Recognition for College’s flagship employability programme

@GowerCollege Swansea has been named as an example of good practice in a prominent report on the future of colleges in Wales.

The College of the Future for Wales calls for a radical shift in the role of colleges in the future vision of education and training in Wales. Produced by the Independent Commission on the College of the Future, the report is one in a series that provides recommendations for Further Education in each of the four UK nations.

As part of its recommendation on the role of colleges in building healthy, cohesive and sustainable communities, the report praises Gower College Swansea’s innovative employability support for young people and adults through its Better Jobs, Better Futures programme.

The initiative was developed by the College to help young people and adults in Swansea to gain, retain and progress within employment and provides a range of flexible and personalised support both to individuals and businesses across Swansea.

As part of the College’s expanding suite of employment support, Better Jobs, Better Futures has far exceeded all expectations. Since 2017, the College has supported over 4,000 individuals across Swansea, with 84% of those completing programmes then progressing into new or better work. It has also supported over 450 employers in the region to strengthen and develop their workforce.

Full time students at the College have also benefited, with dedicated Futures Hubs offering specialist employment and career support to all learners alongside their studies. These hubs play a key role in delivering the Gower College Swansea Guarantee – the College’s commitment to progressing learners either into a job, apprenticeship, further or higher learning, or continuing employability support on completion of their course.

Commenting on the report, Principal Mark Jones said: “We’re delighted that the Commission has recognised the great work that is being undertaken through our Better Jobs, Better Futures programme. It’s an initiative we’re immensely proud of, one that has enabled the College to play an even greater role, working closely with partners, in supporting and serving our local community. It’s a role that is at the heart of everything we do here at Gower College Swansea and which, in the current climate, we believe is more important than ever.”