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Creating brighter futures
Weston College has a wide range of courses to suit all learning styles
Weston College is an award-winning college of further and higher education in Weston-super-Mare. It provides education and vocational training to nearly 30,000 learners across the country.
We put the learner first and are entrepreneurial in our approach and innovative in our thinking. As a college, we are ambitious and aspirational and are responsive to the needs of students, staff, businesses, and the community.
We are Weston College. We are Creating Brighter Futures.
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Latest news and developments at Weston College
On Thursday, 7th September, our Animal Management learners had a taste of their future careers through an Employers Morning, hosted at the Animal Management Education Centre at Puxton Park!
The event was organised with the help of the Student Experience team and the Animal Management staff, whereby local and national Animal related businesses and organisations were invited to discuss their job roles and to inspire the learners on finding their future careers. Employers in attendance included the RSPCA, Harmonious Dogs, Barnaby’s Bunny Barn, Bristol Vet School, Secret World and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. 
The day began with talks from many of the employers, who provided valuable insight into the industry, and were able to showcase the diverse and rewarding career paths within the animal industry. Some talks even featured live demonstrations from furry friends, including Boris!
Following the talks, learners were given the opportunity to speak to the range of employers. They were encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance and establish connections that could lead to industry placement opportunities.
Laura Link, the Subject Area Manager of Animal Management, commented on the success of the day: “At Weston College, we understand the importance of on-the-job experience, especially in a hands-on industry such as Animal Management. This is why we ensure we provide opportunities for our learners such as these, where they can not only make meaningful connections with employers, but also discover what could be their future career.
“We aim to broaden the horizons of what our learners aspire to do, and showcase career options they may not have heard before. We are so grateful to the employers who attended our careers fair, and we hope it was as beneficial to them as it was to our learners.”
The feedback from the employers was also fantastic; the RSPCA representative said: “It was great to be able to outline a job that is a passion, and to be able to see all the great employment options for students.”
The representative from Secret World told us: “It was lovely to chat with the students! I enjoyed my visit here for the first time – I'm keen to work with the Animal Management team further. Thank you for the invite!”
Bristol Vet School, from the University of Bristol, said: “It was great to meet the students and explain the opportunities open to them regarding courses and employment.”
As they continue their educational journey, these learners are now better equipped to pursue fulfilling careers that contribute to the well-being and conservation of animals around the world, thanks to the valuable experiences and insights gained during this enlightening morning at the Learning Centre at Puxton Park.
In an ever-evolving world, businesses must constantly seek innovative ways to secure a competitive edge. One strategy that has been gaining prominence in recent years is the offering of apprenticeships. At Weston College, our mantra is ‘careers, not courses’, meaning we have always understood the importance and value of learning on the job, working closely with local and national businesses to provide wonderful opportunities for our learners.
Apprenticeships are structured training programmes that combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. While they are often associated with traditional trades, modern apprenticeships have expanded to various industries, presenting a host of benefits for employers.
Skill Development and Customised Training
One of the most compelling reasons for employers to offer apprenticeships is the opportunity to tailor training programs to meet their specific needs. Unlike traditional hiring processes, where employers may struggle to find candidates with the exact skills they require, apprenticeships allow companies to mould individuals from the ground up. Employers can design apprenticeship programmes that align with their industry, company culture, and unique requirements, ensuring that apprentices develop the precise skills and knowledge needed for the job.
Cost-Effective Recruitment and Retention
Recruitment and retention of skilled talent can be a significant challenge, particularly in industries with high demand for specialised skills. Apprenticeships offer an innovative solution by enabling employers to nurture their own talent pool. This can significantly reduce recruitment costs, as apprentices are typically more cost-effective to hire than experienced professionals. Furthermore, the investment in apprentices often leads to greater loyalty and commitment, increasing employee retention rates and saving your business money in the long run.
Enhanced Workforce Diversity
Diversity in the workplace is not just a social imperative; it's also a strategic advantage. Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to diversify the workforce by attracting candidates from various backgrounds and demographics. Employers who actively engage in apprenticeship programmes can benefit from fresh perspectives, increased creativity, and a wider range of skills and experiences within their team. This diversity can lead to better problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability, all of which are crucial for success in today's global business environment.
Improved Employee Morale and Engagement
When existing employees witness the company's commitment to skills development and investment in talent, it can have a positive impact on overall employee morale and engagement. Apprenticeships create a culture of learning and growth, encouraging employees to continuously develop their skills. Furthermore, experienced staff members often have the opportunity to mentor apprentices, fostering a sense of pride and fulfilment in passing down their knowledge. This connection between experienced professionals and apprentices can lead to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.
Long-Term Sustainability
Investing in apprenticeships is an investment in the future. Companies that actively engage in apprenticeship programs are better positioned to adapt to changing industry trends and technological advancements. As apprentices become proficient in the latest tools and techniques, employers can stay at the forefront of their industry, maintaining a competitive edge in the long term.
Apprenticeships offer an incredible range of benefits, both for the business, and for the apprentice themselves. Think your business could benefit from offering apprenticeships? Our 30-Day Challenge is the perfect time to get involved!
At Weston College, we have set ourselves a challenge, of securing 500 apprenticeship pledges in just 30 days, and we need your help to reach that milestone! Click here to find out how you can get involved, and make your pledge today.
- Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal, Apprenticeships and Traineeships Recruitment
South West Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, Weston College is proud to announce its latest campaign, which sets out to support employers across the region with recruiting, retaining, and retraining staff.
The College, which is well known for its ambitious apprenticeship campaigns, and for achieving results well beyond national averages, is aiming even higher than ever before, setting themselves three, 30-day challenges:
- Challenge 1 – September: 500 apprenticeship pledges in 30 days
- Challenge 2 – October: 150 adults upskilled in 30 days
- Challenge 3 – November: 150 T Level placement pledges in 30 days
Weston College values its employer partnerships and supports over 2000 employers each year and together they drive the apprenticeship, upskill, and T Level agenda in the region.
Throughout the campaign, the College will be celebrating success stories, as well as updates on the progress of the campaign, highlighting the employers who are taking on apprentices, T Level learners, and/or upskilling their existing staff.
Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “We are passionate about creating brighter futures, and are really excited to be launching this campaign, which will support employers of all sizes across the region.
“One of the most valuable things you can do for your business is investing in your current workforce through upskilling or bringing a new generation of employees through from hiring an apprentice or taking on an industry placement student. Our employer network and our learners have benefited hugely from apprenticeships and industry placements, and we are excited to help even more people improve their lives through this campaign.
“At Weston College, we have an offer to suit all employers, and we look forward to working closely with our current business partners as well as building new partnerships throughout this campaign to positively impact our region.”
Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth and Employer Partnerships, said: “Our mantra is careers, not courses, here at Weston College, meaning we recognise the importance of employer partnerships, students gaining experience in industry and businesses getting the skills training that they need. Therefore, our aim is to make it as easy as possible for employers looking to recruit, retrain, or retain their workforce!
“We cannot wait to get started – reach out today to pledge!”
Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships & Traineeships Recruitment, said: “Our statistics really speak for themselves when it comes to the success of our apprentices; with 90% of apprentices being offered permanent roles on completion, 97% employer satisfaction and success rate of 15% above the national benchmark, we are really looking forward to the challenge of 500 pledges in just 30 days!”
Weston College will be sharing regular updates on the campaign, both in terms of numbers and impact – keep an eye on their social media and website to stay up to date with each challenge.
Head over to our 30-Day Challenge page, to find out more and to get involved!
