Our Sport students at Weston College are benefiting from the extensive industry experience of Sport and Fitness lecturer, Isaac Berry, whose successful coaching career continues to shape and enhance the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.

Alongside teaching and coaching students at the College, Isaac is currently coaching AFC Stoneham, who recently celebrated a historic victory in the FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium. The achievement highlights the real-world expertise that staff bring into students’ learning environments, giving them valuable insight into the demands and rewards of working within the sports industry.

Isaac’s background in football coaching involves both professional clubs and educational programmes. Throughout his career, he has worked within the academy at Colchester United, where he also managed the college football programme, before moving on to become Head Coach of a football college programme in Newbury. In addition to his work in the UK, he has also coached in the United States during the summer months, further broadening his experience within the sport.

Now in his second season with AFC Stoneham, Isaac has assisted in guiding the club to remarkable success, winning six trophies in just two seasons, including the FA Vase trophy at Wembley, marking a significant milestone for the club and everyone connected to it.

For students, having lecturers with current industry involvement offers significant benefits to both their learning and personal development. Isaac’s continued work in football allows him to bring up-to-date knowledge, modern coaching ideas, and real-life experiences directly into lessons and practical sessions, giving students a clearer understanding of the realities of the sports industry.

Not only this, Isaac will also be Weston College’s Football Academy First Team coach in September, further strengthening opportunities for aspiring footballers and coaches within the College’s academy pathway. Students are able to learn not only technical and tactical knowledge, but also the resilience, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills required to succeed in such a competitive industry.

Reflecting on the rewards and challenges of coaching, Isaac explained that some of the most rewarding aspects is the teamwork, seeing ideas and game plans come to life on the pitch, and building strong bonds and friendships throughout the sport. However, he also highlighted the importance of perseverance, explaining that setbacks are part of the journey and encouraging students to keep going through the difficult moments in order to achieve the rewards.

His advice to students hoping to progress into professional coaching is centred around dedication and passion for the sport. He explained that coaching can be the best job in the world, but requires commitment, sacrifice, and a willingness to work hard in all conditions.

He also emphasised the importance of how remaining active within the industry directly benefits his students, as it enables him to provide relevant examples and maintain valuable professional connections that can support learners as they progress into careers within sport.

He added, “Being involved in the industry allows me to give students real-life experiences and examples during lessons and practical sessions. It helps me stay up to date with modern ideas and trends within the game, while also continuing to build contacts that can support students and provide networking opportunities for them as they move into the industry themselves.”

Isaac also expressed his gratitude to Weston College’s Sport Department and management team for supporting his continued work within football alongside his teaching career.

By learning from lecturers with active industry experience, our students gain far more than classroom knowledge. They are exposed to current industry standards, professional expectations, and practical insights that help build confidence, develop employability skills, and prepare them for successful futures within the sports sector.

This forms part of the Sport and Fitness 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.

Weston College is expanding its apprenticeship offer with a range of new standards designed to help employers address current and future skills gaps. Developed in response to employer feedback, regional priorities and the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), these programmes are focused on developing the practical skills, knowledge and behaviours businesses need most.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your workforce, support succession planning, fill hard-to-recruit positions or develop leadership and digital capability, apprenticeships provide a cost-effective route to attracting and retaining talent.

By partnering with Weston College, employers can benefit from:

• Access to skilled, job-ready talent 
• Flexible training delivery that works around business needs 
• Support with workforce growth and succession planning 
• Opportunities to maximise levy funding or access fully funded options for eligible employers 
• Financial incentives available for employing young apprentices 
• Support in building a stronger, more sustainable local workforce

New Apprenticeship Standard - From August 2026:

• Foundation Apprenticeships Construction and Hospitality 
• Level 2 Administrative Assistant 
• Level 3 Emergency Care Worker Projects Controls (Jan 27) 
• Level 4 Process Leader with CMI
• Level 4 Junior Management Consultant with CMI 
• Level 4 Cyber Security (Jan 27) 
• Level 4 Software Developer (Jan 27) 
• Level 4 AI Automation (Jan 27) 
• Level 6 Electronic Engineering and Embedded System Design 
• Level 6 Social Worker (Jan 27) 
• Level 6 Procurement (Jan 27)

Interested in strengthening your workforce?

Whether you're planning ahead, looking to recruit new talent, or exploring skills development opportunities for your existing team, our Employer Engagement team can help identify the right apprenticeship pathway for your business.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your workforce needs and find out how we can support your organisation. 

Weston College students studying the T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction recently went behind the scenes at North Somerset Council’s Birnbeck Pier restoration project, gaining a unique insight into one of the country’s most significant heritage regeneration schemes.

The visit, as part of our partnership with North Somerset Council on the project, provided learners with the opportunity to explore the live construction site. They also heard directly from the industry professionals leading the restoration works, contractors Mackley and Smith and Brenson. Two of the students, Finton and Ashton, are currently completing their industry placements on the project as part of their T Level qualification.

During the visit, students were guided around the site by the contractors, who delivered detailed tours showcasing both the marine engineering and landside elements of the restoration programme. Learners were able to see first-hand the scale and complexity of the works taking place to preserve the historic pier for future generations.

A particular highlight of the day was witnessing a 400-tonne jack-up barge being manoeuvred into position next to the pier bridge, following its transportation from Newport Docks. The operation gave students a rare opportunity to observe specialist marine construction activity up close.

BBC Points West were also in attendance on site to film the project and interview students Finton and Ashton, alongside Construction Professions lecturer Daniel, about the value of industry placements and the importance of hands-on learning within construction education.

The site visit formed as part of Weston College’s continued commitment to providing students with meaningful employer engagement opportunities that complement their classroom studies and prepare them for careers within the construction industry.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Birnbeck Pier project, said: “We’re keen to get as many people involved with the project as possible through our comprehensive community engagement plan, made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to Weston College for their willingness to work with us to create opportunities like these which help local young people to access rewarding careers in construction.”

Councillor Catherine Gibbons, Deputy Leader of North Somerset Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families, Skills and Lifelong Learning, added: “Industry placements are a key feature of T-Levels, offering students invaluable experience in their chosen fields and equipping them with the skills they need for future careers. What a great opportunity for these local young people to learn on site at such an interesting heritage project of national importance. I’m pleased to see the council continuing to partner with Weston College as part of our wider strategy to ensure that our children and young people are given opportunity to thrive.”

Weston College would like to thank North Somerset Council for arranging the visit, as well as Mackley and Smith and Brenson for hosting the tours and sharing their expertise with students.