We spoke to Claire Williams, Head of Finance Operations at Yugo, about the benefits of welcoming one of our students, Tom, to their team as an industry placement student, the experience he has gained, and how he has flourished throughout his time with the organisation.

1. Could you tell us a little bit about Yugo and what you do?

Yugo is a global student living provider operating student accommodation around the world focused on creating a great experience for students through accommodation, wellbeing support, and community engagement. The Finance Operations team carry out financial processes such as invoice processing, bank reconciliations and other balance sheet control functions to support the wider business.

2. How long has Yugo been involved in hosting industry placements for students, and what made you want to get involved?

This is Yugo’s second year of being involved with T Levels. I had previously worked with Weston College, hosting a T Level student in my previous role, and knew that Yugo would be keen to support industry placements as part of its commitment to developing future talent and giving students valuable real-world experience. These placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a professional environment while also bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new ideas to our teams.

3. What does Tom’s role involve, and what types of activities and tasks has he been working on during his placement?

Tom has been working within the Finance Operations team and has been involved in a wide variety of tasks throughout his placement. He has supported day-to-day finance activities, including processing invoices for several European countries using NetSuite, our finance system. He has also used Excel to analyse and manipulate data, reconcile balances, and support other finance processes.

He has assisted with bank reconciliations and balance sheet reconciliations, giving him exposure to key financial controls. He has even helped with scanning and processing the post that comes directly into the office, which admittedly wasn't the most exciting task, but he approached it with the same positive attitude and willingness to help as every other responsibility.

The placement has provided him with exposure to different areas of the team, helping him develop a broad understanding of how finance operations support the wider business.

4. How have you found having Tom as part of the Yugo team?

Tom instantly became part of the team and quickly built positive relationships with his colleagues. He has approached every task with enthusiasm and professionalism and has consistently shown a willingness to learn. His positive attitude and adaptability have made him a valuable member of the team from day one.

5. In what ways has Tom contributed to Yugo during his placement?

Tom has shown a strong willingness to get involved in a variety of projects and has quickly applied new knowledge and skills in a practical and effective way. In particular, his support in helping to close a significant number of tickets within the Spanish Accounts Payable Helpdesk has been greatly appreciated. This has not only helped the team manage workload efficiently but has also provided Tom with valuable hands-on experience, further developing his understanding of finance operations and related processes.

6. Are there any standout moments from Tom's placement so far?

One of the standout aspects of Tom's placement has been how quickly he integrated into the team. He actively participates in team meetings, is confident in sharing his thoughts, and isn't afraid to ask questions when he wants to learn more. That's a real skill when joining an established team, and Tom has done it exceptionally well. He instantly became part of the team, built strong relationships with colleagues, and has shown a genuine eagerness to learn and contribute from day one.

Outside of work, at a team social event, Tom took on the challenge of climbing to an impressive height. It was great to see him getting involved, embracing the activity, and tackling the challenge with confidence.

7. How has Tom’s learning and knowledge from the classroom supported him in his role at Yugo?

Tom has been able to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained through his studies directly to his work at Yugo. Having a foundation of finance and business principles has helped him understand the context behind the tasks he has been working on. His classroom learning has clearly supported his ability to adapt quickly and contribute effectively within a professional environment.

8. Would you encourage other employers to consider offering industry placements to students?

Industry placements are a fantastic way to help develop future talent while also bringing fresh ideas and energy into a business. Students gain invaluable real-world experience, and employers benefit from motivated individuals who are eager to learn and contribute. Placements also help bridge the gap between education and employment, creating benefits for both the student and the organisation.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Due to changes in Yugo's ways of working, Tom has successfully adapted from a hybrid working model to being 100% home-based, reflecting the new normal for many teams. Despite this significant shift in his working environment, he has maintained a consistently high level of output and performance, demonstrating strong adaptability and resilience to change.

In addition, Tom collaborates effectively with colleagues based in London, Oxford, India, and across Europe, maintaining strong working relationships and delivering results within a geographically diverse and remote team.

This week, our Animal Management students kicked off the academic year with their annual Careers Fest, welcoming a range of local employers, from animal shelters and charities to wildlife conservation trusts and other animal-focused organisations. The event provided learners with the opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals, explore potential career pathways and gain a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them after completing their course.

The event welcomed organisations including Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Noah’s Ark Zoo, RSPCA, Tibbs and Simmons Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeons, Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches, Reptile Zone, Puxton Park, Avon & Somerset Police Mounted Section, and FPCR Design & Environmental Consultants. This diverse range of organisations demonstrated the breadth of careers available within the Animal Management sector, while giving students the opportunity to ask questions, discover alternative pathways and make valuable industry connections.

Representatives shared insights into their own career journeys, what their roles involve and the different routes available to enter and progress within their industries. Discussions covered the qualities, attributes and qualifications employers look for, as well as the importance of gaining practical experience through work experience, placements and volunteering. Students also had the opportunity to explore potential placement and volunteering opportunities and gain valuable advice to help them take their first steps into the industry.

The event also provided a fantastic opportunity for students to hear from four former Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) Animal Management students who are now working within the sector. Former Level 3 student, Maddie, now runs her own successful dog training service, Maddie’s Pawfect Pooches, as a canine behavioural practitioner. Former student Andrew shared his experience of securing a full-time role at Noah’s Ark Zoo following a work experience placement, while current UCW student Frank discussed his role at Puxton Park. Former UCW student Hannah also returned to share her experience working within the RSPCA. Their stories provided students with first-hand insight into the variety of careers they could pursue and demonstrated how their studies can provide a valuable foundation for future employment.

Careers Fests such as this play an important role in supporting students' personal and professional development, helping them understand the skills, qualifications and experience required to succeed within the sector. They also provide valuable opportunities to network with employers and explore work experience, placement and volunteering opportunities, helping students build confidence, develop industry connections and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Employer engagement also supports the continued development of the Animal Management curriculum, ensuring that programmes reflect current industry practices, expectations and skills requirements. Following the event, employers may also work with curriculum teams to explore further opportunities for collaboration, creating additional experiences that support students' progression into employment and further study.

Laura Link, Head of Animal Management at Weston College, said, “Welcoming local employers is a fantastic way for our students to engage with real-world organisations, gain valuable insight into potential career pathways, and understand the impact these roles can have on animal welfare and conservation. It encourages students to start thinking about their future careers and, where possible, consider volunteering opportunities that can help them build valuable experience and enhance their employability. It is always fantastic to see the range of employers who get involved with us and are so committed to supporting and nurturing the career progression of our students.”

A huge thank you to all the employers in attendance for taking the time to interact with our students and share their knowledge from their sector.

This event forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

Progress to the next level in Animal Management! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) is on target to open its doors as planned in Filton, Bristol, marking an exciting new chapter for technical education and the Weston College Group.

Following months of hard work, construction of the new specialist campus has been completed on schedule. With teaching staff now on site and final preparations underway, AMTEC is ready to welcome its first learners.

A significant milestone in the project was reached this week as Senior Capital Works Project Manager Mark Eustace officially handed over the keys to the new facility to Vice Principal of AMTEC, Andy Smith, marking the transition from construction and fit-out to teaching and learning preparations ahead of opening.

Located in the heart of Filton, one of the UK's leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC has been created to deliver high-quality technical training for the next generation of skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals.

The new Technical Excellence College will provide specialist training across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, working closely with major employers and SMEs across the region, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN and Babcock.

Teaching begins on Monday 28th September, when AMTEC's first cohort of learners will start their studies, with around 200 apprentices expected on the first day and approximately 700 apprentices due to attend the new campus throughout its first week of operation.

The development represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's engineering and manufacturing sectors, creating a dedicated environment where apprentices can develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed by employers. As a Technical Excellence College, AMTEC will play a key role in supporting economic growth, addressing skills shortages and helping to build the highly skilled workforce required for the future of UK manufacturing and engineering.

Andy Smith, Vice Principal of AMTEC, said:

"AMTEC is on target to open as planned, and it is incredibly exciting to see the vision for this new college becoming a reality.

"The completion of the building work, the arrival of our teaching team and the preparations for our first learners are all major milestones. We have created a genuinely outstanding facility in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities.

"Receiving the keys to the building marks the beginning of the next chapter as we focus on delivering an exceptional learning experience for our apprentices. Our ambition is for AMTEC to become a centre of excellence for technical education, working hand in hand with employers to give our learners the skills and experience they need to build successful careers and support the future of these vital industries." 

Mark Eustace, Senior Capital Works Project Manager for AMTEC, said: 

"Handing over the keys to Andy and the Curriculum team is a proud moment and marks the culmination of a tremendous effort from everyone involved in delivering this project. 

"From initial planning through to completion, the focus has been on creating a technical training facility that meets the needs of both learners and industry. It has been fantastic to see the building take shape, and I am delighted to officially pass the campus over to the team who will bring it to life through teaching, learning and employer engagement." 

With its doors nearly ready to open, AMTEC is preparing for an exciting new chapter, helping to develop the skilled workforce that will drive the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing.