This week, our A Level students completing the Social Action Pathway welcomed Tony Hobden, CEO of Shiva Charity, which raises funds to support children and communities in Nepal. The session gave students a first-hand insight into the impact that fundraising and charitable work can have on communities and the importance of taking action to support others.

As part of Weston College’s Sixth Form, students complete an enrichment pathway alongside their A Levels, providing opportunities to broaden their understanding of wider issues, develop new skills and make a positive contribution to their community.

The Social Action Pathway enables students to plan and deliver their own initiatives to raise money and awareness for charities and causes that matter to them. Working independently or as part of a group, students have the freedom to choose their own focus and take responsibility for developing their ideas from conception through to delivery.

During the session, Tony shared his experiences of raising awareness and funds for Shiva Charity, whose work in Nepal focuses on improving access to education through building and maintaining schools, child sponsorship and teacher training. The charity is also providing emergency support following the devastating landslides and flooding across the Rasuwa region and Central Nepal.

Tony also spoke about his latest fundraising challenge, Scoot 4 Nepal, which will see him ride 1,000km across Nepal over 10 days on a pink scooter to raise funds for clean drinking water systems in rural schools. His target is to raise £80,000 to install and maintain 50 water purification systems, with around £40,000 already raised through the campaign.

The session encouraged students to consider how they can create meaningful change through their own Social Action projects. As they develop their initiatives, students will build a range of transferable skills, from communication, marketing and event organisation to leadership, teamwork, time management and problem-solving. They will also gain confidence in taking an idea from planning to action, adapting to challenges along the way.

Most importantly, the pathway encourages students to recognise that making a difference is not always about the size of an initiative, but the positive impact it can have on others. Whether supporting an established charity, raising awareness of an important issue or giving back to their local community, students are empowered to take action on causes they are passionate about.

Nicola Stent, Sixth Form Lecturer and Head of the Social Action Pathway, said: “The Social Action Pathway gives students a fantastic opportunity to make a positive difference while developing skills and experiences that will support them beyond Sixth Form. It encourages them to look beyond themselves, understand the importance of empathy and compassion, and recognise the impact they can have within their community. By planning and delivering their own initiatives, students develop valuable employability and life skills, while seeing first-hand that raising awareness and inspiring others to get involved can be just as important as raising money.”

A huge thank you to Tony for taking the time to share his journey with the students and encouraging them to get involved.

This pathway forms part of the Sixth Form 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 Group’s Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College welcomes first learners to new industry-focused campus

Today marks a major milestone for technical education in the South West as Weston College Group's Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) officially opens for business, welcoming its first cohort of apprentices to its new industry-standard campus in Filton.

Nearly 800 apprentices will begin in its first week of operation. The opening represents the culmination of months of planning, investment and collaboration between Weston College Group and leading employers from the aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Situated on Airbus' Filton site, the facility has been transformed into a specialist training centre dedicated to developing the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. The campus features industry-standard workshops, modern teaching spaces and the latest digital infrastructure designed to replicate real-world manufacturing environments and provide learners with valuable hands-on experience. £4 million invested in the transformation of the site, AMTEC represents one of the most significant recent investments in technical education for the advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors in the South West.

Located in the heart of one of the UK's most significant aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC will deliver specialist training aligned to employer needs, working closely with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace and Babcock to ensure apprentices develop the skills required by modern industry.

The opening comes following Weston College Group's designation as one of England's Technical Excellence Colleges, enabling additional investment in training for high-demand sectors and strengthening links between education and industry. Through employer-led curriculum design and close collaboration with major manufacturers, AMTEC aims to address skills shortages while creating clear pathways into high-value engineering and manufacturing careers.

As one of four colleges that form the national AMTEC partnership, alongside City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group and New College Durham, the Weston College Group will also contribute to a wider programme of collaboration focused on strengthening advanced manufacturing education across England.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, said:

"Today is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the creation of AMTEC. After months of hard work, planning and collaboration, it is fantastic to finally welcome our first apprentices into this outstanding new facility.

"AMTEC has been created to give learners access to world-class technical education in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities. By working closely with employers, we will ensure our apprentices develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed to thrive in their careers.

"This is not only a significant milestone for Weston College Group, but also for the wider region as we help build the skilled workforce that will support the future growth and success of aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing."

Sue Partridge, Airbus Commercial Aircraft UK Country Manager, said:

“The future of the aerospace industry relies on developing the next generation of talent who are crucial to keeping our industry ahead of the game. Apprenticeships are a key part of that so we’re absolutely delighted to be hosting the AMTEC on our Filton site. The dedicated training facility will provide workshops and teaching spaces that mirror our industrial environment, supporting the development of skills and talent to meet aerospace industry needs. Filton has a long and proud history within the UK’s aviation story, and this collaboration reinforces our ongoing commitment to investing in local talent, creating high-value career pathways, and supporting the South West’s thriving aerospace ecosystem.

The new campus represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's economy. With the South West home to one of Europe's largest aerospace clusters, AMTEC will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals entering the industry, supporting innovation, productivity and long-term economic growth.

The opening of AMTEC marks the beginning of an ambitious journey to establish the college as a centre of excellence for technical education, helping apprentices gain the skills employers need today while preparing them for the industries of tomorrow.

Weston College Group has officially opened The Horizon, a new specialist centre at Knightstone Campus designed to help young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for adult life.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare, officially opened the centre on Friday, meeting learners, staff and partners, seeing the new facilities first-hand.

The Horizon marks the completion of a significant investment in the former Arosfa Hotel site, transforming it into a dedicated specialist centre for learners with SEND. Designed around the needs of learners, it will help young people develop independence, confidence and practical life skills while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.

The new facility brings together specialist teaching spaces, independent living accommodation and employability training. It also doubles Weston College's residential capacity previously provided through its Weston Bay facility, giving more learners opportunities to practise everyday skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs.

Since opening in 2013, Weston Bay has supported hundreds of young people with autism to develop life, social and independence skills. As demand for specialist SEND provision has grown, Weston College invested in The Horizon to build on that success and support more learners closer to home.

The name The Horizon was chosen by learners themselves, reflecting the opportunities the new centre is designed to open up as they prepare for life beyond college.

Ben Knocks, Deputy Principal, Weston College Group, said:

"Opening The Horizon is a really important moment for the College and, most importantly, for our learners. We wanted to create somewhere that feels like a genuine step towards adult life, where young people can build confidence, develop practical skills and grow their independence."

"We have taken the best elements of Weston Bay and brought them into a purpose-designed environment built around the needs of learners. Seeing learners and staff experiencing the new facilities for the first time has been incredibly rewarding."

"The need for specialist SEND provision continues to grow, and facilities like The Horizon help ensure more young people can access the support, space and opportunities they need to thrive. We're delighted to welcome Dan Aldridge MP to officially open the centre and celebrate the partnership working that has helped make it possible. We'd also like to recognise the support of North Somerset Council and our wider partners, who continue to play a vital role in strengthening SEND provision and outcomes across the region."

Dan Aldridge MP said:

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, and the College has a such an important role to play in making that happen. We need Government and local providers like the College working together to make sure every young person has the right support, skills and opportunities to thrive. This is just the beginning of the work the college are doing for SEND young people, and I’ll continue to support and lobby for every young person in Weston, making sure their needs are heard and they have the opportunities they deserve.”

The Horizon includes specialist teaching spaces, training kitchens, social learning areas and residential accommodation, helping learners develop practical skills for everyday life while accessing the wider opportunities available across Knightstone Campus.

Among those returning to celebrate the opening was former learner Tilly Bean, whose journey highlights the life-changing impact specialist support can have.

Tilly joined Weston College in 2022 after spending five years out of education. Having left mainstream education without GCSE qualifications, she lacked confidence and was uncertain about returning to learning.

With specialist support from the College, Tilly rebuilt her confidence and independence while developing vital life and social skills. She went on to achieve GCSE Mathematics and Functional Skills English before progressing to the College's Access to Higher Education Diploma in Biomedical Science.

This year, she achieved the highest possible grades on the programme, securing 164 UCAS points and a place to study Paramedic Science at the University of Gloucestershire from January 2027. Alongside her studies, she now works within a SEND education setting.

Tilly Bean said:

"When I first came to the College, I had been out of education for five years and was terrified of returning. The support I received helped me rebuild my confidence and become more independent. Most importantly, it helped me believe in myself again."

"I'm now preparing to start university, and I've achieved things I never thought were possible. That's why places like The Horizon matter. Young people need time, support and people who understand what they're going through. My experience shows how much can change when you get that support, and I hope The Horizon gives many more learners the same chance."

Weston College Group is inviting parents, carers, education professionals and partner organisations with an interest in SEND provision to register their interest in visiting The Horizon. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet staff and learn more about the specialist support and facilities available to learners.

To register your interest, click here and a member of the team will be in touch.