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.

Gower College Swansea joined up with the Lifelong Learning & Employment Training Service (LLETS) and 96.4FM The Wave to celebrate Apprentice Week 2015.

Roving reporter Claire Scott spent time visiting apprentices and employers across the city to hear about their experiences.

Local apprentice Luke Goodrich has returned to his roots to inspire students at Pentrehafod Comprehensive.

Luke is part of a team of ‘Apprenticeship Ambassadors’ working with the Welsh Government’s Department for Education and Skills to tour the country encouraging young people to follow the apprenticeship pathway and take up one of a huge variety of roles available across Wales.

Three students from Gower College Swansea are among the four young people chosen to undertake a four-year engineering apprenticeship with leading Welsh travel operator First Cymru.