Throughout the spring term, Weston College welcomed employers from a wide range of industries to a series of Employer Forums, continuing its commitment to ensuring students develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours that employers need most. By listening directly to employers, the College can continue to adapt and enhance its curriculum, ensuring courses remain relevant, future-focused and aligned with the needs of the local and regional economy.

This collaborative approach plays a key role in preparing students for successful careers while helping employers develop the skilled workforce they need for the future.

Over the spring season, forums were held across a range of industries, including:

Travel and Tourism at Bristol Airport

The Travel and Tourism Employer Forum brought together industry partners to discuss the future of the sector and ensure Weston College's curriculum continues to meet employer needs. Discussions focused on the importance of digital skills, professional behaviours and workplace readiness, alongside opportunities to expand industry placements and employer engagement. Attendees also heard from Bristol Airport about its ambitious expansion plans and the significant career opportunities these developments will create across the region.

Project Management

The Project Management Employer Forum focused on strengthening the link between education and industry, with discussions centred around the introduction of a new AI & Data in Projects module, due to become a key part of the curriculum. Employers welcomed the focus on AI, data analysis and Microsoft Excel skills, while highlighting the importance of preparing both learners and workplaces to apply these skills effectively.

The forum also explored the rollout of new apprenticeship units, funded through the Growth and Skills Levy, and gathered valuable employer feedback to help shape future project management training and ensure learners develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving industry.

Healthcare

The Health and Social Care Employer Forum brought together employers to discuss curriculum development, workforce priorities and the future of healthcare education. Key discussions included the introduction of new qualifications, enhancing learner safety through lone working and personal safety training, and plans to relaunch the Health Care Academy for learners aged 14 and above.

Employers also helped shape future training by identifying skills gaps in areas such as mental health, therapy and public health, while highlighting the importance of clear communication, effective apprenticeship support and stronger collaboration between education providers and healthcare employers.

Media Production

Discussions focused on the growing demand for skills in sound, production management, animation, and storytelling, alongside the increasing importance of streaming, digital content, and immersive technologies within the sector. Taking place in the new college podcast suite, the advisory board also explored new opportunities for employer engagement, guest lectures, podcasting projects, and industry-led experiences to better prepare learners for careers in the creative industries.

Construction Professions 

The Construction Employer Forum focused on strengthening collaboration between employers and the College to ensure learners are equipped with the skills needed for the industry. Discussions covered T Levels, industry placements, apprenticeship and higher education pathways, and the importance of guest speakers, site visits and employer engagement in enhancing the learner experience.

Employers highlighted key priorities including health and safety, communication, workplace readiness and digital skills, while also identifying opportunities to better align recruitment timelines, curriculum delivery and employer involvement to support learners' progression into the construction sector.

Engineering at Oxford Instruments

The Engineering Employer Forum brought together Weston College and industry partners to discuss updates on apprenticeships, assessor processes and the development of the AMTEC campus. Key discussions focused on improving communication, simplifying onboarding processes, supporting learner progress and preparing for the upcoming academic year, including timetable updates and additional assessor recruitment.

Employers also received updates on Smart Assessor training, apprenticeship units in areas such as AI leadership, green energy and advanced manufacturing, and plans to ensure a smooth transition to AMTEC while continuing to provide high-quality training and support for learners. 

The College also continued its engagement with employers through Professional Studies in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce, while Sport & Fitness representatives attended SIMSPA events to strengthen industry links. Sixth Form teams also worked closely with employers to support Progression Week, encouraging businesses to engage directly with students and share valuable career insights. 

Weston College would like to thank every employer who contributed to the spring forums. Their expertise, insight and ongoing collaboration are invaluable in helping shape the College's curriculum and ensuring students leave ready to make a positive impact in their chosen industries.

Representatives from Weston College Group attended the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, strengthening relationships with leading employers and exploring the latest innovations shaping the future of aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing.

Over two days, members of the College's Strategic Partnerships team met with key industry leaders, including Airbus, ADS South West and a range of employers from across the aerospace and manufacturing supply chain. Discussions focused on developing new partnerships and creating opportunities that will support learners at the College's new Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre (AMTEC), which opens this September.

The visit highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement across the sector and reinforced Weston College's commitment to ensuring learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experiences required to succeed in future-facing careers.

Tracie Leahy, Programme Director TEC and National Partnerships at Weston College Group, said:

"Farnborough International Airshow provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with some of the world's leading aerospace and engineering organisations. As we prepare to open AMTEC, these conversations are invaluable in helping us understand the evolving needs of industry and ensuring our curriculum remains relevant, responsive, and ambitious.

"Our employer partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. By working alongside industry leaders, we can create meaningful opportunities for learners and help develop the highly skilled workforce that the sector needs for the future."

The visit included exclusive tours of the Emirates Airbus A350, the Airbus A400M, and a range of exhibits showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are transforming the aerospace and manufacturing industries.

Lynsey McKinstry, Skills Partnership Manager Weston College Group, added:

"Attending an event of this scale reinforces the importance of aligning education with industry. Seeing aircraft that our learners help to manufacture through our employer partnerships in Filton was a proud moment and a powerful reminder of the impact further education can have on people's lives and careers.

"AMTEC represents a major investment in the future of technical education in the South West, and opportunities like this help ensure our learners benefit from the very latest industry insight, innovation and employer engagement."

Key discussions throughout the event focused on future skills requirements, sustainability, digital technologies and strengthening pathways into high-value careers across aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

The visit supports Weston College Group's commitment to connecting learners with world-class employers through its Careers Excellence Hubs, employer partnership network and industry-led curriculum. As the College prepares to launch AMTEC, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 provided a valuable platform to build relationships, identify emerging trends and ensure learners are equipped to thrive in one of the UK's most innovative and rapidly evolving sectors. 

The opening of AMTEC this September marks a significant milestone for technical education in the South West, creating new opportunities for learners to gain the specialist skills that employers need today and in the future.

We spoke with Will Payne, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon, about Willmott Dixon's partnership with Weston College as a CEH Partner, how they support students through industry placements, and their commitment to inspiring the next generation by showcasing the many pathways into the construction industry.

Can you introduce Willmott Dixon and tell us a bit about what you do?

Willmott Dixon is a UK-based, privately owned construction, development, and interior fit-out company founded in 1852. It delivers a wide range of projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, justice, defence, and commercial property.

The company describes its purpose as delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities, and enhancing the environment for future generations. It is led by Rick Willmott, the fifth generation of the founding family, and is known for its strong focus on sustainability, social value, and community impact.

As a Social Value Manager, I help ensure that every Willmott Dixon project in the Wales and South West Region leaves a positive legacy by creating opportunities for local people, strengthening communities, and delivering measurable social, economic, and environmental benefits alongside the construction work.

How have Weston College students been involved in the Airfield Primary School project?

As Social Value Manager, I, Will Payne, have worked closely with Weston College to support students' development and prepare them for careers within construction and the wider world of work. This has included delivering careers talks that provided insight into the construction industry, different career pathways, employability skills and the opportunities available to young people entering the sector.

Willmott Dixon has also attended employer breakfast meetings with college lecturers and senior strategic representatives from Weston College. These discussions have helped influence the development of the College's T Level curriculum, ensuring it reflects current industry needs and equips students with the skills and knowledge required by employers. We have also provided guidance on how industry placements can be structured to deliver the best possible experience and outcomes for students.

To further support employability, we have delivered work experience placements, mock interview sessions, giving students valuable experience of recruitment processes while helping them build confidence, communication skills and interview techniques. Students have also benefited from guest speaker sessions delivered by members of the Willmott Dixon team, sharing real-life experiences and career journeys from across the construction industry.

In addition, students have been invited to visit the Airfield Primary School project through organised site tours. These visits have provided first-hand exposure to a live construction environment, allowing students to see construction processes in action, meet project professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse roles involved in delivering a major education project.

Through these activities, Weston College students have gained practical industry insight, enhanced employability skills, and developed a stronger understanding of the opportunities available within the construction sector, helping to support their transition from education into employment.

What has your experience of offering industry placements been like?

Our experience of offering industry placements has been extremely positive. They provide young people with valuable exposure to the construction industry, helping them develop practical skills, workplace confidence and a better understanding of potential career pathways.

The students we have hosted from Weston College have been a real credit to themselves and the College. They have arrived on time, shown a strong willingness to learn and fully engaged with the opportunities available to them.

During their placements, students have participated in project meetings, supported the wider project team and gained first-hand experience of working on a live construction project. This has helped them understand how different roles work together to successfully deliver new build developments.

What are the biggest benefits of hosting an industry placement student?

One of the biggest benefits is developing future talent. We've supported several students from industry placements into permanent roles with Willmott Dixon, including through our Management Trainee Scheme.

Placements also benefit our project teams by giving employees, particularly junior team members, the opportunity to mentor and support a student, helping develop their own leadership and communication skills.

Finally, working with placement students strengthens our relationship with colleges and provides valuable insight into what is being taught, helping to ensure education and industry remain aligned and relevant to the skills needed in construction today.

What kinds of projects and day-to-day tasks do industry placement students get involved in?

Our industry placement students have gained experience across a wide range of projects, including education, healthcare and defence schemes. We aim to provide opportunities wherever possible, regardless of the type of project, ensuring students gain exposure to different areas of the construction industry.

Students are involved in a variety of day-to-day activities to give them a well-rounded experience. They work alongside different teams and disciplines, including site management, quantity surveying, health and safety, design, environmental and digital construction.

While some students arrive with a clear career path in mind, exposure to different roles often helps them discover opportunities they may not have previously considered. Even if they remain focused on their chosen career, they leave with a much better understanding of how the various departments work together to successfully deliver a construction project.

What do you look for when selecting students for an industry placement?

When selecting students for an industry placement, attitude is the most important factor. We're looking for students who are reliable, enthusiastic and genuinely interested in developing a career within the industry.

Just like any recruitment process, we want to see someone who is committed, willing to learn and prepared to give their best. Technical knowledge can be developed over time, but a positive attitude, strong work ethic and a willingness to get involved are what really help students succeed.

Students who show they are keen to learn, take initiative and go beyond the minimum expectations are often the ones who make the biggest impact and get the most from the opportunity. These are the qualities we look for when identifying and selecting students for industry placements.

In what other ways has Willmott Dixon worked with Weston College?

Willmott Dixon has built a strong and long-standing relationship with Weston College and continues to support the College wherever possible.

Alongside supporting T Level and construction students, we have also worked closely with Weston College's employment programme, which helps unemployed people develop the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to return to work.

As part of the programme, I have delivered sessions explaining what it is like to work for a Tier 1 construction company, providing learners with an insight into the opportunities available within the industry and the pathways into employment. These sessions are particularly valuable for individuals looking to enter construction for the first time, as well as those returning to the sector after a period away.

I often deliver these sessions alongside one of our recruitment partners, giving learners direct access to organisations that can support them into genuine employment opportunities. Through this collaboration, a number of participants have gone on to secure roles on our projects, helping to create local employment opportunities and supporting people back into work.

What advice would you give to employers thinking about offering industry placements?

My advice would be simple: go for it. While it can feel a little daunting at first, the benefits far outweigh any concerns.

Industry placements provide a fantastic opportunity to support young people as they take their first steps into a career. As employers, particularly larger organisations, we have an important role to play in helping develop the next generation of talent and giving students meaningful experiences that prepare them for the world of work.

The students we've worked with have brought enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and a real willingness to learn. In return, they gain valuable industry experience, develop their confidence and build the skills needed for future employment.

Whether directly or through your supply chain, everyone has a part to play in creating opportunities for young people. By opening your doors to industry placements, you're not only investing in the future workforce but also helping enthusiastic students realise their potential and build successful careers in construction.

Is there anything you would like to add?

As I mentioned, we have a long-standing and valued relationship with Weston College, and it's important that we continue to build on this partnership for the benefit of the College, its students and Willmott Dixon.

Weston College makes it incredibly easy for employers to get involved and support its programmes. The team is proactive in engaging with industry, hosting regular meetings, networking events and employer forums to ensure course content remains relevant and aligned with current industry needs. We are always kept informed about opportunities to contribute and are invited to participate in a wide range of activities that support students' learning and development.

Most importantly, Weston College consistently delivers positive outcomes for its learners, helping to prepare them for successful careers and further opportunities.

We're grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Weston College and look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the great work they do for many years to come.