Two of Weston College’s Construction Professions students are gaining invaluable real-world experience through their involvement in the project to restore Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. Through our strong partnership with North Somerset Council and leading industry contractors, these learners have secured exciting opportunities to contribute to this landmark scheme as part of their 315-hour industry placement.

Students studying the T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction benefit from a blend of classroom learning and practical, on-site experience. At Birnbeck Pier, this includes guided technical site walks and the chance to engage directly with experienced construction professionals, helping to bring their studies to life.

Following a competitive selection process, two of our students were chosen to undertake extended placements with the council’s appointed contractors. These placements form a core part of the T-Level qualification, and are essential in equipping learners with the technical knowledge and industry experience needed to launch successful careers in construction.

One of our students, Fin, joined the project in mid-December after being appointed by Bristol-based contractors Smith and Brenson, who are delivering the landside phase of the development. Over the past four months, Fin has become an integral part of the on-site team, gaining experience in both site operations and project coordination.

Our second student, Ashton, recently began their placement with Mackley, a specialist civil engineering contractor leading the restoration of the Grade II* listed pier structure. This work offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a complex marine and heritage project of national significance.

Finton said: “I’ve learnt a great deal since starting my placement. The hands-on work I’ve done has been very helpful as it’s given me a strong understanding of the project and the challenges that come with it. Working in the site office and joining project meetings has been especially beneficial for my college course as it’s allowed me to see the different roles people take on within projects and how they contribute to the overall outcome. This is also helping me to develop a clearer understanding of what I might like to do in my future career and the different options available to me."

Ashton said: “I’m gaining real hands-on experience alongside classroom learning, which makes everything feel more relevant and exciting. It’s helped me build confidence in my skills and given me a clear path towards a future career in the industry. Considering how important the pier is historically, it’s great to be playing a small role in its restoration. It closed before I was born, so I’m looking forward to being able to access it for the first time once work is complete.”

Daniel Comerford, Lecturer in Construction Professions, said: “We are extremely grateful to North Somerset Council and their contractors - Smith and Brenson, and Mackley - in allowing two of our learners the opportunity to work on the Birnbeck Pier project. This will allow them to put into practice the skills that we teach them in college, to a real-life, complex project, which in turn will increase their learning and understanding of the complexities of the construction industry.”

We are incredibly grateful to North Somerset Council and their contractors, Smith and Brenson and Mackley, for their ongoing support in providing these placements. Collaborations like this are key to creating meaningful career pathways for our students and supporting the development of the next generation of construction professionals.

This week, our Travel and Tourism students took part in a series of live interviews with Swissport, a global leader in aviation services supporting airports and airlines around the world, and one of our Careers Excellence Hub employers that work closely with our students. The sessions took place on campus and provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage in real recruitment processes, giving them first-hand experience of the expectations and standards required to succeed in the industry.

Swissport delivers a wide range of ground handling and air cargo services, operating at airports across the globe. With a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and customer service, the company plays a key role in ensuring smooth airport operations and positive passenger experiences.

In total, seven interviews were conducted, with students responding to a variety of typical interview questions. They discussed their career aspirations, achievements, relevant experience, and the personal qualities they could bring to roles within the travel and aviation sector. This experience not only allowed students to demonstrate their skills but also gave them a realistic insight into professional interview environments.

We are delighted to share that four students were successfully offered positions with Swissport as Customer Service Agents, an exciting opportunity that will further their careers within the tourism industry.

Through this experience, students not only gained full-time employment following their course, but they also gained a clearer understanding of employer expectations while further developing their communication skills and confidence in interview settings. The sessions also created valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to build connections with industry professionals and open doors for future career progression.

Hannah Forrest, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Travel and Tourism lecturer at Weston College, said, “This opportunity was an incredible experience for our students, allowing them to take part in real interviews and showcase their skills in a professional setting. While our Travel and Tourism courses equip students with the knowledge needed to succeed, it is employer engagement like this that provide our students with incredible opportunities and experiences to truly prepare them for the workplace and help them take the next step in their careers.”

A huge thank you to Swissport for giving our students this opportunity to progress their career further in such a high-profile organisation.

This employment opportunity forms part of the Travel and Tourism 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. 

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.

This week, our Automotive students took part in a series of mock interviews with Plantforce, a leading heavy machinery hire company supporting a wide range of construction operations. The sessions provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience real interview scenarios, helping them understand the types of questions employers ask and how best to present themselves.

Plantforce Rentals is a UK-based provider of plant hire machinery and operated plant services, offering a diverse fleet of modern equipment for construction, rail, and infrastructure projects. Founded in 1999, the company specialises in both self-drive and operated machinery, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and delivering high-quality service.

During the 20-minute interviews, students responded to a variety of typical interview questions. They discussed their career goals, achievements, previous industry experience, and the personal qualities they could bring to a team. These sessions not only helped students build confidence but also gave them a realistic insight into professional interview environments.

Following the interviews, each student received detailed, constructive feedback from the Plantforce team. This guidance highlighted strengths as well as areas for improvement, ensuring students are better prepared for future opportunities. Such feedback plays a crucial role in student development, supporting their transition from education into the workplace.

Through this experience, students gained a clearer understanding of employer expectations while developing their communication skills and building confidence in interview settings. The sessions also created valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with industry professionals and potentially position themselves for future roles within Plantforce. In addition, students were able to ask meaningful, industry-specific questions, helping to deepen their knowledge and reduce anxiety around real interview situations.

Felix Coles, Deputy Head of Automotive at Weston College, said, “This opportunity was a fantastic way for students to develop their communication skills and refine their responses to stand out in an interview setting. While our Motor Vehicle courses are highly practical and equip students with the technical knowledge needed to succeed, it is employer engagement like this that is essential in preparing them for professional environments and meaningful interactions with employers.”

Fay Hill, HR and Payroll Manager at Plantforce, shared her feedback, saying, "We certainly enjoyed the sessions and are pleased to hear that the students found it useful. Their approach to the mock questions, receptiveness to interview feedback, and the way in which they presented themselves throughout was fantastic. All the learners we met will do well in whatever role they might choose next."

A huge thank you to Plantforce for taking the time to meet our students and provide invaluable feedback.

This employer engagement forms part of the Automotive 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. 

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.