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Gower College Swansea is celebrating another amazing round of medals success in the Skills Competition Wales 2026.

Students were invited to a special ‘watch party’ and medal ceremony at the Tycoch Campus where they picked up three Gold medals, eleven Silver and three Bronze.

In addition, there were 23 Highly Commended certificates awarded to College students. 

Gold
Matilda Topliss – Industrial Electronics
Solomon Bunn-Sovin – Fashion Design and Technology
Steve Sebastian – Graphic Design

Silver
Brandon Price – Web Development
Connor Brown – Net Zero Skills 
Joshua Stock – Brickwork
Keyna Peynado – Graphic Design
Kobi Williams – Net Zero Skills
Kori Williams – Carpentry
Marley Blakemore – Industrial Electronics
Maya Brooks – Photography
Rhys Freeman – Net Zero Skills
Sophie Hockley – Ceramic Craft Skills
Thomas Rideout – Net Zero Skills

Bronze
Benjamin Hutchins – Photography
Jesse Moxham – Industrial Electronics
Maizie Lee – Beauty Therapist

Highly Commended
Aaron Moore – Plastering 
Amber Grey – Childcare
Ben Winstone – Accountancy
Bethan Guard – Childcare
Courtney Taylor – Inclusive Skills: Life Skills
Cynan Kingdon – Coding
Dalat Adebari – Health and Social Care
Emily-Grace Kitchin – Textiles and Surface Pattern Skills
Ethan Butler – Coding
Harley Dark – Creative Make Up
Isabelle Tracey-Fall – Beauty Therapist
Jack Hopkins – Photography
Josef Nisbet – Coding
Joshua Pritchard – Brickwork
Kaya-Louise Quinn – Industrial Electronics
Kelsey Smith – Beauty Therapy Practitioner (Body)
Louis Morgan – Industrial Electronics
Max Thomas – Accountancy
Nafis Islam – Inclusive Skills: Horticulture
Nikita Kod – Accountancy
Olga Roshchupkina – Hairdressing
Shimar Nazeem – Industrial Electronics
Tom Noble – Carpentry

Skills Competition Wales raises the profile of skills by giving students, trainees and apprentices the chance to test and improve their abilities through competition.

Funded by the Welsh Government and delivered by a network of colleges, work-based learning providers, and employer-led organisations, the competitions align with WorldSkills standards and support the needs of the Welsh economy.

“The Skills Competition Wales framework is invaluable in supporting and championing vocational skills and achievement across a broad range of subjects and sectors,” says Gower College Swansea Principal, Paul Kift. 

“We have a strong track record in these competitions, and we’re absolutely delighted to celebrate the success of these learners again in 2026. A special mention must also go to the College’s teaching and support staff who guide and mentor their students throughout the process, and whose dedication and commitment play an integral role in this continuing success.”

The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, visited Telford College’s new sixth form centre as part of a wide-ranging education visit.

The Secretary of State visited the Telford 6^th building in Station Quarter during a trip which also included Wombridge Primary School, Thomas Telford Free School, Telford Park School, and Harper Adams University at the Quad.

The visit highlighted Telford’s education journey, celebrated the work of local teachers and staff, and discussed how national education policy can better support pupils, teachers and families across Telford.

The visit was organised by the town’s MP Shaun Davies. The Secretary of State said: “It was great to visit Telford and see the hard work happening in schools and colleges across the town.

“Meeting students, teachers and education leaders and hearing about their ambitions for Telford was incredibly valuable.”

“Hearing directly from pupils and staff provides real insight into what works and what doesn’t. For the government, this is key to shaping the change that actually benefits our families, especially in areas such as SEND provision, school funding, and opportunities for young people.”

Telford College principal and chief executive Lawrence Wood said: “Today’s visit was a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of partnership working among education providers in the borough.

“The government recognises that post?16 education and training is a vital stage in a young person’s journey towards a rewarding career, and it was a privilege to welcome the Secretary of State, future students and colleagues to see for themselves our vision for the new Telford 6th.

“This development will be deeply connected to our communities, and will open up fresh opportunities for the people we serve.”

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion with Telford & Wrekin Council, local education leaders and partners. Hosted by European Innovation, it focused on opportunities for innovation, skills development and the role of emerging technologies in supporting the region’s future workforce.

Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, said: “It was great to welcome the Education Secretary to Telford and show her the brilliant work happening here.

“This visit was about celebrating that work but also making the case absolutely clear that to back our schools and families we need to go even further.

“I was also able to pass on feedback I’ve heard directly from parents, carers and partners including from recent conversations about SEND support.

“Telford has a real story to tell when it comes to education one built on ambition, hard work and opportunity and it was fantastic to showcase that during such a busy and productive visit.”

Chris Morris says he owes his Telford College careers adviser a huge thanks for setting him on the road to a successful career in sales.

The 37-year-old currently works for Sky Media, creating targeted TV advertising platforms which allow businesses to show different ads to different households watching the same programme.

He enrolled on a two-year IT course at Telford College after graduating from Abraham Darby Academy in Madeley, unsure precisely what he wanted to do when it was completed.

“I picked IT because it felt like it would give me transferable skills, but didn’t apply myself at college as well as I should have done,” he said.

“I always remember a conversation with a Telford College careers adviser who took time to talk about me as a person – what I was good at, strong at, and not so strong at – and we discussed the sort of jobs they felt would suit me.

“We ended up coming to the conclusion that the best use of my skill set would be a job that involved being a ‘people person’. It set me on my way, opening up a whole list of job opportunities I hadn’t even realised existed until that point.”

From there, Chris spent two years with Wellington-based estate agents Coleman Estates, before moving to the Shropshire Star as an advertising sales executive, initially on the business team at Ketley and later at its Ludlow office.

Six years later, Chris moved to Global Radio, followed by a period specialising in outdoor billboard sales, before taking on his current role at Sky around three years ago.

“The college was brilliant, the course and the tutors was great, and I made lots of friends,” he said.

“It’s so great to have been able to return to the campus now in my current capacity, helping the college to explore TV advertising opportunities.

“I’m able to work from home, and get the chance to go out and visit businesses, helping them to plan advertising campaigns which can target the homes which match their needs, and demographics.”

Telford College has been highly commended for its ‘innovation in training’ at a national awards ceremony.

A delegation from Telford College attended the prestigious Apprenticeship and Training Awards in Liverpool which received more than 650 nominations from employers, training providers, colleges and universities.

The awards are run jointly by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, and delivered in partnership with City and Guilds.

Telford College was given a Highly Commended award in recognition of the success of its Health Care Support Worker Induction Programme, developed in partnership with NHS and the Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Integrated Care System.

Sarah Davies, executive director of partnerships and employer engagement at Telford College, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised at these prestigious awards, which celebrates the leading training providers in the UK.

“Our work in partnership with the Integrated Care System has had a significant impact on the workforce and transformed the way training is delivered.

“With the sector under immense pressure, we’ve embraced creativity and innovation in our delivery methods, and we’re delighted to see this recognised.”

Shane Mann, chair of the judging panel and chief executive of FE Week’s publisher EducationScape, said Telford College’s work ‘stood out strongly’ during the judging discussions.

“There were some lively debates among the judges, which speaks to the high standard of nominations from a sector that is constantly innovating and raising the bar.

“It was fascinating to see how training providers and employers are embedding AI into their programmes to personalise learning and enhance the curriculum.”

Telford College’s health care support worker induction programme is a pioneering initiative that has redefined health care training in the area since its launch in 2022.

Co-designed and co-delivered with NHS employers, the two-week course blends online learning, in-person workshops, and simulation-based training.

It is a flexible and scalable model that means new recruits can be onboarded swiftly, while maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.

Sarah added: “It also serves as pre-placement training for health apprentices and health T Level students, so they are fully prepared for the workplace and ready to integrate into the workforce as part of the team.

“The programme has significantly enhanced learner engagement and success by creating a training experience that is safe, immersive, emotionally intelligent, and directly aligned with real-world care environments.

“This innovative approach has led to improved retention, reduced early attrition, and increased learner confidence. Feedback consistently shows that learners feel well-equipped and supported, with many progressing into apprenticeships or permanent roles within the NHS and social care settings.”

 

Middlesbrough College is giving Teesside’s football talent a winning start with an exciting new partnership with Middlesbrough FC, launching dedicated programmes and pathways for both the men’s and women’s U19 teams for the 2026/27 season.

This collaboration combines elite football development with full-time education, offering local young athletes a professional-standard environment to progress both on the pitch and in the classroom.

The new Middlesbrough College MFC Women’s U19 Football Pathway marks a significant step forward for women’s football in the region. Designed to welcome up to 20 elite players, who are set to join the college in Year 12, the programme combines academic or vocational study with high-level football coaching delivered by UEFA A and B Licensed coaches.

Players will train in a professional environment encompassing technical and tactical development, strength and conditioning, performance analysis, physiotherapy support and competitive match play.

Central to shaping both teams is Sammie Leigh, Middlesbrough College’s director of sport and coach of England Women’s blind team. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in women’s football, Sammie highlights the importance of structured development and elite coaching for young talent. She said: “This programme gives girls on Teesside the chance to reach the next level in their football while building skills, discipline and confidence that will benefit them both in sport and in life.”

Ben Fisher, General Manager of Middlesbrough FC Women, emphasises the wider impact, adding: “Working with Middlesbrough College allows us to offer the coaching, facilities and support structures that help these players progress into careers in football, strengthening the sport across the region.”

The men’s partnership, the Middlesbrough FC/Middlesbrough College U19s, further builds on the College’s strong record of developing sporting talent. This team currently competes in the U19 National Youth Football League Northern Division and is on track for promotion for the 2026/27 season.

Through the partnership, players will wear the Middlesbrough FC badge on their match kits and gain access to state-of-the-art training facilities at Rockliffe Park and insight into the professional game.

The Academy experience is enhanced by a highly experienced coaching team with strong Middlesbrough FC heritage. Leading the team is Craig Hignett, former Premier League player and Boro legend, who scored the first goal at the Riverside Stadium. He is joined by Sammie Leigh, Jack Leicos, pre-academy coach at Middlesbrough FC, and former first-team player, Andy Collett, creating a coaching line-up with extensive local and professional expertise.

Pre-season for the men’s U19 team also begins in July, with recruitment underway in collaboration with local feeder schools.

Craig Liddle, Academy Manager at Middlesbrough FC, commented: “Working with Middlesbrough College allows us to strengthen the club’s connections with local further education institutions and provide strong exit strategies for Academy players moving on from Middlesbrough FC. We are proud to see Middlesbrough College players wear our badge with pride and look forward to welcoming them to our facilities.”

This partnership underscores Middlesbrough College’s commitment to dual-career development across the men’s and women’s teams. The College’s TASS Dual Career Accreditation ensures that players receive the support needed to excel academically while pursuing elite sport. This model reflects a growing emphasis in professional football on structured development and education, preparing athletes for both sporting careers and life beyond the pitch.

By combining academic achievement with high-quality football training, Middlesbrough College and Middlesbrough FC are creating clear, professional pathways for Teesside’s next generation of football talent.

This partnership represents a significant investment in the region’s sporting future, giving young men and women the tools, guidance and opportunities to succeed at the highest levels while staying in Teesside.

For more information on Middlesbrough College’s Football Academies and to find out about trials and recruitment, visit: https://www.mbro.ac.uk/services-and-support/sports-academies/

Telford College has launched its first dedicated Logistics Hub – designed to deepen collaboration with employers and ensure the college’s training offer keeps pace with one of the region’s most important sectors.

The hub, which meets at the college’s Wellington campus, brings together industry leaders, curriculum specialists and employer partners to shape the future of logistics training in the area.

By creating a structured forum for dialogue, the college says it will help to ensure training is aligned with real?time sector developments in the road haulage, warehousing, distribution and supply chain management sectors.

Guest speaker at the first session was Sally Gilson, policy lead for skills and drivers at the Road Haulage Association.

She highlighted the challenges currently facing logistics. Nationally, the loss of 117,000 drivers due to non?renewal of licences and CPC qualifications continues to place pressure on the workforce.

Employers in attendance, which included Kinaxia, Kuehne + Nagel, and Little Pot Transport, also discussed the ageing demographic of drivers, and the difficulty many businesses face in attracting younger entrants.

The positives and negatives of emerging technologies, including AI?enabled driver monitoring systems, were also identified as areas requiring greater awareness and skills development.

Rosie Beswick, from Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, also updated attendees on the latest Local Skills Improvement Plan research.

Aneeta Hazir, manager of partnerships and employer engagement at Telford College, said: “The hub is an opportunity for us to strengthen our engagement with employers, keep in line with industry challenges and for us to mirror this in our teaching.

“At the launch event, employers heard updates on the college’s growing success across its logistics programmes, including the positive impact on learner outcomes and the increasing number of students progressing into industry roles.

“Attendees also discussed ongoing work to enhance employer engagement, ensuring students gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in a fast?changing sector.”

She added: “The new Logistics Hub will act as a catalyst for tackling these issues locally, ensuring Telford College remains at the forefront of sector?led education and continues to equip learners with the expertise employers urgently need.”

Former Telford College automotive students are thriving at motor dealership Furrows, building successful careers across a range of departments.

The dealership, which has bases in Telford, Shrewsbury and Oswestry, currently has six former college students on its payroll, working in areas such as the car and commercial workshop, accident repair and parts.

All have become fully fledged technicians in their respective fields, after successfully completing their training.

Gareth Richards, general manager and group parts manager, said: “We’ve worked with Telford College over many years, delivering talks to students and taking a number of them on work placements.

“It’s an arrangement that works for both parties – giving them a chance to find out what we are all about, and allowing us to offer employment to ones we are most impressed with.

“There’s a shortage of skilled staff out there right now and recruitment is difficult, so we see the opportunity to ‘grow our own’ with the help of the college really is an investment for the future.

“We’ve been working more closely with the college over the past four or five years, and it’s been a really good partnership for us.”

Krystian Drag – a self-confessed car enthusiast – started with Furrows in 2023 after completing level 2 and 3 automotive courses at Telford College’s Wellington campus.

The former Hadley Learning Community student said: “I always knew I wanted a job connected with cars because of my dad who is also a mechanic. I knew exactly what I wanted to do in college after finishing school.

“The college taught you the basics and the theory and was a really good introduction. I knew exactly how to use diagnostic equipment when I started here because of the work we did in college.

“But you still continue learning a lot when you get a job, particularly in the first 12 months, and that’s something I really enjoy.”

Declan Dunn, another former HLC student, is also a technician alongside Krystian. He completed his level one, two and three automotive qualifications at Telford College.

“I found the college studies really useful,” Declan said. “Working with individual technicians during our first six months of probation was valuable. Managers are really helpful, willing to step in when you need it. 

“Doing work experience at Furrows during our time at Telford College was also helpful, because it gave us a clearer idea of what to expect.

“Although we are stripping gearboxes, realigning clutches and doing other practical tasks at college which has its own training workshops, there is always going to be a difference between a workplace and college experience.”

He said there were ‘lots of opportunities for promotion’ and career development at Furrows.

Jonathon Laybourne, a former Charlton School student, secured a job in the accident repair department at Furrows in Telford after completing his college studies.

He said: “Painting cars is an incredibly satisfying job, because you can see the impact of your work when it’s done.”

Usman Afzal works on commercial vehicles, and also completed his level 2 and 3 automotive courses at Telford College.

The former HLC student said: “You can’t fully prepare for life in the workshop when you are dealing with real customers’ vehicles, but the college does a pretty good job.

“They’ve got vehicles, ramps and other equipment that we find in the workplace, but there’s an extra level of responsibility when you know the vehicle belongs to a real-life customer where their van could be their business, and their livelihood.

“What do I enjoy most about my job? I just enjoy taking things apart, gaining an understanding of how everything fits together, and giving the customer a level of reassurance they the work will be done to a high standard.”