Minister Vikki Howells praises the University of South Wales (USW) for its creative industries facilities available through courses at Coleg y Cymoedd

Minister Vikki Howells recently visited the University of South Wales (USW) to see its impressive creative industries facilities, developed through the Strategic Alliance with Coleg y Cymoedd and other South-East Wales colleges. 

These state-of-the-art resources include a state-of-the-art theatre, film and TV studios, fashion studios, design classrooms, a green screen studio, and photography studios support courses like Costume Construction and Prop Making, providing students with essential skills for successful careers in the creative industries.

The Strategic Alliance is a long-standing network of five colleges dedicated to enhancing skills development, progression pathways, industry engagement, and applied research in Wales.

The Minister met with Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, Jonathan Morgan and Head of Partnerships for Development and Innovation at Coleg y Cymoedd, Alistair Aston, as well the Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Creative Industries at USW and students from its partner colleges.

During the tour, the Minister spoke with Costume Construction students Gavyn Brewster and Emma Williams at Coleg y Cymoedd. This course, jointly developed by USW and Coleg y Cymoedd, was created to meet the growing demand in the screen sector.

Both Gavyn and Emma have attended industry masterclasses run by Creative Wales and HEFCW as part of the Academi Sgrin Cymru / Wales Screen Academy project, formed in 2023, in partnership with Strategic Alliance colleges, Screen Alliance Wales, and four Film and TV studios across Wales.

The Minister also met with Prop Making students Elizabeth Evans and Anton Petersen at Coleg y Cymoedd. This three-year course is one of the best—and most unique—programmes in the UK, accredited by USW and designed to prepare students for successful careers in the industry.

Reflecting on the visit, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “Collaboration is a key part of the Welsh Government’s long-term vision for education. Seeing a university, colleges, and businesses working together delivers on this vision. It was inspiring to hear firsthand from learners supported by this partnership. Their stories remind me why it’s so important that education and employers work closely together to help learners get the skills and knowledge they need in a rapidly changing job market.”

Dr. Ben Calvert, Vice-Chancellor of USW, added: “We are committed to supporting all learners to achieve successful outcomes and careers, which is what the Strategic Alliance aims to achieve. We have a strong record of making a difference to individuals, communities, employers, and local schools, working with our partner colleges to deliver equal opportunities to lifelong learning. We are delighted to have demonstrated this to the Minister during the visit.”

Jonathan Morgan, Principal of Coleg y Cymoedd, said: “The partnership between Coleg y Cymoedd and the University of South Wales exemplifies our shared commitment to offering industry-relevant education that equips our learners with the skills needed for successful careers. 

“Through innovative programmes like Costume Construction and Prop Making, our learners receive hands-on experience and opportunities that set them apart in the creative industries. We are proud to be part of the Strategic Alliance, which continuously fosters collaboration and enhances learning experiences across Wales.”

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