Gower College Swansea has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Wales STEM Awards 2025.
The Wales STEM Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals making a difference to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) agenda in Wales.
The College is in the running for two awards – the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) and STEM Woman of the Year.
For STEM Educational Programme of the Year, the College has been recognised for its Education and Beyond initiative which addresses STEM and construction sector skills needs whilst tackling regional socio-economic barriers such as deprivation, poor school attendance and low aspirations.
Entirely funded by the College, Education and Beyond focuses on creating high-level talent pipelines through inclusive, employer-led education and outreach. Since launch, the College has engaged over 150 employers, more than 50 staff across four directorates, and multiple awarding bodies to co-create six new sector pathways. Over 160 learners have already accessed new placements, with 74 additional enrolments on new part-time construction courses during the academic year of 2023/24.
Apprenticeship uptake in construction has grown by 28% while full-time and part-time construction enrolments rose by 15% overall. The initiative particularly supports underrepresented groups such as women, school pupils, economically inactive adults and career changers. Equality, diversity and inclusion has been central to the initiative, with outreach across community centres, schools and job fairs.
For the STEM Woman of the Year category, Hannah Pearce has been shortlisted in recognition of her unwavering dedication to transforming the construction industry.
As Learning Area Manager for Built Environment, Hannah has redefined how education and industry collaborate to drive inclusive, future-ready practices. Her impact spans from site to classroom, demonstrating resilience, innovation and influence at every step.
A trailblazing civil engineer and STEM ambassador, Hannah has broken barriers for women in construction ever since her early career with Laing O’Rourke. Collaborating as part of a team in sustainable, technologically advanced builds – such as the Oxford Brookes Abercrombie project – set a new standard for experiential education.
Even after a turning milestone, Hannah transformed adversity into opportunity to launch Big Bang UK, which inspires the next generation through engaging STEM programs for primary pupils.
A multi award-winning advocate for women in STEM, under Hannah’s leadership, Gower College Swansea has seen an incredible 616% increase in female enrolment in Built Environment courses. Hannah also leads a thriving Girls in STEM group and serves as an executive board member of Swansea Bay Construction Support Group.
“Gower College Swansea is committed to advancing the STEM sector in Wales through a bold, inclusive, collaborative approach that aligns education, industry, and community,” says Interim Principal, Paul Kift. “At the heart of our strategy is a determination to break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring that STEM is accessible, inspiring and relevant to all, regardless of background, gender or age.
“We do this by developing innovative programmes that directly address regional skills needs while tackling socio-economic barriers. Our employer-led model ensures our curriculum reflects real-world needs and technologies, which helps us prepare learners not just for jobs, but for lifelong careers in future-focused sectors.
“We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at the Wales STEM Awards. Huge congratulations to Hannah and my colleagues who thoroughly deserve this recognition.”
The Wales STEM Awards will take place on 16 October 2025 in Cardiff.