Gower College - Achieves a 1st

Welsh College achieves a “first”

The coal mining industry in Wales has a long and successful history. It did appear to be dying out, but due to the strenuous efforts of some determined individuals, initially at Tower Colliery, a revival is underway. In the Neath Valley two collieries are being developed – Unity Mine and Aberpergwm Colliery.

The two mines were able to begin operations with a number of ex-employees from the mining industry but they realised that to ensure their future they would need new recruits. They decided that the Welsh Apprenticeship programme would be useful to help them develop the engineering technicians they needed for their future, and they built on relationship with Gower College Swansea to access the support.

Gower College approached MPQC and gained approval to deliver the MPQC Level 3 Diploma in Mining Electrical Operations (QCF) and the MPQC Level 3 Diploma in Mining Mechanical Operations (QCF). A key feature of their approval was the engineers at the mine being trained as the workplace assessors.

The hard work and co-operation between the mines and the college has now resulted in the achievement of the first four of these qualifications.

Congratulations to the successful candidates:

   Mathew Davies

   Ryan Jones

   Carwyn Donovan

   Ryan Tamlin