Weston College Group is entering an exciting new chapter for technical education following its recognition as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England.

As it prepares to open its flagship technical training facility at Airbus Filton this September, the College has unveiled its new identity: AMTEC – the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College.

Previously announced as the Aerospace Skills Academy (ASA), the new name reflects both the College's new Technical Excellence College status and feedback from employers, who said the facility's curriculum, partnerships and opportunities extend far beyond aerospace into the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

The announcement follows Weston College being named one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) for Advanced Manufacturing in England; a government designation recognising excellence in delivering the higher technical skills needed by one of the UK's fastest-growing industries. The status will help strengthen the region's skills pipeline while supporting economic growth and meeting employers' future workforce needs.

Based at Airbus in Filton, AMTEC will continue to work closely with employers across aerospace, engineering, composites, defence and wider advanced manufacturing, delivering apprenticeships and technical education from Level 2 through to degree level.

The decision to launch the new facility as AMTEC followed extensive discussions with employer partners, who highlighted that while aerospace remains central to its identity, its facilities, expertise and curriculum will support businesses across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

The College is also excited to announce newly appointed Vice Principal Andy Smith to the AMTEC team, who brings more than 36 years' experience across aerospace and advanced manufacturing. He joins Weston College Group from GKN Aerospace, where he served as Programme Director for the Airbus single-aisle programme, having also held senior roles with Airbus and BAE Systems.

Having begun his own career as an apprentice with British Aerospace, Andy understands the transformative power of technical education and apprenticeships.

Andy Smith said:

“I am delighted to be joining Weston College Group at such an exciting time. AMTEC gives us an opportunity to build on the College Group's strong reputation in aerospace while creating a centre of excellence that supports the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

"Having started my own career as an apprentice, I understand first-hand the importance of creating opportunities for people to develop, grow in confidence and succeed. I am looking forward to working with outstanding staff and employer partners to help develop AMTEC into a nationally recognised destination for technical education."

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:

"Becoming a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing was a defining moment for Weston College Group, and launching the new facility as AMTEC reflects that ambition.

"The name better reflects the breadth of industries we will support. Aerospace remains a core strength, but our employer partners made it clear the opportunities extend across the wider advanced manufacturing sector.

"We are creating something truly distinctive for learners, employers and the wider region. Together, our Technical Excellence College status, world-class facilities and employer partnerships position us to become one of the UK's leading centres for advanced manufacturing skills."

When it opens this September at Airbus Filton, AMTEC will provide industry-standard learning environments designed alongside employers, helping more learners access high-quality technical education while supporting the workforce needs of businesses across the South West and beyond.

Opening this September, AMTEC will provide industry-standard training facilities designed with employers, helping develop the skilled workforce needed by advanced manufacturing businesses across the South West and beyond.

Held on Saturday 13th June across Weston-super-Mare’s Italian Gardens and Winter Gardens, the annual Summer Spectacular brought together students, staff, families, and members of the local community to mark the end of the academic year and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026. 

From the moment visitors arrived, there was something to discover around every corner. Music and Production learners took to the stage throughout the day, creating a festival atmosphere that set the tone for the celebrations, while curriculum areas from across the College showcased the skills, creativity, and innovation that define the Weston College experience. 

Families immersed themselves in a range of interactive activities, including virtual reality experiences, wellbeing workshops, face painting, and a carpentry pop-up shop. Meanwhile, the College’s Animal Management Centre at Puxton Park introduced some of its most popular residents, with a group of friendly rabbits quickly becoming crowd favourites. 

One of the day’s most inspiring moments came courtesy of Weston College’s Uniformed and Public Service students. Taking on a challenging 16-mile run, the group set off from the Italian Gardens before returning later in the day to a warm welcome from supporters gathered at the event. Their determination and teamwork embodied the spirit of the celebration and earned enthusiastic applause from the crowd. 

The event also welcomed Weston-super-Mare’s newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Owen James, who spent time exploring the various activities and meeting students, staff, and visitors throughout the day. 

Nick Phillips, Assistant Principal, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the Summer Spectacular bring our whole community together in the heart of Weston-super-Mare. From students and staff to families and local residents, the event has been a real celebration of everything achieved over the past year. I’ve been so impressed by the creativity, energy and hard work on display, and I wish the Class of 2026 every success as they move on to their next chapter."

With hundreds of people attending throughout the day, the Summer Spectacular was a vibrant celebration of learning, community, and achievement. The event showcased the incredible talent and dedication that make Weston College such a special place, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year.  

And the celebrations are far from over. 

On Wednesday 17th June, the spotlight will turn to the Creative Arts Summer Showcase at Loxton Campus. Featuring work from students across art, design, media, games and animation, and fashion, the exhibition will offer visitors the chance to explore the creativity and talent that continues to thrive across Weston College. 

The showcase will remain open until 26th June, providing plenty of opportunities to discover the exceptional work produced by students over the past year. Find out more here. 

Staff from the Construction Professions and Apprenticeships teams recently rolled up their sleeves to support the "Leaving a Legacy" community project, volunteering their time to help improve local allotments and construct a new timber shed on the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare.

The project, led by Octavius in partnership with Alliance Homes, aims to restore and enhance community allotment spaces for local residents, creating a lasting positive impact for the area.

The volunteering effort began when members of the Apprenticeships team joined the project at The Great Rhyne Gardens. Their activities included de-weeding allotments, planting vegetables, creating woodchip pathways, and sanding and painting various features around the site.

The college has a strong working relationship with Octavius, the main contractor responsible for the Winterstoke Road replacement railway bridge project in Weston-super-Mare and one of the college's valued Career Excellence Hub partners. The partnership currently supports two T Level learners who are completing their industry placements with the company, with one student based on the Winterstoke Road project and another working on the nearby A38 road improvement scheme.

Over the past year, learners and staff have benefited from site visits to Octavius projects, while representatives from the company have visited the college to deliver guest speaker sessions and share valuable industry insights.

Together, the teams helped construct a timber shed for the allotment site on the Bournville Estate, contributing practical skills and teamwork to support the wider restoration project.

The "Leaving a Legacy" project demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when education providers, industry partners and housing organisations work together to strengthen local communities. Through initiatives such as this, staff not only support worthwhile causes but also reinforce the strong partnerships that create opportunities for learners and residents alike.