College and industry support next generation of engineers

[Allison Lowe]

A Swansea-based, family-run firm has teamed up with Gower College Swansea to nurture the next generation of engineering talent.

GLT Exports, which manufactures fire, gas and emergency alarm systems, has employed four Digital Technology students fresh from the Tycoch campus to work in its city-based premises and put through a supportive training programme.

One of the students, Tom Eynon, has been shortlisted for a national Apprentice award and another, Sean Sarsfield, was the college’s overall Student of the Year for 2013/14. A third, Jay Davies, has ambitions to be a team leader.

“College gives these students the tools they need for the working world and we are keen to encourage this young talent and ensure they achieve their potential,” says General Manager Matthew Rogers. “We want people to want to come to work in the morning and feel supported in gaining qualifications and routes to progression and promotion. We’ve been in Swansea since 1985 so we’re very heavily invested in the area and providing employment and training to local young people is a big part of that.”

“We’re delighted to work in partnership with GLT Exports,” adds Curriculum Leader for Digital Technology Steve Williams. “These apprentices and Level 3 students will play such an important role in the next generation of manufacturing and engineering in Swansea.”