Coleg Sir Gâr A-Level students explore global employability skills with Nexgen Careers in Barcelona
Coleg Sir Gâr A-level students, who are researching alternative progression routes other than university, have visited a company called Nexgen Careers in Barcelona to explore employability and global skills development.
The trip was funded by Taith, which is a Welsh Government funded programme for international exchange.
Nexgen Careers facilitated workshops, with a cultural slant, which explored employment, preparing to be a part of this generation’s workforce, looking at what the workforce looks like now, and how to navigate it.
The content of the trip also relates to their studies in the new Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales which now replaces the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate. As a result, Coleg Sir Gâr A-level lecturer Sophie Williams, who accompanied students on the trip along with other staff, will have an article on the trip published on the Advanced Baccalaureate WJEC website and it has also been acknowledged at the new qualification’s celebration event.
Students also explored work experience and were given real company briefs that were sourced by Nexgen from a range of businesses and organisations.
Nexgen Careers aim to help academic institutions create impactful, professional experiences to support students find their future career success. They support a global workforce to build confidence and skills needed to thrive in the future of work.
This academic year, Coleg Sir Gâr’s A-level team has created a tutorial group specifically for A-level students who are looking at alternative routes instead of going to university.
These may be professional and higher-level apprenticeships or internships to gain work experience and an opportunity for employment.
Ffion Kennett, employability coach within the college’s Be Ambitious project, said: “The Barcelona trip with Nexgen was a transformative experience, boosting learners’ confidence and networking skills while inspiring them to think about their future.
“Visiting the innovative co-working space Beta Haus, a true hub for the future of work, provided valuable insights and inspiration for our students. It was an unforgettable experience that encouraged career growth and forward-thinking.”
Sophie Williams, Coleg Sir Gâr lecturer added: “The experience this trip gave our students was immense; the collaborative work with other students, the cultural opportunity and the work they carried out really saw them grow in confidence and put what they learned to good use for their future options.
“Two students who went, are studying A-level Spanish, so it was also great to see them using their Spanish speaking skills throughout the week.”
