More Aberystwyth University students are getting good jobs after graduating than ever before.

Latest figures show that 96.8% of UK/EU full time first degree Aberystwyth graduates were either in work or further study six months after graduating in July 2017.

The results released on Thursday 28 June 2018 as part of the Higher Education Statistics Agency’s annual Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey places Aberystwyth 2.2 percentage points ahead of the overall sector average.

The survey also shows that 99% of Aberystwyth graduates who studied some part of their course through the medium of Welsh were found to be in employment or further study six months after completing their course.

Aberystwyth’s data also shows that 78.2% of UK/EU full-time first degree Aberystwyth graduates in employment or further study were in professional level jobs or graduate level further study.

There are some notable performances amongst individual academic departments at Aberystwyth University.

Welsh saw 100% of their 2017 graduates in work or further study six months after completing their course with History and Welsh History at 99.4% and Computer Science at 98.2%.

Furthermore, thirteen departments at Aberystwyth University have out-performed the sector average for numbers entering work or further study.

Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice Chancellor at Aberystwyth University said: “At Aberystwyth University our aim is to empower students to unlock their own potential and to develop as independent learners in a supportive, inclusive and creative bilingual community. Preparing them for their journey beyond university and with the skills employers are looking for is integral to the experience we provide, as we embed employability skills across our range of programmes, including opportunities for work experience, volunteering, international experience and other transferable skills. All of these elements add to the excellent value of an Aberystwyth University degree, which is reflected in these latest figures published by HESA.”

Among those awarded their Aberystwyth University degree certificate in July 2017 were Sean Anderson (BSc Computer Science) and Charlotte McKenna (BSc Environmental Earth Science).

After graduating, Sean joined the London based consultancy Filament which develops Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning solutions for business.

Working as a Machine Learning Software Engineer, Sean is part of a team that is building Natural Language Processing pipelines used to develop the interactions between computers and human languages, and designing the next generation of chatbots.

Sean co-published a paper which was accepted as evidence into the House of Lords regarding decision making in, and the ethical considerations of AI, and has delivered training on AI to businesses, including American Express.

Charlotte works as an Environmental Safety Engineer for EDF Energy, having joined the company’s engineering graduate scheme after completing summer internships with the company during her time as a student at Aberystwyth.

As part of the graduate scheme Charlotte has trained in radiological protection and worked at various EDF Energy sites on environmental safety, radiological protection, outage and operations.

In September 2018 Charlotte finishes her graduate scheme rotations and will take up a full-time position as an Environmental Safety Engineer working in radiological protection.

Aberystwyth University offers an increasingly wide range of four-year courses with an integrated year in industry, allowing students to spend time working for a company in their chosen field of study.

This offering, alongside the University’s Year in Employment Scheme, now in its 41^styear, empowers every student to take up the option of a year of invaluable experience prior to graduating.

The University’s Careers Service also provides a comprehensive range of opportunities for students who wish to improve their career prospects, including the sought-after AberForward ‘graduate’ level work placement opportunities.

Graduates seeking to turn business ideas into reality can access a full programme of enterprise events organised by the Careers Service under the AberPreneursbanner, which includes the popular InvEnterPrize student ideas competition.

And, for those seeking advice from further afield,the exciting eMentoring online platform allows Aber alumni to offer career mentoring and guidance to current students and young graduates.

To find out more about employability at Aberystwyth University visit the Employability pages online.

From making pizza for astronauts in space to recreating ancient bones for archaeological research, pupils at a Carmarthenshire school have been learning all about the use of 3D printing technology.

Dr Dimitrios Pletsas, of Swansea University’s College of Engineering, led a morning workshop at Nantgaredig Primary School, where he talked year six pupils through the history of printers, current uses of 3D printers, and exciting technological advances that are expected in coming years.

A digital pioneer school, Nantgaredig primary already has a 3D printer, thanks to funding from Tesco and the Royal Society scientific academy.

The funding also enabled the school to buy an Infento Education Kit to introduce pupils to basic engineering.

Dr Pletsas is among the experts working on the Factory of the Future project led by Swansea University’s College of Engineering due to be part-funded, subject to the approval of a business case, by the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal. The project will see engineering experts working with manufacturers to help future-proof the local manufacturing industry through the use of industrial digital technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Dr Pletsas said: “The advancement of 3D printing technology is revolutionising manufacturing across the world. Shoe manufacturers like New Balance, Nike and Adidas are already using 3D printers to make trainers, and the first electric cars made by 3D printers are due to go on sale next year.

“3D printers are also being used in many other industries, including housing and aeroplane construction, as well as in the medical sector to make casts for broken bones and models for dentistry and facial reconstruction.

“As well as the Factory of the Future project, a Skills and Talent initiative led by Carmarthenshire County Council will underpin all 11 Swansea Bay City Deal projects to make sure our children have a pathway to access the thousands of well-paid jobs that will be created. That is why it is important to introduce children from a young age to the kind of technology that will be at the heart of so many industries in future.”

Dr Pletsas also showed the Nantgaredig pupils how 3D printers are being used to make chocolate, remote control cars and other toys. This kind of technology, he says, has even been used by vets to make and fit a replacement beak for an injured eagle.

Steffan Griffiths, Nantgaredig Primary School headteacher, said: “It makes so much sense to bridge the gap between universities and primary schools because it exposes young children to technological advancements at an early stage in their development, which will no doubt stand them in good stead in future.

“As a digital pioneer school, we recognise the importance of the digital revolution that’s continuing to unfold across the world, and the vital role schools have to play in equipping our children with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to succeed.

“The continuing support of Dr Pletsas and Swansea University is enormously appreciated.”

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Carmarthenshire Council Leader, said: “This is a terrific example of the continuing work that takes place in schools across Carmarthenshire to give our children the foundations they’ll need to keep pace with the fast-moving digital age.

“These skills are among those that will be essential in ensuring local children are ready to access the kind of well-paid, high-quality jobs programmes like the Swansea Bay City Deal will create in future.”

Other projects due to be part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, subject to the approval of business cases, include a creative cluster called ‘Yr Egin’ at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David campus in Carmarthen, and a Wellness and Life Science village at Delta Lakes in Llanelli.

By Mark Jones, director of Carmarthen-based Clay Shaw Butler chartered accountants and business consultants.

In last week’s Money Matters column, we started to put the spotlight on pensions.

Employers can help promote retirement benefits for their employees in a number of ways including:

• occupational schemes
• group personal pension schemes
• stakeholder schemes.

Group personal pension schemes and stakeholder schemes are personal plans in individual member’s names, where the employer simply acts as an administrator.

There are no accounting or audit requirements for these types of schemes.

An occupational pension is an arrangement an employer can use to provide benefits for their employees when they leave or retire.

There are two main types of occupational pension scheme in the UK:

• salary-related schemes
• money purchase schemes.

Whatever the type of scheme, it will usually have trustees.

Most company pension schemes in the UK are set up as trusts.

There are two main reasons for this:

• it is necessary in order to gain most of the tax advantages
• it makes sure that the assets of the pension scheme are kept separate from those of the employer.

A trustee is a person or company, acting separately from an employer, who holds assets for the beneficiaries of the pension scheme.

Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the pension scheme is run properly and that members’ benefits are secure.

In fulfilling their role, trustees must be aware of their legal duties and responsibilities.

The law requires trustees to have knowledge and understanding of, among other things, the law relating to pensions and trusts, the funding of pension schemes and the investment of scheme assets.

The law also requires trustees to be familiar with:

• certain pension scheme documents including the trust deed and rules
• the statements of investment principles and funding principles.

A code of practice has been issued by The Pensions Regulator (TPR) explaining what trustees need to do in order to comply with the law in this area.

Trustees should arrange appropriate training as soon as they are appointed and should then continue with their learning to keep their knowledge up to date.

New trustees have six months from their appointment date to comply with this requirement.

Trustees have a number of very important duties and responsibilities, which include:

• acting impartially, prudently, responsibly and honestly and in the best interests of scheme beneficiaries
• acting in line with the trust deed, scheme rules and the legal framework surrounding pensions

In addition to these general duties, trustees also have a number of specific duties and tasks that they must carry out.

The main tasks are to ensure the following happen.

• Contributions: The employer accurately pays over contributions on time. There are strict rules covering this area.
• Financial records and requirements: The right benefits are paid out on time. An annual report is prepared. An auditor’s statement is obtained confirming details of the payment of contributions to the scheme and, if required, an audit of the scheme accounts is arranged.

At Clay Shaw Butler, we produced regularly updated Factsheets on pensions and other tax matters. Get in touch if you have any queries.

You can find out more about money matters on the Clay Shaw Butler website (under our news for business section) –

http://www.clayshawbutler.com/news/latest-news-for-business

We have a strong and experienced team with great local knowledge all geared-up to helping you get the very best from your finances – whether that is as an individual or as a business.

We stay ahead of the game by putting great store by continual professional development for our staff.

With Investors In People status at Clay Shaw Butler, we care passionately about making sure our staff have all the tools they need to serve you, our customers.

Weblink – http://www.clayshawbutler.com

The team at Clay Shaw Butler can be contacted on 01267 228500.

The team at Clay Shaw Butler are on Twitter. Look for @clayshawbutler.

Rory Thornton has today agreed to join Cardiff Blues on a year-long loan deal.

The 23-year old second row, who signed a new deal with the Ospreys earlier this year, will link up with his new colleagues at Wales Capital Region next week to prepare for the coming season.

Thornton saw his game time limited last season, injury restricting him to just four appearances. Following discussions between both regions and national team management, it was agreed that the former Wales Under-20s captain will make the temporary move up the M4 to allow him the best opportunity to get more game time under his belt and to assist his international ambitions going into a Rugby World Cup year.

Speaking about the move, Thornton said:

“I need to be playing rugby and Cardiff need a line out forward so this is a great outcome for everyone. It’s a good move for me in the circumstances and I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad next week and preparing for an important season.

 “I’m grateful to the Ospreys for supporting me like this and also to Cardiff Blues for giving me the opportunity.”

 Allen Clarke, Ospreys Head Coach, said:

“The decision to allow Rory to go to Cardiff Blues on loan has been made in his best interests, with international ambitions in mind. A talented young rugby player like Rory will benefit from playing regular rugby, he has ambitions of going to the World Cup, and second row is a position where we have a number of options available.  I want him to go to Cardiff and shine, knowing that we will welcome him back next year.

“It’s important for Welsh rugby that we work collectively to ensure the best outcome for individual players, regions and national team alike.”

Thornton reported to Cardiff Blues training base today ahead of their official start of pre-season on Monday.

Cardiff Blues Head Coach, John Mulvihill, commented:

“It’s great to welcome a player of Rory’s calibre to the Cardiff Blues.

“I have met him a few times now and I’ve been impressed with his desire to play international rugby again. He will get his opportunity to do this playing at the Cardiff Blues.

“The support and cooperation by the WRU, Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys shows Welsh rugby is heading down a path where their best players will get the opportunity to play every week at the highest level. This collective mindset will ensure strength and depth at a national level going forward.

“From a Cardiff Blues perspective, it is important that we have strength in depth in the position and Rory is exactly the right type of lock to add to what we already have.”

Educationalists from 89 countries will convene at Aberystwyth University on 11-13 July to discuss the latest developments in children’s education.

Hosted by the University’s School of Education, A Child’s World – New Shoes, New Direction builds on the success of Aberystwyth’s ‘A Child’s World: Next Steps’ conference  in 2014.

With 118 papers due to be presented over the three days, the focus this year will be on new concepts in Health and Wellbeing, Pedagogy and Working with Children.

The conference will be opened by Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University on Monday 11 July.

Keynote speakers Professor Anne Trine Kjørholt from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Dr Evelyn Arizpe, from the University of Glasgow and Dr Alejandro Paniagua, from the Centre for Educational Research and Innovation at the OECD, Paris will address the conference on the first day.

The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Professor Sally Holland, will open proceedings on the second day, with other key contributions from Professor Ming Tak Hue from The Education University of Hong Kong and Professor Janet Boddy from Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth at the University of Sussex.

The final day will be opened by Meilyr Rowlands, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector For Education and Training in Wales, followed by Professor Tom Crick MBE from Swansea University.

According to organiser and Director of the School of Education at Aberystwyth University Professor Malcolm Thomas, the aim of the conference is to enable collaboration, createng effective policy and share best practice in childhood studies within an international strategic dimension.

Professor Thomas said: “Since the end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, an agenda for global action has been implemented that sets out the Sustainable Development Goals for 2015-2030. Children are very much at the heart of many of these 17 goals. Despite the advances made by the MDGs, children across the world are continually experiencing poverty, inequality, hunger and malnutrition, and the inability to access inclusive and quality education. In certain instances, these are the result of humanitarian crises brought on by drought, earthquakes and intensification of civil conflicts and war. This conference will go some way towards disseminating good practice of how various stakeholders can work collaboratively together to support children, families, carers and teachers.”

Further details about A Child’s World – New Shoes, New Directionare available online https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/education/conference-2018.

The conference this year coincides with the School of Education’s 125^thanniversary.

As well as single and joint honours degrees in Education, Aberystwyth provides  post-graduate teacher training including the introduction from September 2019 of a pioneering programme accredited by the Education Workforce Council.

Photo: The conference will be held on the Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth University

Links:
A Child’s World – New Shoes, New Direction https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/education/conference-2018

Department of Education
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/education/

Press release from the Hywel Dda University Health Board: Join our Annual General Meeting

Anyone with an interest in local health care services is invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Hywel Dda University Health Board at 3.30pm on Thursday 26 July 2018.

This year, the AGM will review the achievements and challenges of the last year and set the direction for the year to come. The organisation’s Annual Report, including summary accounts and the Annual Quality Statement, will be at the AGM and explain clearly to staff, patients, and the general public what has been achieved in the year, what has been difficult, and how the health board intends improve services for local people.

Hywel Dda University Health Board Chair Bernardine Rees OBE said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend a warm welcome to staff, patients or members of our community who may want to attend our AGM. We look forward to this opportunity to share our reflections on the past year with our local population and to set our goals, aspirations and priorities for the year to come. I would urge those with an interest in local health care services to attend this meeting, or alternatively join our Siarad Iechyd/Talking Health membership scheme.

“Over the past year we have worked hard to address the challenges we continue to face, but we have also seen many achievements to be very proud of and I personally thank each and every one of our staff for their tireless efforts, day in and day out, for the benefit of our patients.

“This coming year is one where we will continue our focus, not just on improving our financial position and strengthening our workforce, but also on ‘Our Big NHS Change’ proposals which aim to significantly improve our health and care services, making them safe, sustainable, accessible and kind for the future. We look forward to achieving that aim together with our staff, partners and local communities and becoming a population health organisation, firmly focused on patient-centred care.”

The meeting will be held in Pembrokeshire College (Rooms L1.15/L1.17), Merlin’s Bridge, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA61 1SZ.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. To ensure adequate provision can be made available, please advise the Board Secretary at Hywel Dda University Health Board, Corporate Offices, Ystwyth Building, St David’s Park, Carmarthen SA31 3BB or by e-mail to: joanne.wilson4@wales.nhs.uk, telephone 01267 239644.

For more information on Siarad Iechyd/Talking Health:

•       visit www.talkinghealth.wales.nhs.uk 
•       telephone 01554 899056