With record growth in entrepreneurship shown in Wales since 2023*, Coleg Gwent is encouraging the people of South Wales to pursue their self-employment dreams in 2025.
From part-time academic courses to hobby modules, the college offers numerous skill-building opportunities — to help individuals gain the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
What’s more, these courses have been designed with flexibility in mind — to balance learning around other things in life, whether that’s childcare, a part time job or other commitments.
In 2023, Damiano Argentieri (31) decided to start his journey towards self-employment within the world of fitness, by enrolling on the Level 2 (L2) Certificate in Gym Instructing course. Since then, he’s gone on to complete various other courses including a Diploma in Massage, L2 Group Exercise Instruction, L2 Kettlebells and Level 3 First Aid at work.
Now working towards his Level 3 Practitioner Personal Trainer qualification at Coleg Gwent’s Usk campus, Damiano said: “Returning to college as an adult was a bit challenging at first as I was worried about fitting in and keeping up with my studies — but Coleg Gwent made the transition a smooth one.
“I chose college instead of university because I wanted a more hands-on, practical learning experience. I liked the fact that the course was shorter and more affordable than a university degree, so I could start my career sooner — with the course giving me the knowledge and skills needed to start my own personal training business.”
Managing his time carefully alongside his studies, Damiano was able to continue running his full-time restaurant business, until recently when he decided to close up shop to focus entirely on his career as a fitness instructor.
He said: “One of my favourite memories from my course at Coleg Gwent is winning the Skills Competition Wales and AoC Competition for Personal Training. It was a proud moment for me, and I felt that my hard work had really paid off.”
Laura Pietkiewicz, who returned to study at college aged 26, also studies at Coleg Gwent — with the aim of developing her own beauty and holistic therapies business.
Speaking on her experience of studying on the Level 3 Complementary Therapies course, she said: “Being a single mum, I needed to find something that allowed me to study flexibly, whilst being able to take care of my son and run my business. I remember being on the Coleg Gwent website and spotting the course I’m now on — I saw it as a sign and haven’t looked back.
“I would recommend my course and Coleg Gwent to anyone looking to make a change in their life, especially if you’re searching for something beyond the usual nine-to-five. If you have creative ideas and want to bring them to life, or even if you’re a single mum trying to move forward, this is absolutely a place where you can find your path.”
Another learner hoping to pursue self-employment in 2025 is Viktoria Horvathne Csuhai, 31 — who is studying a part-time bookkeeping course at Coleg Gwent.
Viktoria said: “Growing up in Hungary, my maths teacher said that accountancy wasn’t for me but when I moved to the UK, I decided to take learning into my own hands.
“At first, I found it tricky to manage everything but my strong support network and the fantastic tutors at Coleg Gwent have helped me to thrive and establish a great balance. I believe this is the first step in a new direction for me.”
Nicola Gamlin, Principal at Coleg Gwent said: “Here at the college, we believe that it’s never too late to learn — whether you want to change your career, start your own business or develop your passions and interests.
“Enrolling in a free or affordable part-time course is a fantastic way to study with flexibility, whilst gaining the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to take the next step on a career or educational journey.
“Our part-time courses start and run throughout the year, and we often see adults returning to us to take additional courses as they improve in their fields. We look forward to welcoming more adults who are ready to embark on a new venture to our campuses in 2025 — whether they’re 18 or 80.”
