From solving engineering challenges to stepping inside an NHS patient journey, students at St David’s College spent Skills Week learning by doing.
Held from 15–19 June, the new programme gave 181 students the chance to build practical skills, explore future careers and try experiences they might otherwise never have had.
Skills Week was all about opening doors.
Working with universities, employers and industry partners, the college created a programme packed with opportunities for students to challenge themselves and discover new interests.
There was something for everyone. Students learnt first aid, sharpened their coding skills, explored sustainability and practised their Welsh.
Others got creative through arts workshops or discovered the power of personal branding.
For many, the biggest highlight was experiencing life beyond the classroom.
Future healthcare professionals followed an NHS Patient Journey, while aspiring detectives tackled a Criminal Investigation Day. Business students immersed themselves in the University of South Wales’ Business Hydra Simulation, making decisions under pressure as part of a competitive team.
The Engineering Team Challenge put teamwork to the test. Students designed and built emergency shelters after a disaster scenario, combining creativity with practical problem-solving.
Meanwhile, aspiring artists explored Cardiff through an Art and Architecture Walking Tour. Students considering university visited the University of Reading Open Day, with transport costs fully funded through the college’s partnership with the university.
Every activity was designed to help students prepare for what comes next.
Alongside new experiences came new confidence. Students developed communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills while working with professionals and tackling real-life challenges.
Those experiences won’t end with Skills Week. They’ll strengthen UCAS applications, CVs, apprenticeship applications and interviews for months to come.
The first Skills Week proved to be an exciting addition to the St David’s calendar.
More importantly, it showed what’s possible when opportunity is open to everyone. By removing financial barriers and putting students at the heart of every activity, the college created a week full of memorable experiences, new ambitions and valuable skills for the future.