Creating brighter futures

The Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level learners have had another exciting day out, visiting Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm in Butcombe as part of their induction. 

Weston College have been proud partners of Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm for many years and have supported many of our students during this time. It is an amazing charity that supports and empowers socially disadvantaged people with learning difficulties, creating an immersive and safe environment where they can learn, build their confidence, and prepare for employment. 

By taking our Construction T Level learners here, it gives them a better understanding of some of our partner charities and how important it is to give back to society. During this trip, they took part in team-building activities and learnt new skills to help introduce them to the course. 

Before the main activity commenced, the students took a tour of the farm to familiarise themselves with the environment, exploring the crops and admiring the animals as they went. They were then tasked with a team building, survival activity that required them to light a fire from scratch and boil a ‘Kelly kettle’ full of water to make everyone a hot chocolate or coffee. 

Once everyone was refreshed and hydrated, the students began working on their main task: repurposing donated pallets into furniture! 

Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm had received some wooden pallets as a donation but had no real use for them, so asked our year 1 Construction T Level students if they could design and create pieces of furniture in groups that could be used around the farm, reducing waste and improving sustainability. 

Both groups decided to repurpose the pallets into seats so they could be used around the farm by both learners and visitors. Once they had been made, the seats were painted green, ready to be used around the farm. 

But the fun didn’t stop there! Some learners also took part in the ‘Chilli Challenge’ where they got the chance to try a variety of Uncle Paul’s homegrown chillies, some of which proved to be very hot! 

Daniel Comerford, one of our Construction lecturers at Weston College, said “everyone enjoyed the day very much. The leaners got to know each other better and worked together on the various projects, improving their communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.” 

Overall, it was a very successful day that not only allowed the students to give back to the community, but also better familiarise themselves with their peers by working together to create furniture out of salvaged wood. 

As a college, we’d like to give a huge thanks to Uncle Paul’s Chilli Farm for accommodating our T Level learners and making the day so engaging. 

If you’re interested in applying to our Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning T Level in September, click here. 

Our adult learners from the Empower programme in the Faculty of Inclusive Practice have been tasked with an important project that will test their skills, creativity, and decision-making, giving them chance to follow a brief and consider different factors that may affect their final product.

These learners are working with Griffiths and Farrans and Bristol Airport to restore 4 picnic benches for Oatfield playground in Backwell. After lots of wear and tear, these benches have become old and damaged but are a community favourite in the playground. Rather than replacing them, our FIP students have been asked to refurbish them and salvage what they can to improve sustainability and reduce waste.

Griffiths and Farrans have been working with Bristol Airport to build the new car park and bus station at Bristol Airport. This intends to reduce congestion, increase convenience, and encourage more public transport.

Our guest lecturers from Griffiths and Farrans, Kat and Emily, came to excite our learners and get them involved, giving them the chance to help out a local community but also show them the increase in opportunities available in the future. 

This project is for the students to not only restore the pre-existing benches, but also to create one new bench that is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all weathers. It can be made from any materials and the students have complete freedom, with all the required materials being funded by Griffiths and Farrans.

The students were thrilled by the possibilities, immediately discussing different designs and considering a variety of accessibility options for a wide range of wheelchairs. They began to explore the different materials that would be best suited for their design ideas as well as considering how many seats they wish to include.

Once the learners decide on the design as a group, they will begin to put their plan in motion with the help of their lecturers and technicians to ensure everything is carried out safely.

By giving the students this task, it builds their confidence, allows them to put their ideas into practice, and develop important transferrable skills in a supported environment which they can take with them after college.

A big thank you to Griffiths and Farrans for giving our students this opportunity! We’re excited to see how it turns out.

Weston college is one of four SEND Centres for Excellence, click her to find out more.

Weston College is proud of its contribution to the newly published report, Good Career Guidance: The Next 10 Years, from the Gatsby Foundation. The report updates the globally recognised Gatsby Benchmarks for career guidance, offering a refreshed framework to meet the evolving demands of education and employment over the next decade.

The report, which has been shaped by nearly two years of research and sector-wide collaboration, includes Weston College as a case study. This recognition underscores the college’s commitment to integrating local labour market intelligence (LMI) into education and career guidance, ensuring learners are empowered with the tools and insights they need to succeed.

Ben Knocks, Vice Principal of Student Experience and Support at Weston College has played an advisory role in the development of the updated benchmarks. Reflecting on his involvement, Ben said:

"It has been an incredible privilege to represent Weston College and contribute to the development of such an important piece of work. The updated Gatsby Benchmarks reflect a shared commitment across the sector to ensuring young people receive world-class career guidance that equips them for the future. At Weston College, we have seen firsthand how embedding local labour market intelligence into every stage of a learner’s journey transforms aspirations and outcomes. This report highlights the power of collaboration in delivering meaningful change for young people."

A Case Study in Best Practice

The Gatsby report features Weston College as an exemplary institution, spotlighting its innovative approach to integrating labour market insights into both curriculum design and career guidance. Highlights include:

• Building strong employer relationships: Senior staff collaborate with local businesses and the combined authority to stay ahead of labour market trends.
• Informed curriculum and events: Labour market data (LMI) informs not just teaching, but also careers conventions and bespoke events for young people and their families.
• Seamless applicant journeys: LMI resources are provided to prospective students before enrolment, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
• Empowering students through technology: Learners have access to an LMI platform throughout their studies, allowing them to explore sectors, job roles, and trends.

Gatsby Benchmarks - A Decade of Impact

Since their introduction, the Gatsby Benchmarks have become the gold standard for career guidance in education. The updated framework reflects changes in the world of work and education, incorporating new research and innovations from schools, colleges, and employers.

The report is further endorsed by a foreword from The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the benchmarks:

"The Gatsby Benchmarks set a vital standard for career guidance, empowering young people to explore their potential and gain the skills they need. We are committed to strengthening this foundation and breaking down the barriers to opportunity."

Looking Ahead

As Weston College continues its mission to inspire and empower learners, we remain committed to setting an example of excellence in career guidance. The release of Good Career Guidance: The Next 10 Years marks a pivotal moment for the sector, ensuring that young people across the country are equipped with the tools to achieve their ambitions.

About the Gatsby Foundation

The Gatsby Foundation is a leading charitable organisation dedicated to driving innovation and improvement across education, science, and careers. Through its research and initiatives, Gatsby has transformed the landscape of career guidance in the UK and beyond. Find out more: www.gatsbybenchmarks.org.uk