Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, and Computer Aided Engineering, Architecture and Robotics.

A further 14 students have secured apprenticeships with established companies including Tata Steel, 3M, Quartzelec, Wall Colmonoy, Lyte Ladders and A.I.R Precision.