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The Entrepreneurship Academy Wales is the first of its kind in Wales and is being endorsed by local entrepreneur and ‘Secret Millionaire’ Kevin Green, with further sponsorship support from Euros Jones-Evans from Telesgop, and Admiral Insurance.

The free, one year programme will lead to a BTEC qualification in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and is open to aspiring young business leaders aged between 16 and 19.

Delivered from the Innovation Foundry at the Dylan Thomas Centre, the Academy promotes a philosophy of ‘learning by doing’ that sees students working alongside successful entrepreneurs who will also deliver part of the curriculum, completing workshops and masterclasses. The students will also undertake an internship with our business partners and ultimately start their own businesses.

The first four students to enrol are Joshua Dykes from Pontardawe, Geraint Vaughan and Jade Jones from Pontarddulais and Marissa Bartle from Llangennech.

Although they have very different business models in mind, from event management and photography to art and property development, all four agree on one thing - that this is an exciting, once in a lifetime opportunity.

“It’s a great feeling to be among the first students to sign up for the new Academy as there are only 16 places available in total,” says Joshua. “Having the support and guidance of Kevin Green and the other partners is an amazing opportunity for us and we can’t wait to get started.”

“I personally would have benefitted from an initiative like this when I was in school,” adds Kevin. “With a lot of hard work and passion, these students will go on to become the business leaders of tomorrow and I’m very proud to be involved and to be able to lend my support from the earliest stages of the process.”

“Today is the realisation of a dream that has been three years in the making,” says Sue Poole, Education Enterprise Manager at Gower College Swansea, which is delivering the Academy. “We are passionate about inspiring the next generation of young entrepreneurs from across Wales and are delighted to work alongside our partners to develop the talents of these exceptional young people.”

The Academy also has the backing of Cllr Mike Day and Cllr Mitchell Theaker, who both spoke of the importance of encouraging the development of skills, initiative and drive in young people.

The Academy will be officially launched in the presence of Edwina Hart AM on 8 October at the Innovation Foundry at the Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea.

Anyone interested in enrolling on the Entrepreneurship Academy Wales or becoming a sponsor should contact Sue Poole on 01792 284000 or email sue.poole@gowercollegeswansea.ac.uk