A group of adult students recently hosted a fashion fundraiser in Weston-super-Mare, bringing together the local community for an evening of style, entertainment, and charitable giving.

The event, organised by a focus group consisting of Lauren, Seonagh, Julie, and Tash as part of their pre-employment course, successfully raised funds for Weston Hospicecare, Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Alzheimer’s Society. It showcased how education, creativity, and community spirit can come together to make a meaningful impact.

The focus group have worked on this project since last December, and the project has encouraged them to develop their skills for the workplace. The group also recently won the ‘Making a Difference’ award at our Student Conference, showing the impact they have had on their own personal development as well as the community.

The North Somerset Scrapstore played a key role in supporting a successful steampunk-themed fundraising fashion show, providing many of the materials used to create the outfits. The fashion show raised money for three charities: the Alzheimer's Society, Weston Hospicecare, and the MND Association. Funds were generated through online ticket sales, tickets sold on the door, a raffle and auction, the sale of donated clothing, and photography sales from the event. Initial estimates suggest that approximately £750 was raised for each charity, with final figures to be confirmed.

Many of the outfits featured in the show were donated, altered, or created by the team themselves using reclaimed materials. Hair and makeup were provided free of charge by a volunteer, helping to keep costs low and maximise fundraising efforts.

The event was held at the Borough Arms and featured entertainment from two local singers, Angela and Annie. Models were recruited from across Weston-super-Mare through local Facebook groups, resulting in a diverse range of participants of different ages and body types. Promotion was supported by local media, with the Weston Mercury helping to publicise the event to a wider audience. Photography was provided by an external photographer who volunteered through a connection with one of the students.

Organising the event presented several challenges, including marketing, securing support from local businesses, arranging a venue, and coordinating a group with differing schedules. Despite these obstacles, the team successfully delivered the event and reflected on lessons learned, discussing how they might improve future events.

The fundraiser formed part of the students’ coursework, offering valuable real-world experience in event management and community engagement – key components of their current studies. Thanks to strong attendance and generous donations, the event made a meaningful contribution to all three charities.

Juliette Weaver, Lecturer in Pre-Employment, said: "When people work together with passion and purpose, amazing things happen. This group proved that by creating a charity fashion show that brought their community together and made a positive impact."

Take a look at our pre-employment courses here.

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.