What began four years ago as a bold idea at Weston College has now spread across the county: the Jobcentre Takeover Day, part of AoC National Colleges Week and National Careers Week 2026, is giving hundreds of unemployed adults the chance to explore new careers, gain vital skills, and connect directly with potential employers.

Originally developed by Weston College, the initiative partners colleges with Jobcentre Plus to deliver practical advice, workshops, and one-to-one support to adults looking to return to work. This year, the initiative has grown into a national collaboration, with colleges including Weston College, Bath College, New City College London, Northampton College, Northern College for Adults and Middlesborough College, welcoming participants to their local Jobcentre Plus.

At Weston College, 400 local adults were invited to take part in a day of skills workshops, employability sessions, and face-to-face careers guidance. Participants also heard directly from employers about what they are looking for in today’s workforce.

Mike Hudson, Director of Student Recruitment and Customer Operations at Weston College, said: "Our Jobcentre Takeover Day started as a simple idea: to bring the support and guidance people need directly to them. Seeing it grow into a national movement is incredible. This day isn’t just about advice – it’s about giving people the confidence and tools to take the next step in their careers."

For many participants, Jobcentre Takeover Day is life changing. Last year, attendees left inspired, equipped with new skills, and connected to real employment opportunities. This year, the colleges was delighted to reach even more people, providing a clear pathway from support to employment.

The initiative demonstrates Weston College’s continued commitment to its local community, proving that with the right support, opportunity, and guidance, everyone can take meaningful steps toward their career goals.

Weston College was proud to contribute to the latest Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting hosted by the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF), held at the Airbus AIRTeC Centre in Filton.

The event brought together industry leaders, education providers and regional stakeholders to explore how the South West can collectively strengthen the aerospace and advanced engineering skills pipeline.

The meeting focused on workforce pressures facing the sector, the impact of emerging technologies, and the importance of closer collaboration to ensure businesses of all sizes can access the talent they need.

A central focus of the meeting was the proposed Aerospace Skills Academy in Filton, introduced by Weston College and due to launch in September 2026.

The Academy is being developed in partnership with employers to help address workforce shortages across the regional aerospace cluster. Designed to align closely with real business needs, the initiative will strengthen links between employers and training providers, supporting long-term regional growth.

Throughout the session, delegates emphasised the importance of employer involvement in shaping curriculum and delivery, ensuring provision works not only for prime manufacturers but also for SMEs across the supply chain. Weston College is already working closely with employers to co-design its Aerospace Skills Academy programmes and is particularly keen to expand collaboration with SMEs, recognising their critical role in the regional aerospace ecosystem. By engaging smaller businesses more directly in curriculum development, placements and skills planning, the College aims to ensure training provision is accessible, responsive and aligned to the real-world needs of the entire supply chain.

The Bristol & Bath Cluster Meeting demonstrated the strength of engagement across the South West and the shared commitment to developing the future workforce.

Weston College extends its thanks to WEAF for organising such a productive and forward-looking event, to Airbus for hosting, and to the members and partners whose insight and collaboration continue to drive progress across the region.

Weston College is currently recruiting staff ahead of the Aerospace Skills Academy’s planned September 2026 opening. Individuals interested in supporting the next generation of aerospace talent are encouraged to get in touch:

• View current vacancies WORKING FOR THE COLLEGE | Weston College

• Register interest for flexible opportunities Expression of Interest

• Contact our Recruitment Team for an informal conversation – grouprecruitment@weston.ac.uk   or call 01934 411411

For Colleges Week, we’re celebrating three adult learners who remind us exactly why further education changes lives - not just for the students themselves, but for everyone around them. 

Ewa is the kind of learner who quietly transforms spaces. At BayTree School, her child-centred approach shines. She goes above and beyond every single day to support learners with complex needs, adapting communication with care, safeguarding wellbeing, and delivering high-quality educational support with both skill and heart. 

But what makes Ewa truly remarkable is that her compassion doesn’t stop at the school gates. At college, she’s the steady presence others gravitate toward - lifting peers with empathy, encouragement, and genuine kindness. Now progressing through Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning, she balances full-time work and parenting with unwavering resilience. Her dedication, both professionally and personally, makes her an exceptional Student of the Year and an inspiration to the whole college community. 

Caroline embodies resilience in action. While navigating personal challenges, she excelled academically, never allowing obstacles to define her path. Instead, she leaned into her passion for learning, supporting her peers and committing wholeheartedly to her own growth. 

She completed her qualification to a high standard and even gave up her Saturdays to attend additional workshops - a testament to her drive and determination. Beyond the classroom, Caroline has made a lasting impact at Weston College, creating welcoming learning spaces and supporting both peers and lecturers alike. 

Her compassion extends into the wider community through her work as a listening mentor at Wellspring Counselling, where she supports children with care and empathy. We’re thrilled that Caroline continues her journey with us and has progressed to study at University Centre Weston, proof that her story is only just getting started. 

Alex represents determination at its very best. Balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and full-time study is no small feat - yet his attendance and engagement were exemplary throughout. He even used half-term holidays to extend his learning, showing a level of commitment that truly stands out. 

Alex didn’t just focus on his own success; he lifted others along the way. Meeting peers outside lessons, offering support whenever needed, and helping build a collaborative learning environment, he embodied perseverance and community spirit. 

His strong academic performance, positive influence, and relentless drive make him richly deserving of this recognition. We were delighted when Alex chose to continue his educational journey with us and is now studying Cyber Security at University Centre Weston, taking his ambition and talent to the next level. 

Together, Ewa, Caroline, and Alex show us what Colleges Week is all about: courage, commitment, community, and the belief that it’s never too late to grow, achieve, and inspire. 

Find out more about our adult courses we have to offer here.