Editor100 Swansea businesses sign up to new drive to boost young people’s career chances
The Swansea Pledge was launched at Y Storfa, the city’s new community and learning hub which opened last month in the former BHS building on Oxford Street and Princess Way. The event brought together employers, schools and education leaders in a major push to link classrooms with real workplaces.
The council says the scheme will help young people understand the jobs available in Swansea — and help businesses spot the talent coming up behind them.
A big push to connect pupils with real jobs
The event showcased how companies across Swansea are already stepping in to support learners, offering everything from work placements and internships to industry talks, masterclasses and employer‑led workshops.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:
“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.
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.”
Attendees at the Swansea Pledge launch event at Y Storfa, where businesses and educators gathered to inspire young people’s career ambitions. (Image: Swansea Council)Schools already seeing the benefits
Several Swansea schools have been working closely with local employers — and the impact is already visible.
At Glyncollen Primary, pupils have taken part in careers fairs and employer‑led workshops that help them understand how classroom learning links to real jobs. Cwm Glas Primary and YGG Llwynderw have taken part in enterprise challenges and STEM events, giving learners hands‑on experience with industry professionals.
Craigfelen Primary has teamed up with employers to deliver work‑related learning, while pupils at Bishopston Comprehensive spent a week with Kier and AtkinsRealis, gaining first‑hand experience in construction and engineering.
A panel at the launch event — including representatives from 4theRegion, Redkite Solicitors, Morganstone, The Secret Group, Craigfelen Primary School and Gower College Swansea — shared how business‑school partnerships are already shaping young people’s ambitions.
Panelists share their experiences of business-school partnerships at the Swansea Pledge launch event. (Image: Swansea Council)“A win‑win for schools and business”
Robert Smith, Cabinet Member for Education, said:
“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.”
Cwm Glas Primary pupils take part in a hands-on hair styling workshop at the Swansea Pledge launch event. (Image: Swansea Council)Information on careers, training and opportunities is available on the My Choices website.
Businesses interested in joining the Swansea Pledge can contact the council through the site or complete an online pledge form.
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