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Celebrated Welsh business leader and community advocate joins Gower College Swansea.

Ian Price, recently awarded with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to business and charity, has been appointed Chair of Governors at Gower College Swansea.

Bringing decades of leadership experience and a passion for education and community service, Ian is set to guide the College into an exciting new chapter. Ian succeeds Meirion Howells, who steps down after four years.

Ian concluded an influential tenure as Director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in Wales in December 2024, following nearly two decades with the organisation, including eight years as Director and prior to that, Deputy Director since 2005. In this role, he was the vital link between Welsh businesses and government, regularly engaging with the Welsh First Minister, Secretary of State for Wales, and key industry leaders to advocate for economic growth and vocational education.

Ian’s leadership extended beyond the CBI. He has chaired the Wales Apprenticeship Advisory Board, championing the importance of apprenticeships and vocational training as a complement to university education. His commitment to young people continues through his new role as Chair of Governors at Gower College Swansea and his ongoing chairmanship of the youth charity Vibe Youth.

Reflecting on his new role as Chair, Ian said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of Governors at Gower College Swansea. Education has always been close to my heart, especially supporting vocational pathways like apprenticeships that provide real opportunities for young people. I look forward to working with the College community to help shape a future where every student can achieve their potential.”

Kelly Fountain, Principal of Gower College Swansea, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Ian Price as our new Chair of Governors. His outstanding leadership, deep understanding of the business landscape in Wales, and passion for education make him an invaluable appointment for the College and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Gower College Swansea is proud to host a dedicated girls-only taster day aimed at inspiring the next generation of female engineers and to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day.

This taster event welcomed around 60 pupils from Dylan Thomas and Bishopston Comprehensive schools for a full day of hands-on exploration across various engineering disciplines.

Designed to showcase the exciting and ever-evolving world of engineering and technology, the event offered students the chance to experience interactive sessions in areas such as motor vehicle technology, electronic engineering, general engineering and engineering mathematics.

“We’re excited to provide a supportive and welcoming environment for girls to discover the many possibilities that a career in engineering can offer,” said Maria Francis, Assistant Learning Manager for Engineering at Gower College Swansea. “From electric vehicles to advanced electronics, we want to show how technology is rapidly changing, and how they can be part of that future.”

Each session was delivered by experienced member of staff and supported by female students currently studying engineering at the College. The goal is to break down stereotypes, boost confidence and encourage more young women to consider STEM-related careers.

In addition to engaging practical activities, each pupil received a small takeaway item relevant to their session as a keepsake.

Speaking about her time at College, Jayme-Marie Simon Vaughan, a former Cefn Hengoed pupil and now studying for her apprenticeship said: “I felt really comfortable joining the Motor Vehicle course – it really helped having Maria as my lecturer, as she’s also been through the apprenticeship programme herself.

“Roger Blackmore Autos in Sketty gave me a chance at an apprenticeship, and I’ve now been there for three years. I absolutely love the programme – the lecturers, my employer and my assessor have been incredibly supportive. I’d definitely0 recommend it to anyone thinking about a career in the motor vehicle industry.”

Gower College Swansea is proud of its commitment to gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries. The Motor Vehicle department alone currently has 11 female learners, and this event aims to inspire even more young women to join the ranks of future engineers.

Fifteen students from Stoke on Trent College have set off on a 4-day trip to Erlangen, Germany as part of a 12-week enrichment programme.

Challenge Erlangen, which takes place between 25 and 28 June, will see a variety of students from different courses experience a flavour of German culture including:

• A visit to a school in Erlangen where they will meet German students and understand more about their culture
• School workshops for motor vehicle, engineering, health and social care and sport
• A tour of the Siemens training and development centre
• Attending the scene of the Nuremburg rally and finding out more about World War II

Prior to the trip, students have undertaken research of the key attractions in Erlangen, team building activities plus planning sites they want to visit in-between trips.

Challenge Erlangen is a new enrichment programme for 2025, adding to the College’s signature enrichment activity Challenge South Africa, which earlier this year marked 20 years of collaboration with partners in Cape Town.

Grace Smith, T Level Midwifery learner, who is taking part in Challenge Erlangen said:

“I think going to Erlangen would be a great way to see how healthcare works in another country, especially midwifery, which I’m really interested in.

“It would also help me build confidence, meet new people, and learn how to communicate better—skills I’ll definitely need in the future.”

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“Challenge Erlangen is our brand-new enrichment programme, and one we hope will provide our learners with a rich flavour of German culture.

“Stoke-on-Trent has been twinned with Erlangen for a number of years, and the timing of our visit is perfectly timed as we celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent.”

Dave Hopley, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Stoke on Trent College said:

“Our enrichment programme already offers a wide range of opportunities to our learners that enhance their College experience, such as Challenge South Africa which has been running for 20 years.

“Working with partners in Erlangen, we hope this is the start of a mutually beneficial relationship where learners from both countries can benefit.”

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Learners and staff from Stoke on Trent College taking part in Challenge Erlangen

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Students and staff from Gower College Swansea have gathered together to celebrate another fantastic year of academic and vocational excellence.

Kev Johns MBE made a welcome return to the stage at Swansea.com Stadium to host the evening, where learners from a range of full and part time courses, apprenticeships, higher education pathways, access courses and employability support programmes picked up awards.

The awards were a practical showcase for staff and student talent with the set, lighting and sound provided by the Level 3 Theatre and Live Events Production team.

Entertainment was provided by A Level Music, English Literature, Classical Civilisation and Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales student Isobel Mcneill, and L3 Diploma in Music Performance and Production student Kara Wood.

Also on hand were the College’s Theatrical Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-Up team, who treated guests to a special Animals showcase.

“Gower College Swansea has always enjoyed one of the highest quality profiles of any education institution, not just in Wales but across the UK,” says Principal Kelly Fountain. “All of this has been achieved as a result of the outstanding commitment and dedication of both our students – all 13,000 of them each year – and our staff, and tonight is an occasion when we get to celebrate their success and pay tribute to the best of the best.”

Guest speaker for the evening was former Gower College Swansea student Alex Callender who plays as a flanker for the Wales Women’s Rugby Union team and Harlequins Women, having gained her first cap for Wales at the 2019 Six Nations Championship.

At the end of the evening, there was a special presentation to Chief Executive Officer Mark Jones MBE who is retiring this summer after a long and distinguished career in education. As a memento, Mark was given an original piece of art by former L3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design student Wanesa Kazmierowska which depicted all the College campuses. He was also given two rugby shirts – one from the year he rejoined the College as Principal in 2013, and one from 2025.

The 2025 award winners in full:

Adult Basic Education/ESOL Student of the Year – Nataliia Mikulska
Bernie Wilkes Award – Hair, Beauty and Holistic Student of the Year – Chloe Clarke
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Student of the Year – Lucy Green
Independent Living Skills Student of the Year – Karleigh West
Sport and Public Services Student of the Year – Ophelia Furbank
Visual Arts Student of the Year – Tia Walters
Business Student of the Year – Brendon Thomas
Creative Arts Student of the Year – Carys Morgan
Humanities and Languages Student of the Year – Anwen Rodaway
Maths, Science and Social Science Student of the Year – Leah Spackman
Technology Student of the Year – Maksym Klivenko
Engineering Student of the Year – Jack Shipley
Health, Social Care and Childcare Student of the Year – Sarah James
Built Environment Student of the Year – Seymour Thomas
Apprentice of the Year – Ashleigh Johnson
Outstanding Sports Achievement of the Year – Caleb Demery
Employer Partner of the Year – Pobl Group
Elaine McCallion Award – GCS Training Student of the Year – Dawne Meynell-Western
International Student of the Year – Winnie Lui
Access Student of the Year – Ria Hammond-Smith
Holly Donohoe Award – HE Student of the Year – Will Evans
Welsh Language Student of the Year – Lily Kearney
Employability Client of the Year – Levi Watts
Progression and Commitment Student of the Year – Mia Southard
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Student of the Year – Katie Richards

Inspirational Student of the Year – Sarah James

A big thank you to all our 2025 sponsors:

Amroc Group Limited
AtkinsRéalis
Bardic Construction
Blake Morgan
Bowen Hopkins Limited
Kelly Fountain
Get Yourself Noticed
GJ Willett and Sons
Greenwood Projects
Hengoed Care
Knox and Wells
Mark Jones MBE
reThink PR and Marketing
RW Learning
South Wales Transport
Swansea Council
Swansea University
The Cusp
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
WalesOnline
Waters Creative

Buckinghamshire College Group is proud to announce a new partnership with Tech Support Squad, who have officially joined as a Cornerstone Employer for the Digital Support & Security T Level course. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the real-world relevance and industry integration of the College’s digital curriculum.  

As a Cornerstone Employer, Tech Support Squad will play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital education by offering high-quality industry placements, mentoring opportunities, and insight into the evolving needs of the digital support and cybersecurity sector. Their commitment ensures that T Level students will gain the hands-on experience and technical skills needed to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing job market. 

Sean Bastow, Curriculum Manager for Digital and Professional Enterprises at Buckinghamshire College Group, said:

“The Tech Support Squad have been strong champions of ours for a long time now, so I am thrilled to take our great relationship to another level and make them our first Cornerstone Employer in our Digital provision. Our learners benefit a great deal from the skills they develop with the Tech Support Squad through industry placements and their commitment to supporting the design of our Digital Support Services curriculum.” 

James Scudder, Founder of Tech Support Squad, commented:

“Breaking into the IT industry at a young age was a challenge for me until someone named Russ gave me a chance when others said I was too young. That experience shaped the values of Tech Support Squad from day one. When we launched the company, we made a firm commitment never to judge potential based on age. One of our first initiatives was partnering with Buckinghamshire College Group through their T-Level programme. That collaboration led to us being honoured with the ‘Business Impact 2024’ award after a highly successful second year of student placements. When we learned about the Cornerstone Employer programme, we saw it as a fantastic opportunity to deepen our relationship with the College and support their ambition to become the leading digital training provider in the region. We’re excited about the future and look forward to continuing this impactful partnership.” 

This partnership aligns with the Government’s vision for T levels to become the gold standard in technical education and demonstrates the power of collaboration between education and industry in developing a future-ready workforce.  

Ian Harper, Executive Director for Business Development at Buckinghamshire College Group, added:

“We’re delighted to be working closely with employers from the digital and broader business sectors to ensure the College is well-positioned to support organisations with their recruitment and workforce development needs, while also making a positive economic contribution to those businesses and the wider region.” 

With Tech Support Squad on board, Buckinghamshire College Group is laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter digital future – one confident, career-ready student at a time. 

To learn more about our T Level courses, visit Buckinghamshire College Group’s website or contact our admissions team at admissions@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk (01296 588599).  

About Buckinghamshire College Group: 

Buckinghamshire College Group (Bucks College Group) is a further education college with campuses in Aylesbury, Wycombe, and Amersham. The College provides vocational, technical, and professional skills education to over 4,500 students annually. The College provides full-time education for students aged 16 to 18, alongside a robust provision for adult learners and apprenticeships. Buckinghamshire College Group was formed from the merger of Aylesbury College and Amersham & Wycombe College in October 2017. The College is currently developing a new modern campus to be in the centre of High Wycombe which would bring together the provision offered at the existing Amersham and Wycombe sites. 

Learners from Construction and Engineering courses at Stoke on Trent College, have become the latest cohort to join the Stoke-on-Trent Regeneration Brainery programme.

The five-day interactive workshop is a unique opportunity for learners to gain new industry contacts and tools to kickstart their careers.

This is the third year in a row that learners from Stoke on Trent College have been involved in the workshops, having previously had site visits to Capital&Centric’s recently opened Goods Yard, a vibrant new urban quarter next to Stoke-on-Trent train station, with homes, work and leisure space, locally-listed vaulted warehouse, and lush new public square.

The Brainery programme is another example of the College’s ongoing collaboration with industry, as we continue to respond to the skills gaps identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) with our four Skills Hubs:

• Construction and Green Technologies
• STEM
• Digital and Creative
• Health and Social Care

The Regeneration Brainery team worked with the learners on problem-solving, presenting and communication skills to help them stand out from the crowd when they enter the world of work.

The week began at the Goods Yard in Stoke, which included a tour of the site and a presentation from new Goods Yard tenants; commercial real estate firm Avison Young.

Accompanied by social impact property developers Capital&Centric, the cohort were given a tour of the 1960s brutalist Midway multi-storey car park in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The ground-breaking project is the first car park to be repurposed to homes in the UK. The 1960s concrete structure is being restored into 111 new homes with resident gym, mini cini, social hub, alongside parking, bike storage and a striking three-storey open atrium at the heart of the building.

Other presentations and workshops were provided by Regeneration Brainery Ambassador Faizan Ahmed, Genr8 Developments, RJD Associates, architect firms Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Planit plus Pierre Anguilare and Lloyds, with the aim of covering all aspects of the property sector, including project management, finance, planning, architecture and design.

Each learner took part in a speed networking session with a number of the firms mentioned above, where they could quiz them about their businesses and their roles within it.

To round the workshop off, each attendee organised and presented their own presentation for other attendees, on a subject based around an area of property management.

Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“The Regeneration Brainery programme is a unique opportunity for learners from our Construction and Engineering courses to gain meaningful experience with some of the biggest names in the property industry.

“I would like to thank Regeneration Brainery, for continuing to give our learners the opportunity to be part of something that will boost their own confidence but also help to make them skills ready, future ready.”

Michele Steel, CEO at Regeneration Brainery said:

“With major developments now underway in Hanley, Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme, it’s never been more important to show young local residents how they can access the economic opportunity that regeneration and investment in the area can bring. We’ve built a strong pipeline of talent with local colleges including Stoke on Trent and will continue to work with them to create life-changing opportunities for their students”.

To find out more about Regeneration Brainery, please visit – https://www.regenerationbrainery.co.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – (Left to right) Georgina Sawamura and Laura Stott (Regeneration Brainery) with learners from Stoke on Trent College at the Regeneration Brainery Stoke-on-Trent Bootcamp

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk  

Stoke on Trent College has recognised the achievements of a host of learners at their Celebrating Success 2025 awards.

The prestigious event held on Thursday 19 June brought together award-winning learners, their families plus College staff and Governors, civic dignitaries including the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Karen Dobson OBE Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, sponsors and stakeholders for a truly memorable evening.

Our sponsors included Keele University, University of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Learning Curve, ICON Projects, Carson Powell, Duchess China, KMF Group, Sneyd Construction, Krol Corlett, JPR Group and RE Events.

The event commenced with a drink’s reception and entertainment from Much Ado About Jazz.

Level 2 and 3 Catering and Hospitality students prepared and served a Gala Dinner to 120 guests, and were commended for the excellent quality of food and service provided.

The event was co-hosted by Level 3 Health & Social Care learner, Wendi Rose Brennan, and Assistant Principal Student Experience, Dave Hopley, who said:

“Celebrating Success remains the standout event in the College calendar. I am endlessly proud to witness such an array of inspiring stories from our young people, apprentices, and adult learners. It’s been a joy to see them fulfil their potential.”

The awards were opened by Stoke-on-Trent’s current poet laureate, Nick Degg, reciting his poem ‘I Came From a Town’.

It was a double celebration for Level 3 Gaming learner, Dasha Sokolynkova, who won the Student of the Year award for the Digital and Creative Skills Hub, plus being crowned the College’s overall Student of the Year.

Dasha has also recently been shortlisted for the Learning and Development category for this year’s Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards 2025, which take place next month.

Dasha Sokolynkova said:

“I’m the happiest person ever!

“I felt quite shocked (at winning the awards) and didn’t think I’d ever get anything like this. My teachers have given me the desire to be better, and believed in me. I’m really happy my mum was also able to see me win too.”

Other winners included T-Level Construction learner, Aaron Mollart, who won the Student of the Year accolade for Construction and Green Technologies skills hub. Aaron is currently exceling in his first year at the College whilst undertaking a placement with Seddon.

Level 3 Media Production learner, Lara Costa, bagged the prestigious Principal’s Award.

Ahead of International Women in Engineering Day (23 June), the College was proud to see two female learners’ pickup prestigious awards within STEM. One of those learners being Louise Whitehouse who took home the Student of the Year accolade for Engineering & STEM. Louise is aiming to secure an apprenticeship with a global leading manufacturer, after completing her Level 2 in Engineering.

The Contribution to College award was a joint celebration, with Level 3 Health & Social Care learners, Umaiza Noveed and Aniqah Razwan, sharing the award. Umaiza and Aniqah were both instrumental in setting up and managing the recent Multicultural Day, as well as being peer mentors, offering valuable support to other learners throughout the academic year. This award showcased how the College recognises not only growth and development through knowledge and skills, but also the behaviours needed to succeed, demonstrating its’ commitment to preparing young people who are skills ready.

Hassan Rizvi, Principal & CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“It has been a privilege to experience my very first Celebrating Success here at Stoke on Trent College.

“We take great pride in witnessing the remarkable growth of our learners throughout the year. Their dedication to mastering their chosen subjects, along with their enthusiasm for engaging in the wider College community, truly sets them apart. We firmly believe that participation in enrichment and extra-curricular activities not only enriches their experience but also gives them a distinctive edge with employers and universities alike.

 “This awards evening is truly unforgettable. We’re deeply grateful to our special guests, parents and carers, sponsors, Governors, and stakeholders. Their ongoing support has made this year’s Celebrating Success another night to remember.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Picture caption – All the winners with Principal & CEO Hassan Rizvi from Stoke on Trent College’s Celebrating Success awards.

Further images are available here – https://we.tl/t-gjxZ6BOVYS

• Stoke on Trent College serves up to 9000 students a year including young people, adults and apprentices. Working with a wide range of employers in key growth areas of the economy such as Digital, Construction, Engineering, STEM and Health and Social Care and more.
• The College also work with young adults who may have a special educational or additional need.
• A wide range of flexible and distance learning is provided by the College to individuals and businesses.

For all media enquiries, please contact marketing@stokecoll.ac.uk