Weston College is celebrating the launch of its first cohort of Engineering Foundation Apprenticeships, with 21 learners enrolling with GKN Aerospace this week. This represents almost two thirds of all Foundation Apprenticeship starts nationally since the programme launched in August 2025.

The milestone comes as new national figures show that just 36 Foundation Apprentices have started across England in the first three months of the government-backed initiative, highlighting the significance of Weston College’s early progress in delivering the programme with GKN Aerospace.

Introduced by the government in August 2025, the Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship is designed to provide a supportive entry route into technical careers for young people who may not yet be ready to start a full Level 2 apprenticeship. Weston College’s partnership with GKN Aerospace has resulted in one of the largest early cohorts nationally, positioning the College and the employer as early adopters of the new pathway.

The 21 apprentices were officially onboarded this week, with Weston College staff attending the GKN Aerospace site to support induction and welcome learners onto the programme.

All recruits are enrolled on the Engineering Foundation Apprenticeship, which places emphasis on attitude, curiosity and motivation, rather than formal academic achievement. There are no minimum academic entry requirements, ensuring the programme is accessible to young people with the potential to succeed in engineering.

The Foundation Apprenticeship lasts eight months and is delivered through a block-release model, shared between Weston College and GKN Aerospace. The programme begins with a strong focus on employability skills, confidence building and workplace behaviours, before progressing into technical learning and practical industry experience.

On completion, learners can move on to a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship, followed by a possible progression onto a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, creating a clear progression and career development pathway within the sector.

GKN Aerospace has taken a deliberately different and innovative approach to recruitment for the programme, focusing on potential rather than prior attainment. By removing minimum academic entry requirements and working closely with Weston College to reach young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, the company has widened access to engineering careers while building a strong future talent pipeline for the business.

The new apprentices have spoken positively about the opportunity and their future ambitions in engineering. Harry said: “I am excited about starting this foundation apprenticeship. I see it as an excellent entry point into a great career. I am passionate about mechanical and scientific work and prefer hands-on learning, which is why an apprenticeship is the ideal route for me. I am committed to building a long-term career with GKN Aerospace and am open to progressing to higher qualification levels in the future.”

Rubie added: “This feels like the right opportunity for me as it aligns with my long-standing interest in engineering. I want to pursue my career ambitions while I am young and see this apprenticeship as a strong foundation for the future. I am open to seeing where the apprenticeship leads but would like to work towards a Level 6 qualification in the long term.”

With employer demand continuing to grow and further cohorts already under discussion, Weston College believes its partnership-led approach could help accelerate the national take-up of Foundation Apprenticeships.

Last month, our Hairdressing and Barbering Careers Excellence Hub (CEH) signed a new partnership with White&Co hair salon in Bristol. This is an excellent opportunity for students to work with industry professionals, learn new techniques and gain real-world experience through workshops. 

White&Co founder, Rachel White, is an award-winning L'Oréal Colour blonde specialist and the owner of White&Co hair salon in Bristol, known for its luxury colour services and for being a blonde and balayage expert. Rachel has several years of professional experience in the industry, gaining qualifications and awards before finally opening her own luxury salon, White&Co, in 2025.

Prior to the partnership, our Level 3 Hairdressing students took part in a photoshoot session where our students were given a brief, having to put half of the model’s hair up and use their own homemade ornamentation within their designs. They came up with inspiration and created mood boards of their ideas before executing them on their models, showcasing a range of techniques and designs that they had learnt.

Students created headdresses using customised hairbands, felt flowers, and cushions with gems and a veil. These innovative creations gave our students the chance to build skills and techniques in a different form of hairdressing, giving them flexibility and creativity when styling their model’s hair. This was a great way for students to explore new pathways and learn different techniques from industry professionals. 

Following this, students then took part in a photoshoot of their styles, using professional lighting settings and Rachel’s guidance to create a real-world photoshoot for the students to experience and learn from. This experience was a fantastic opportunity for 

Rachel White, owner of Whitecoat hair salon in Bristol, said:

“This collaboration with Weston College means a lot to me as my own career in hairdressing began with college training. Being able to support students at such a formative stage feels very personal and rewarding, and allows me to share real industry experience while giving back to the pathway that shaped my career.”

“My advice to aspiring hairdressing students would be to try everything!  When I first started my career, I didn’t enjoy colouring at all and thought I would go on to become a session stylist. Although I still love styling hair, I’m now a colour specialist and all my success within the industry has come from a path I never expected to take. You just don't know unless you try, that thing you’re scared of might just be your making!”

“Thank you to Weston College for giving me the opportunity to be part of such an exciting project. I’m looking forward to what’s to come and to working closely with the students.”

A huge thank you to Rachel for delivering an insightful workshop and becoming an industry partner to help shape the future generation of hairdressers!

This partnership forms part of the Hairdressing and Barbering 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.

Welcome to the February Edition of the Careers and Employability Team Blog! 

A Fantastic Year for UCAS Applications at Weston College

This week marks an exciting milestone for our learners - the UCAS deadline has officially passed, and we’re proud to share that Weston College submitted an impressive 442 university applications before the 6pm deadline on Wednesday. A huge well done to all students who worked so hard on their personal statements, course choices, and applications. It’s a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of your ambition and commitment to your future careers. A big thanks to our UCAS advisor Carys Gyatt who worked diligently until 6pm on Wednesday to get them all submitted.

What Happens Next?

With applications now safely submitted, students move into the waiting stage — often the most nerve-wracking- part of the process! Universities can respond at any time, and some may get in touch sooner than others. Offers may include:

• Unconditional offers
• Conditional offers (based on grades or other entry requirements)
• Interview invitations, depending on the course
• Rejections, though we hope these are few and far between

Every university works to its own timeline, and response times can vary widely between courses and institutions. Some offers may arrive in the next few days, while others may not come until spring.

Key Date to Remember: 13th May

By 13th May, students will know whether they have been accepted into their chosen universities.

This gives learners plenty of time to prepare for their next steps, whether that’s confirming their firm and insurance choices, exploring accommodation options, or considering alternative plans through UCAS Extra or Clearing if needed.

A Message to Our Applicants

To every student who submitted an application: you’ve done the hard part. You’ve shown dedication, resilience, and ambition - qualities that will serve you well at university and beyond.

While waiting can feel stressful, remember that this is also a time to feel proud. No matter the outcome, you have taken an important step toward shaping your future.

The Careers and Employability Team will continue to be here to support you with:

• Understanding your offers
• Preparing for interviews
• Exploring alternatives if your plans change
• Getting ready for university life

If you need guidance at any stage, please reach out - we’re always happy to help.

Congratulations again to all 442 applicants! Here’s to an exciting few months ahead as your offers begin to roll in.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Why It Matters for Your Future

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is back from 9–15 February 2026, and it’s the perfect chance for you - as a college student - to explore real opportunities that could shape your next steps. This year’s theme, “Skills for Life” highlights how apprenticeships help you build practical, career‑ready skills that stay with you long after you finish your training. 

Whether you already know the industry you want to work in or you’re still exploring your options, NAW gives you a unique opportunity to connect with employers, hear real stories from apprentices, and discover routes that combine earning with learning.

What’s Happening During the Week?

Across the UK, organisations will be running a mix of virtual and in‑person events—from employer Q&As to workshops, skills sessions, careers fairs, and interactive demonstrations showing what different apprentices do day‑to‑day. 

Institutions, including universities, colleges, and employers, will also be spotlighting the impact of apprenticeships across sectors like engineering, healthcare, tech, and business.

At Weston College we’ll be celebrating T Level Thursday, and our Weekly Career Drop-ins will be taking place as usual across the campuses. If you have any questions or queries regarding apprenticeships, you can book a 1:1 with a member of our team. You can also email us at CET@weston.ac.uk or scan the QR code below to book an appointment.

Why Should College Students Care?

1. Earn While You Learn Apprenticeships let you gain industry‑recognised qualifications without the traditional university route—and with a salary from day one.
2. Real Experience Employers Want You’ll build skills that employers say they urgently need, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. The 2026 theme “Skills for Life” reflects exactly this.
3. Pathways for Every Background There are opportunities across every major industry—from digital and engineering to care, environmental science, creative fields, and more. Many employers use NAW to showcase new roles, success stories, and application tips.

How You Can Get Involved

• Join an online webinar or careers fair
• Speak to current apprentices and employers during live Q&As.
• Explore the NAW events map and see what’s happening near you or online. [nationalap...week.co.uk]
• Use the week to research pathways, draft applications, or meet your careers team for support.

Final Thoughts

National Apprenticeship Week isn’t just a celebration - it’s your chance to discover a future career pathway that fits your strengths, ambitions, and learning style. If you’re curious about apprenticeships, make the most of this week. You could uncover an opportunity that leads directly into a rewarding and meaningful career.  

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we also recognise all the amazing work our learners do whilst on their T Level qualification. T Level Thursday is a chance to celebrate student success, highlight employer partnerships, and showcase how T Levels are shaping the future workforce.

Whether you’re a student exploring your next steps, an employer thinking about talent pipelines, or a parent or educator supporting young people, T Levels are creating real opportunities – and real outcomes.

What Are T Levels?

T Levels are two-year technical qualifications, equivalent to three A levels, designed in collaboration with employers to meet industry needs. They combine:

• High-quality classroom learning
• Industry-relevant technical skills
• A substantial industry placement of at least 45 days

This blend ensures that students don’t just learn about an industry – they experience it.

Why T Levels Matter in 2026

As industries continue to evolve, employers are increasingly looking for young people who are work-ready, confident, and skilled. T Levels respond directly to this demand by:

• Teaching up-to-date technical knowledge
• Embedding employability skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving
• Giving students real workplace experience before they progress

In 2026, with more pathways established and employer awareness growing, T Levels are becoming a core part of the skills landscape.

Celebrating Success: Digital T Level Learners Complete Industry Placements with TitanRoc

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate six Digital T Level learners who are about to complete their industry placements with the innovative gaming company TitanRoc. Since Summer 2025, these learners have been actively involved in QA testing an upcoming game, contributing real value to the development process while gaining first-hand experience in the fast-paced gaming industry.

Their dedication, enthusiasm, and professionalism have not only supported TitanRoc during a crucial phase of production but also helped shape their own technical and professional growth.

Throughout their time with TitanRoc, the learners have developed a strong portfolio of skills, including:

• Quality Assurance (QA) testing techniques – including bug identification, replication, and reporting
• Critical thinking to identify inconsistencies and gameplay issues
• Analytical review of game performance and user experience
• Logical troubleshooting to determine causes of bugs or irregularities
• Communication skills through structured bug reporting and daily team interactions
• Collaboration within a professional development team, working alongside designers, programmers, and producers
• Time management and task prioritisation within an active development cycle
• Attention to detail when checking for visual, audio, and gameplay accuracy

This experience has offered our learners a unique opportunity to participate in a real-world gaming project, and their contributions have been invaluable. We are excited to see where their talent and passion take them next - whether deeper into the gaming industry or into broader digital and tech pathways.

A huge congratulations to all six learners for their hard work, commitment, and achievements!  

Key Dates: 

9th February to 15th February 2026 - National Apprenticeship Week

12th February 2026 - T Level Thursday

5th February 2026 - Apprenticeship Open Evening 2026

7th March 2026 - UCW Open Day

25th March 2026 - “Come and Have a Go!” Open Evening

Get in touch with the Careers and Employability Team, by clicking here.