Coleg Powys is the sole Further Education establishment in the County of Powys having been formed in 1989 from the amalgamation of colleges in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown. Major sites of the College still exist at each of these locations. The College also has a farm near Newtown, a teaching location on the Royal Welsh Showground and uses numerous community based locations for outreach purposes including a major centre based at Ystradgynlais. In addition, under a service level agreement with the County Council, Coleg Powys is also responsible for the management of Theatr Hafren, a professional receiving theatre in Newtown.
All the main vocational subjects are delivered through the College, which is organised into two divisions – North & South Powys. Each division is responsible for educational activities in the surrounding communities.
There are approximately 100 full-time teaching staff and a substantial number of part-time staff serving approximately 7,500 enrolled students. They are supported by the equivalent of 100 full time professional, administrative and technical staff. Including farm and theatre staff, more than 500 people are employed by the College in some capacity each year. Given the rural context Coleg Powys is one of the largest employers within Powys.
The College is the major resource within the County for post 16+ education and training and consequently performs a substantial role in supporting economic development in Mid Wales. In common with all Further Education establishments it became independent of Local Government in 1993, but continues to work closely with many organisations to provide a full range of programmes required by the local community; from degree courses, through Basic Skills to recreational courses. Specialist staff co-ordinate the College’s response to the need for short industrial and commercial courses, work based training, special educational needs, adult education and other types of provision.
Each member of staff is assigned to a division, although cross-site activities do take place from time to time. All lecturing staff are expected to take part in a range of duties that include teaching and assessment, curriculum design and development, counselling and guidance of students, liaison with industry and commerce, promotional activities and other general administration. These functions are generally carried out with other colleagues and teamwork is essential to the philosophy of the College.
Coleg Powys is a thriving and dynamic organisation which has demonstrated significant growth and continued achievement since incorporation. It is categorised in the top rank of FE institutions in Wales in respect of its organisational, financial and quality standards.