A record-breaking summer school and a Glasgow-bound Computer Science student top this month’s news from Coleg Cambria.
Coleg Cambria’s seven-week Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+) summer school has enjoyed a record year. In total, it welcomed up to 100 school leavers across Deeside and Wrexham. As a result, the programme continues its steady growth.
A Record Summer for Jobs Growth Wales+
At Deeside, 60 learners took part across five groups. Together, they combined classroom and online learning with guest speakers and educational visits. Destinations included Alton Towers, Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, Bodnant Gardens and Speke Hall.
The college designed the programme as a bridge between school and the next stage of education, training or employment. In particular, it helps young people who feel unsure of their direction. It also builds confidence ahead of September.
New Friends and Fresh Confidence
Josh Robinson, 16, from Hawarden, will study Carpentry and Joinery at Deeside. A former pupil of St Richard Gwyn High School, he has already made new friends at the college. “I’ve done some construction with my uncle and love it, and long-term I’d like to use the trade in Australia,” said Josh. “If I hadn’t known about this course, I think I would have got to results day and been more concerned. I feel more comfortable and know I have options. That’s a big thing for any young person in that position; it makes the future less daunting.”
Meanwhile, Lillian Smith, 16, from Shotton, has just left Elfed High School in Buckley. She will now begin a Health and Social Care course. “I was nervous about going to college, being more independent and getting here every day, but I feel comfortable doing so now,” she said. “The facilities are great, and I enjoyed the programme. I already know the college and did it with some friends from school – we all enjoyed it, and I feel more confident.”
A ‘Get-Ready Course’ for September
Employability Mentor Georgia Smith said engagement with the programme has continued to rise since the pandemic. “For many it’s like a ‘get-ready course’ for September,” she said. “They already know the buildings and facilities, have made friends and immersed themselves in the environment, so they feel welcome and part of the Cambria community. For others, the visits were a real eye-opener. We had learners who had never left Flintshire before or been to the beach, so being able to give them those experiences was incredibly rewarding.”
Georgia added that the programme also supports families. For example, the college covers trips, travel to and from college, food and drink, and financial support for every participant.
Claire Howells, Curriculum Director for Jobs Growth Wales+ at Coleg Cambria Deeside, welcomed the results. “The record numbers this summer demonstrate how valuable the programme has become. Seeing learners grow in confidence, make friends and arrive in September already feeling part of the college community is exactly what we want to achieve,” she said.
Next Steps With JGW+
Following the summer, many of the learners will now progress to full-time courses or the wider JGW+ programme. Opportunities span a range of subjects, including healthcare, hospitality, retail and childcare. JGW+ also offers Maths and English GCSE qualifications, as well as pathways into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
To find out more or join, visit the Jobs Growth Wales+ page or email [email protected].
From Yale Sixth Form to the University of Glasgow
Elsewhere, a talented Wrexham student is preparing for an exciting new chapter. Devashree Deshpande, 18, will study Computer Science at the University of Glasgow. She joins after two successful years of A Levels at Coleg Cambria’s Yale Sixth Form. The former Maelor School pupil has a growing interest in AI and emerging technologies. Ultimately, she hopes her degree will lead to a career developing technology that has a positive impact on people’s lives.
“I’m really excited about what lies ahead and continuing to explore the areas of Computer Science that first inspired me at Coleg Cambria,” said Devashree. “I want to keep learning, challenging myself and discovering where my interests in areas such as AI and software engineering can take me. I also hope to inspire other students, especially young women, to pursue STEM subjects and make the most of the opportunities available to them.”
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Devashree studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics at Yale Sixth, alongside AQA Economics privately. However, she says her time at college was about far more than qualifications. She set up a Problem Solving Club and took advantage of opportunities through the SEREN programme. These included residential experiences at Cambridge and Oxford, which helped shape her academic ambitions.
At Cambridge, Devashree took part in engineering activities and a Computer Science lecture. Later, an Oxford summer residential saw her explore AI, ethics and chaos theory. “Both residentials were transformative experiences for me,” she said.
“Coming to Coleg Cambria was the best decision for my academic journey. I have always felt encouraged, supported and appreciated. Being cheered on by so many people and having a progress coach is the reason why Coleg Cambria will always have a special place in my heart. I am immensely grateful for the guidance I received from Nora Richardson, who helped me through every step of my UCAS application and opened the door to so many opportunities.”
Family Support and College Pride
Devashree also paid tribute to her family for supporting her ambitions. “My mum took me to all these activities, no matter how far, and encouraged me to apply to as many as I wanted to,” she said. “My dad was always keeping an eye out for new opportunities, and my brother was always there to inspire and guide me.”
Finally, Gareth Jones, Head of Yale Sixth Form, praised her achievements. “Devashree made the absolute most of her time at Yale Sixth, both academically and through the many opportunities available to her beyond the classroom. Her curiosity, determination and willingness to challenge herself really stood out,” he said. “To see her heading to the University of Glasgow to study Computer Science is fantastic and thoroughly deserved. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to seeing where her passion for the subject takes her next.”
We hope you enjoyed reading about Coleg Cambria’s record summer school and Devashree’s journey to Glasgow. Click here for more articles about Coleg Cambria.
