Last month, our Creative and Digital Media students had the opportunity to visit Los Angeles, California, for a 5-day trip to see the sights and visit valuable production studios in Hollywood.

This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of our students, allowing them to travel across the world and visit some of the most famous production companies in the world. This gave them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-life set and enrich their passion for all aspects of Media, Production and Communications.

During the trip, students stayed in the Glendale area, a central but safe location, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles. This gave our students the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the culture, creativity and energy of LA.

Students began the trip with a tour around Paramount Studios where they met industry professionals and got a behind-the-scenes look into set operations and the various jobs required to make a production run smoothly. This is invaluable to their future careers in the fast-paced Media industry, giving them the opportunity to witness the logistics and broad range of roles available. They then visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame where they saw the plaques and walked in the footsteps of the most famous actors in Hollywood history.

On the second day, the group took a tour of another huge movie production company, Warner Bros. Studio, where they were able to compare the inner workings of the organisation and the many aspects it requires to make it so successful. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to gain first-hand insight into how film and television productions are developed, produced, and distributed in comparison to other large production companies, whilst also developing technical skills, understanding industry roles, and becoming more aware of potential career pathways. This was followed by a trip to Venice Beach where students could explore the sights and unwind after a busy couple of days in the studios.

On the third day, students took a trip to Disneyland Resort California, spending the entire day enjoying the rides and meeting the characters. This was a fun and memorable activity that bonded the students and celebrated one of the biggest movie producers in history.

The trip ended with the students having some free time for shopping before heading to the Griffith Observatory where they got a panoramic view of the Hollywood Sign, the LA basin, and the Pacific Ocean – they even got a glimpse of Ryan Gosling! This was a fantastic attraction that is free-of-charge to the public, and is a popular film location, making it a fascinating landmark to our students who aspire to work in production.

This trip was a fantastic opportunity to not only develop their professional backgrounds, but also increase their independence, confidence, and communication skills, by navigating new environments, collaborating with peers, and engaging with industry professionals.

Additionally, exposure to the global media landscape enhances cultural awareness and broadens perspectives, helping students better understand international audiences and representation, as well as expectations within the industry. Overall, this visit enriched our students’ academic learning, supported coursework with real examples, and contributed to both their personal growth and career readiness.

Gine Hele, Head of Media, Photography, and Game & Animation, co-ordinated the trip, adding, “Our students were outstanding ambassadors for the college throughout the entire experience, being punctual, polite, enthusiastic and engaged with everyone we met. Their professionalism and attitude made the trip a huge success and a real credit to the college.”

Two of our students who attended the trip shared the impact this trip had on them, with Alby saying, “The LA trip didn’t just help me academically, but it also helped me make friends for life. I had never been on a school trip before, and after this one, I don’t feel like another one would ever compare. The teachers were incredible and let us have the independence to enjoy and learn all we could about the film industry. This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit film studios and sets and experience LA life. I want to go back already!”

Isaac said, “LA was one of the best experiences of my life. The memories made will be ones that last forever. I’m so glad I went on the trip as it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Paramount and Warner Bros. Studio tours, Disneyland, Griffith Observatory – it was such a brilliant week and thank you to everyone who organised it.”

A huge well done to all the students in attendance, you displayed yourself maturely and professionally, and a huge thank you to the lecturers who helped to organise and chaperone the trip, it wouldn’t have been possible without their commitment to their students.

This curriculum trip forms part of the Creative and Digital Media 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 Art, Film, Game and Graphic Design! 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.

Weston College is proud to announce the signing of an exciting new partnership agreement with Hornets R.F.C, creating fresh opportunities for students to access the Hornets’ fantastic facilities as part of their enrichment programme.

The partnership, which has already launched in its early stages, has been met with overwhelming positivity from learners. With over 100 students already taking part, embracing the chance to try new activities and step outside their comfort zones.

Recent sessions have included skittles, and gym-based activities, giving learners a varied and inclusive introduction to the facilities on offer.

For many, it has been the first-time trying activities such as skittles and darts, helping to build confidence, teamwork skills and social connections in a relaxed and supportive environment.

While some students already attend the gym outside of college, many have commented on how much they value having physical activity built directly into their timetable. The opportunity to engage in structured sessions during the college day has been praised for boosting wellbeing, motivation and overall enjoyment of college life.

Luke Penberthy, Student Engagement Manager at Weston College, said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Hornets R.F.C.

“The partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience, promoting wellbeing, and creating meaningful community connections.

“By working closely with Hornets R.F.C., the College is broadening the range of enrichment activities available and ensuring students have access to high-quality facilities.”

Find out more about student enrichment at Weston College, by clicking here.

This week, one of our third-year Plumbing & Heating Technician apprentices, Jack Winstone, has been awarded a prestigious £1,000 bursary for tools from the Worshipful Company of Plumbers in partnership with Monument Tools. This bursary is one of only six awarded nationally, making Jack’s achievement particularly remarkable.

These bursaries are awarded annually to plumbing apprentices in order to reward them for their hard work within their trade and assist them with expenses as they progress through their apprenticeship qualification. Not only does this support the next generation of plumbers by providing them with high-quality tools to kickstart their careers, but it also gives them more confidence in their ability. Being one of the select few chosen is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work of our students.

Jack has shown exceptional dedication, professionalism, and technical ability throughout his apprenticeship at Swift Renewables. His enthusiasm for the trade, combined with his commitment to developing both his practical and theoretical skills, has consistently set him apart. This recognition is a testament to Jack’s hard work and character, but also to the high standards and support provided by the plumbing team here at Weston College.

Within our Construction courses, our learners are pushed to compete in many enriching competitions and opportunities to encourage growth within their trade and network with professionals and like-minded students in the industry. This allows them to learn from others to develop their skills and prepares them for the future competition in the industry.

Jack shared his reaction to receiving the tools, saying, "I was very surprised, and overwhelmed with joy when I received the good news. I love investing my wages back into my work and was extremely excited to find out I had won so many things I was holding off buying. It was a massive surprise."

"These tools will impact my career massively. Tools are a very costly investment to an apprentice but paramount for their progression. Knowing I had been given all of these high-quality, professional level tools from a company of which I’m a big fan of was brilliant. That day I filled my tool bag with as much that I could cram in there! Thank you to my lecturer, Chris Sampson, for pushing me to apply. I doubt I would have gone for it if it wasn’t for Chris encouraging us to do it."

Richard Hanney, Head of Construction at Weston College, added, “Seeing one of our students win such an exclusive competition and come away with rewards to excel in their trade and kickstart their career is fantastic and a reflection of, not only their hard work throughout their apprenticeship, but also the dedication of the staff who put in the effort to ensure they succeed. It is opportunities like this that nurture the future talent of the industry and give them the opportunities to overcome barriers and succeed no matter the adversities.”

A huge well done to Jack for this achievement and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow within the plumbing industry.

This fantastic opportunity forms part of the Construction 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 Construction! 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.