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Make it your fresh start at Coleg Gwent


21 September 2022

This September, we welcome a brand-new intake of ambitious learners to Coleg Gwent. From school leavers to adult learners, we’re excited to see a diverse community joining our college to study full time, part time and university-level courses. We’ve been busy preparing our five campuses for freshers and welcoming you through our doors. So, join us to take the next step in your educational journey!

Our freshers events are always jam-packed and they’re a great way to familiarise yourself with your new campus, meet tutors and support staff, and make new friends. Not to mention getting your hands on lots of freebies and refreshments too!

So as the new term kicks off, we’ve been out and about meeting our newest learners at the freshers fairs, to find out why they chose Coleg Gwent, what they’re studying, what college life is like, and what their career goals are.

Meet the freshers of 2022

Tegan in chefs whites
Professional Cookery learner Tegan has dreams of opening her own retro 50s diner one day:

“I’m looking forward to getting qualifications for my future and learning new skills. I’m also looking forward to becoming a role model to new and anxious students next year. I was nervous about starting college, but I made friends easily on the very first day at college and want to show them it can be done.”


After trying A Levels last year, Tony is now pursuing the Level 3 Games Design course instead, which is more in tune with what he truly enjoys:

“College is less formal and there’s a transition to a looser schedule and more independent learning. Studying just one subject feels less scattered than A Levels and I can focus on what I enjoy.”

Davey outside college
Classic car enthusiast, Davey, is excited to be getting a diploma in Vehicle Maintenance. He’s already noticed some differences between college and school:

“In college, they treat you like adults and we can do subjects that we love and choose to do. It’s a lot nicer. You can call your tutors by their first names, and we’ve got a massive garage with lots of cars and all the latest tools to work with.”

Rhian

After working in learning support for 15 years, Rhian has come back to college as an adult learner to pursue a career in nursing through our Access course:

“It is daunting coming back to college as an adult, but the staff here are supportive, and you’re never left on your own – they’re there for you every step of the way. It really is surprising what you do know and remember from school too.”

Amelia
Starting her Hairdressing course this September, Amelia is enjoying meeting new people and having a go at something she enjoys at college:

“I’ve really enjoyed doing hair since I was younger, but it’s not something I could do in school. So, I’ve been looking forward to coming to college to build my confidence and do something I love. The tutors are nice, and they listen to you, so you’re treated more like an adult here.”

Ashley
27-year-old Ashley is juggling his Fabrication and Welding course with family life. He’s come back to college now that his children are in school and he’s working towards a great career:

“The college is very diverse. I came in with the mindset that I was too old for college and there would be no one to talk to. But there are other mature students in my group, so I’m not out of place.”

We’re looking forward to an exciting year at college and know this is just the start of something amazing for our students. So, whatever your goals and ambitions, make it happen at Coleg Gwent.

Join us this September – it’s not too late to apply and kickstart your career too!