One hundred businesses and organisations have joined a new initiative committing to work alongside schools in Swansea to provide real-world experiences that inspire young people and help them to develop skills for work and for life.
The Swansea Pledge was launched during an event at Y Storfa last week bringing together businesses, schools, and other key stakeholders to create opportunities for learners.
It was also used to showcase how education and enterprise are already giving young people real and meaningful skills.
Whether through work placements and internships, industry talks and guest speakers or workshops and masterclasses, businesses provide young people with practical skills and industry knowledge while they benefit from nurturing potential future talent.
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: “The £1bn regeneration of Swansea is the most ambitious regeneration programme in our history
“From the development of the city centre and waterfront to the growth of innovation hubs and green spaces, we are building a city that attracts investment, fosters creativity, and supports sustainable growth.
“These changes are already opening doors for new businesses, new jobs, and new ways of working.
“But regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every learner in Swansea can see a future here, and every business can find the talent it needs to thrive.”
Information about career opportunities, learning and training can be found at the My Choices website https://mychoice.swansea.education/
Business interested in joining can email via the Contact Us link on the site while pledge forms can be found here: https://forms.office.com/e/uLNC083dnt?origin=lprLink
As part of this week’s launch a panel made up of Zoe Antrobus of 4theRegion, Katherine Simpson of Redkite Solicitors, Ian Morgan of Morganstone, Lucy Hole of The Secret Group, Alison Williams of Craigfelen Primary School and Paul Kift of Gower College shared their perspectives and experiences.
Schools to already benefit include Glyncollen Primary where learners have taken part in careers fairs and employer-led workshops, helping pupils connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
Cwm Glas Primary and YGG Llwynderw have participated in enterprise challenges and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) events, giving learners hands-on experience with local businesses and industry professionals. Craigfelen Primary has worked closely with employers to deliver work-related experiences, while Bishopston Comprehensive pupils benefited from a week’s work experience with Kier and AtkinsRealis having hands-on opportunities in the construction and engineering sector.
Cabinet Member for Education, Robert Smith, added: “The Swansea Pledge is a win, win, for schools and businesses and it was great to see the enthusiasm at the launch event.
“It is vital that business works with us to give our schools an understanding of where there are skills gaps and how these can be addressed while also bringing the curriculum to life.
“It’s also so important that young people are fully aware that there are jobs and careers out there that they may not even have considered.
“The whole aim is to keep more young people engaged in education and training for longer and to equip them with the skills they will need and a clear pathway to achieving their ambitions.”
