Are You Ready to Explore Free Adult Learning Tasters at Gower College Swansea This September?
Published: 2025-09-06 05:00:00 | Category: Partner Stories
Gower College Swansea is embracing the spirit of lifelong learning by offering a variety of free taster sessions during Adult Learners’ Week from 15th to 19th September. These sessions cover a wide range of subjects, from digital skills to creative arts, providing a perfect opportunity for individuals looking to enhance their skills or explore new interests.
Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- Free taster sessions available from 15th to 19th September.
- Diverse course offerings include project management, digital skills, and creative arts.
- Adult Learners’ Open Evening on 9th September for course information and staff interactions.
- Funding opportunities available for eligible courses.
- Support for adult learners with flexible scheduling and career-focused programmes.
A Focus on Lifelong Learning
Learning is an integral part of personal and professional development. Gower College Swansea recognises this by launching free taster sessions aimed at adult learners who wish to return to education. Whether you're aiming to secure a promotion, change careers, or simply learn something new, these sessions provide a no-risk chance to explore various subjects.
Courses on Offer
During the taster sessions, participants can choose from an array of courses designed to cater to different interests and career goals. Some of the exciting options include:
- Project Management
- Digital Skills for Business
- Shopping Online Safely
- Online Safety
- Introduction to Sashiko (a form of Japanese embroidery)
- Introduction to Knitting and Crochet
These courses are perfect for individuals looking to expand their skill set, engage with new hobbies, or prepare for further education.
Open Evening: A Chance to Learn More
The Adult Learners’ Open Evening is scheduled for Tuesday, 9th September, from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Tycoch Campus. This event provides an excellent opportunity to visit the college, meet with staff, and gather information about the various courses available. Prospective students can ask questions, explore the campus, and get a feel for the college environment.
Real Experiences from Learners
The benefits of returning to education are well illustrated by the experiences of current learners at Gower College Swansea. Ria Hammond-Smith, an Access to Business and Financial Services student, shared her positive experience:
“I decided to study on an Access course as it fitted around my job. The Access course helped me to build on my experience at work. The groups are small, allowing you to focus and ask for support if needed.”
Ria’s ambitions include starting her own business, and she credits the course with providing a strong foundation of knowledge to achieve that goal.
Apprenticeships: Learn While You Earn
In addition to standard courses, Gower College offers apprenticeship opportunities, enabling learners to gain practical experience while studying. Rhea Watkins, a law apprentice, highlighted the advantages of her apprenticeship:
“My apprenticeship has benefited me in many ways. Legal research and systems have helped me understand general statute and case law, which I can apply in my role. It has really helped me earn while I'm learning.”
Apprenticeships like Rhea's provide hands-on experience in a professional setting, making them an attractive option for those looking to enter the workforce or switch careers.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Gower College Swansea takes pride in its students’ achievements. Shannon Jade, who completed an Access to Psychology and Counselling course, was recently awarded an Access to Higher Education Award by Agored Cymru for her Outstanding Academic Achievement. With an impressive 45 distinctions, Shannon is among the top 3% of Access to HE students in the UK. She expressed her delight at receiving the award:
“It was such a privilege to study at this stage in my life, especially as I left school at 16 and didn’t think I was particularly academic. The experience has given me confidence and opened many opportunities.”
Shannon's success illustrates the potential for adult learners to excel and pursue their academic ambitions, regardless of their past educational experiences.
Funding Opportunities for Adult Learners
Gower College Swansea also provides various funding opportunities through initiatives such as Skills for the Workplace and Skills for Swansea. These programmes cover areas like advanced engineering, renewable energy, digital skills, health and safety, and customer service, potentially allowing learners to access fully funded training.
For example, Geraint, who studied a funded NEBOSH Managing Risks and Risk Assessment course, remarked:
“This course improved my skills in my role working in work-based learning. It’s a recognised course that will be good to develop my career.”
These funding opportunities make education more accessible, enabling individuals to enhance their qualifications without financial burden.
Flexible Learning Options
Understanding the demands on adult learners, Gower College Swansea offers flexible part-time programmes that allow students to balance their studies with work and family commitments. The college provides several options, including:
- University-level courses
- Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND)
- Higher-level apprenticeships
- Professional accredited qualifications like ACCA
These flexible courses cater to various schedules and are available at different times of the day and evening across Swansea campuses or even in workplaces.
Support for Transitioning into Employment
Gower College Swansea also recognises the importance of employability skills in today’s job market. Its Better Jobs, Better Futures hubs offer drop-in sessions to provide employability advice and support. These services assist learners in making successful transitions into employment, helping them to navigate the job market effectively.
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Here
Whether you are looking to upskill, change careers, or explore a new passion, Gower College Swansea has something to offer. The college's commitment to adult learners is evident through its diverse course offerings, flexible learning options, and support services. Take the first step towards new skills and exciting opportunities by registering for the free taster sessions or visiting during the Open Evening. The future is bright for those willing to learn!
FAQs
What courses are available during the free taster sessions at Gower College Swansea?
The free taster sessions include a variety of courses such as project management, digital skills for business, online safety, and introductory courses in Sashiko and knitting.
When is the Adult Learners’ Open Evening at Gower College Swansea?
The Adult Learners’ Open Evening is scheduled for 9th September from 5 PM to 7 PM at the Tycoch Campus. It's a great opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the courses offered.
Are there funding opportunities available for adult learners?
Yes, Gower College Swansea offers funding opportunities through initiatives like Skills for the Workplace and Skills for Swansea, covering various subjects and training areas.
How does Gower College support adult learners with flexible schedules?
Gower College provides part-time programmes and courses scheduled at various times of the day and evening, catering to the needs of adult learners balancing work and family commitments.
What support does Gower College offer for employability?
The college has Better Jobs, Better Futures hubs, which provide drop-in sessions for employability advice and support, helping learners transition into the workforce successfully.
