In both of your examples the phrase 'such as' means the same thing as 'for example'. It is not a conjunction but is probably a conjunctive adverb.

What type of word is Such as?

The word Such is used in expressions of comparison between different items, either vertical comparison (comparison of degree) or horizontal comparison (comparison of kind - similar items or examples). Such, on its own, is an adjective ; such as is a preoposition.

Do you use colon after Such as?

Do not use a colon in a complete sentence after phrases such as "such as," "including," and "for example." Because phrases like these already indicate to the reader that a list of examples will follow, there is no need to introduce them with a colon, which would merely be redundant.