THE STEAM ACADEMY
Our state of the art STEAM Academy will be an exciting new building to accommodate teaching, learning and support facilities for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
The Academy will be a flagship for showcasing 21st century teaching and learning, bringing economic and cultural growth to the Bridgend County Borough area. This is in line with a bid to develop further employment and training opportunities in the region, in keeping with Welsh Government’s strategic priorities.
The Academy will be situated at our Pencoed Campus, accommodating parking for students and staff, as well as an external service yard adjacent to the new Engineering workshops.
The new building is to become the main reception area at our Pencoed campus and will maximise efficiency of space and explore opportunities for shared facilities between departments. Informal spaces for group study and social hubs will promote collaborative and social learning, making it a stimulating and enjoyable environment for our learners.
Close proximity to the M4, as well as Pencoed train station means that the Academy will be easily accessible to our learners and will attract those from further afield.
The Academy will be more than just an educational establishment, offering many benefits to the local community. These include evening and weekend adult learning as well as café facilities for public use. A multi-purpose lecture hall and conference facilities will be available for hire in a bid to support businesses in the local and wider community.
With our Academy set to open for the 2021/22 academic year, Bridgend College is growing, bringing learners the best in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics education.
We are continually evaluating our curriculum and campuses to ensure that we are preparing our learners for an ever-changing job market and we aim to give them the opportunities they so rightly deserve.
‘In certain areas, we know there is a skills shortage and we need to respond to this challenge. We want our learners to progress to sustainable well paid employment – and that’s good for them, good for our communities and good for Wales. Our Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award win for Transferable Skills demonstrates the commitment to our learners and communities.’
CEO and Principal Simon Pirotte
The STEAM Academy will build on the significant growth in our highly successful Apprenticeship provision which has seen many past learners excel in national apprenticeship awards.
Our Vision
Our innovative Apprenticeship partnership with TATA Steel goes from strength to strength, with TATA Steel winning Apprenticeship Employer of the Year. Many employers and universities are keen to develop further partnerships with us on the back of this facility and the College’s reputation.
Bridgend has a growing reputation in relation to manufacturing and technology, with the area attracting key players such as Sony and CGI. The new build will include cutting edge technology and industry standard equipment.
People-centred
At Bridgend College, we’re passionate about our learners, staff and the local community. We provide a welcoming and highly inclusive environment where learners from all backgrounds feel safe and well supported. As winner of the FE Week & AELP Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award, learners at the College are encouraged to make links with the local business community to develop their skills beyond the classroom.
Innovative
With innovative teaching practices and purpose-built facilities, learners at Bridgend College benefit from the very latest in further education, from entry through to degree level, in over 20 vocational areas. Our staff are well qualified, industry trained professionals, who encourage learners to thrive for success through progressive teaching and learning experiences.
Inspirational
Bridgend College isn’t just about academic education. Our learners are inspired to be all that they can be through a comprehensive curriculum of core skills which aim to boost employability in the ever-changing job market.
Passionate
We’re passionate about the future of our learners at Bridgend College and offer an extensive curriculum in over 20 vocational areas, providing the very latest in teaching and learning experiences.
Team Player
We always put on a united front and champion the decisions we make. We truly support each person that walks through our doors and we ask for that same support in return.
Inclusive
Every person can make an impact, no matter how big or small they may think it is. As such, it’s our responsibility to create a trusting environment where each person feels able to contribute ideas.
Sustainability and the Environment
As the first College in Wales to sign the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Accord, we are committed to social justice, well-being, sustainability and encouraging our learners and staff to become critical global citizens.
Bridgend College has developed a sustainable development strategy which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and has committed to further substantial progress in the decarbonisation of its activities.
The location of the STEAM Academy has been considered to suit site constraints and requirements for the new facilities in relation to existing college buildings.
Our campus at Pencoed is home to our land-based curriculum which includes our horticulture, agriculture and countryside, equine and animal care departments. With unique facilities such as conservation areas, a purpose-built equine centre and greenhouses, it’s imperative for us to maintain the use of these areas and the ‘green’ feel of the campus.
We are extremely proud to announce that Bridgend College has now officially become a Google Reference College, the first college in Wales to be given this esteemed title.
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Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education ‘breaks ground’ for Bridgend College’s £30 million STEAM Academy
Bridgend College News, STEAM Academy