September 16, 2019 - 1299 views
The new term at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has seen hundreds of young people enrol on courses across its 12 campuses. Many courses are full to capacity, but senior managers report that there are currently limited places available, so it's still possible to find a course if you contact your local college.
The new recruits' first experience at each campus was the annual Freshers' Fair. As well as meeting college staff - who could advise on everything from finance and transport to sports academies - representatives from local and national businesses, clubs and charities were in attendance to make sure that new students could make the most of their opportunities at college, and during their free time when not studying.
These included: Carers Trust North Wales, NSPCC, Barclays, Careers Wales, Barnardo's, Royal Voluntary Service, Traveline Cymru, Menter Iaith, Welsh Assembly, and Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's student unions.
Staff from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board were also present to help students consider their future career options. Students' safety and welfare is paramount, so representatives from the college group's Welfare department covered a range of issues: from accommodation to sexual health.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's three newly-inducted Student Union Presidents - Julia Kaminska (Coleg Llandrillo), Gethin Jones (Coleg Menai) and Deio Sion Llewelyn Owen (Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor) -met students and answered any questions.
The incoming presidents also handed out college-branded water bottles to students who formally pledged to cut back on single-use plastics.
Local entrepreneur John Islwyn Jones, who was representing Big Ideas Wales as a role model, promoted business start-ups in partnership with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's Enterprise department. He attended the event with his six-year-old owl Branwen, much to the delight of students and staff alike.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's student enrichment officer, Sarah Wynn Griffiths, said: "These fairs give us the chance to welcome our new students properly and give them the chance to join clubs, meet new friends and make those all-important connections with local organisations.
"Freshers' Fairs are a great way to kick-start the new academic year on a positive note, and give the students a clear view of the opportunities and the support available to them".
