Creating brighter futures

Wes Cunliffe, a semi-professional rugby player for Cross-Keys, visited many of our students recently to talk about his story before he found rugby. He discussed his experiences with county lines and prison and how he came out the other side, providing the students with invaluable life lessons to help them make the right decisions and raise awareness that this can happen to anyone. 

Wes grew up in poverty and ended up down the wrong path, being groomed into a life of crime when he was barely a teenager due to the glamorisation of it and the prospect of money to support his family. However, Wes ended up getting attacked which was when he decided he needed to find his way out of that life, not only for himself, but also for his family. 

He joined the Ebbw Vale rugby club in 2010 where he was surrounded by supportive and positive people, saying “it was the time I completely separated from that life for good – the sport is more than just rugby itself, it’s the people involved in both the sport and the club. 

They knew my story and they knew my background, but they didn’t care, it wasn’t an issue for them, they just saw me as Wes". 

After Wes turned it around, he decided he needed to help other young people going through the same thing. He realised that his position as a runner would just be immediately replaced by another young person, so he wanted to try and do something about it. He took it upon himself to volunteer as a youth worker across the UK that both young people and parents could reach out to and get help when they were reaching a ‘crisis point’.  

He had lived their experiences and seen through their eyes and wanted to help young people choose the right path but also raise awareness of these situations. By doing this, young people can see that there is another option, and they can turn their life around.

Wes said, “it’s not about telling learners what to do or what not to do either – it’s about giving them the information and raising the awareness that this can happen to anybody. 

It takes one wrong phone call or text and you’re drawn into that life – that’s it. These talks are to give young people the chance to make positive choices.” 

Wes also discussed the impact that social media has on young people today, saying “in today's world, social media is a massive part of young people’s lives and it’s very important that they realise that it paints a very different picture to what reality is”. 

He even provided case studies to the students of how the young people that he works with fell into the life of crime by simply pressing ‘Like’ on a few photos which resulted in private messages. 

“Weston College was great to reach out to me. They knew how important the messages were for young people to understand like county lines, violence, knife crime, and weapons.  

They came to me and said that my story is very personable, and they thought that young people would benefit from speaking to someone like me.  

It was great that Weston College had the foresight to reach out to me and send the message to as many students as possible”. 

Wes encouraged anyone who may be falling down the wrong path to reach out to someone, whether that is a family member, a trusted member of staff, or himself, you are not alone and there is a way out.

To check out our interview with Wes, click below.

@westoncollege

From a life of crime to a semi-professional rugby player!🏉🏉 Recently we heard from Wes Cunliffe, a youth worker who fell down the wrong path as a teen but came out the other side and wants to help young people to avoid what he went through. Read more about it on our website.

♬ original sound - WestonCollege

Thank you Wes for sharing your story to our students in order to raise awareness of these situations. 

By Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Weston College 

In the evolving landscape of workforce development, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Degree apprenticeships have emerged as a powerful solution, offering a unique blend of practical experience and academic learning. At Weston College and University Centre Weston, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that degree apprentices can have on businesses. Here’s why integrating degree apprenticeships into your talent strategy is a game-changer. 

Secure the Best New Talent 

In a competitive job market, securing top talent is more challenging than ever. Degree apprenticeships provide an opportunity to attract high-calibre candidates who are eager to learn and grow within your organisation. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge from their academic studies, combined with practical skills honed through on-the-job training. By investing in degree apprentices, you are investing in the future leaders of your industry. 

Upskill Existing Employees 

Degree apprenticeships are not just for new hires. They offer a valuable pathway for upskilling your existing workforce. Many employees have untapped potential that can be unlocked through further education and training. By supporting your employees in pursuing a degree apprenticeship, you are fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. This not only enhances their skills and job satisfaction but also improves overall organisational performance. 

Cultivating a Learning-Driven Culture 

A learning-oriented culture is a cornerstone of innovative and resilient organisations. Degree apprenticeships instil a commitment to personal and professional growth within your team. Apprentices bring new ideas and approaches, inspired by their academic learning, and share this knowledge with their colleagues. This creates a dynamic environment where learning is valued, leading to increased engagement and retention. 

Reduce Recruitment Costs 

The traditional recruitment process can be costly and time-consuming. Degree apprenticeships provide a cost-effective alternative by allowing you to train and develop talent tailored to your specific business needs. Apprentices are often more loyal to the organisations that invest in their development, reducing turnover and the associated recruitment costs. Furthermore, you can evaluate an apprentice’s fit within your company culture and operations throughout their apprenticeship, ensuring a smoother transition to a permanent role. Also, we do all the advertising, shortlisting and recruitment support for your vacancies – saving you time and expense. 

Maximise Government Funding 

One of the significant advantages of degree apprenticeships is the availability of government funding. This financial support can substantially offset the costs of training and development. By leveraging these funds, you can invest in your workforce without straining your budget. It’s a smart financial decision that benefits both your business and your employees. 

Meeting the Demand 

Weston College and University Centre Weston offers a diverse range of degree apprenticeships tailored to meet the needs of modern businesses. Our programmes include: 

1. Digital and Technology Solutions: equip your business with experts in software development, IT consultancy, and network engineering. 
2. Digital User Experience (UX): enhance your digital presence with specialists in user-centred design and usability testing. 
3. Project Management: streamline your operations with skilled project managers adept at planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently. 
4. Engineering: drive innovation with engineers trained in the latest technologies and practices. 
5. Environmental Health Practitioner: ensure compliance and promote sustainability with professionals knowledgeable in public health and safety. 
6. Registered Nursing: strengthen your healthcare team with nurses trained to provide high-quality patient care. 

The Appeal of Degree Apprenticeships 

There is a growing trend among students to choose degree apprenticeships over traditional degrees. This pathway allows them to avoid substantial tuition fees and student debt while gaining practical experience and earning a salary. As a result, employers have the opportunity to access ambitious, motivated individuals who are eager to start their careers sooner. By offering degree apprenticeships, you can attract the cream of the crop—talented individuals ready to contribute to your business from day one. 

From T Levels to Degree Apprenticeships 

We see a growing trend where employers begin by offering T Level student placements, which involve 315 hours of work experience annually, before progressing these students to degree apprenticeships. This approach allows employers to identify and nurture talent early, providing a seamless transition from education to full-time employment. It’s a strategy that ensures a steady pipeline of skilled workers and strengthens the bond between the employer and the apprentice. 

Speak To Us… 

Investing in degree apprenticeships is a strategic move that delivers long-term benefits for businesses. By securing new talent, upskilling existing employees, fostering a culture of learning, reducing recruitment costs, and making the most of government funding, you position your business for sustained success. We are committed to supporting businesses in unlocking their potential through our comprehensive T Level and Apprenticeship programmes. 

Discover how degree apprenticeships can transform your business. Learn more about our offerings here or give us a call at 01934 411594 or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk. 

Weston-Super-Mare came alive last week as the town hosted its second annual Black History Month Forum, bringing together community members, local businesses, and allies to celebrate, reflect, and engage in meaningful discussions. This year’s theme, Reclaiming Narratives, echoed throughout the event, as 13 speakers, half of whom were local, shared their insights and experiences with a packed room of over 130 attendees at Weston College Conference Centre. 

The forum was a space where the global majority and allies gathered to see themselves reflected, to learn, and to engage in deep discussions about identity, health, education, and anti-racism. Our speakers came from diverse backgrounds, representing heritage from countries like Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. The conversations were powerful, often challenging, but ultimately inspiring. From the rich tapestry of heritage to the sharp focus on issues affecting our communities today, this forum was about more than just celebration—it was about building bridges and understanding. 

Korede Adedoyin, who travelled from Essex on the day, took us on a journey through education, highlighting how we are often living decisions made for us long before we were born. Yet, as she reminded us, we hold the power to shape the future for the generations to come. Her call to action was felt deeply throughout the room. 

Chipo’s discussion on rest provided a powerful moment of reflection. After a first half filled with hard-hitting truths and intense discussions, Chipo, embodying the voice we all needed to hear, called out to everyone: Now rest. This powerful reminder reinforced the value of recuperation and taking time to care for ourselves. 

One of the key panels of the day was led by Louise, who facilitated a critical discussion on health and wellbeing. Vanessa, Sheridan, and Janneka joined her, with Vanessa captivating the audience with her passionate talk on health disparities and the unique challenges Black women face in the UK. Vanessa, a champion for Black women’s health, shared crucial data highlighting that our health experiences are not the same as others in this country. Her words sparked a rich discussion about the intersection of race and gender and why we must prioritise our health and wellbeing. 

The audience’s engagement was palpable during the Q&A sessions, where questions dug deep into the core of anti-racism as a humanitarian issue. One attendee asked about mending the broken trust between the Black community and the NHS, a conversation that many agreed was long overdue. Another question explored the power of narrative and the role of AI in shaping our health stories, leading to a vibrant discussion on decolonising archives and reclaiming our data and history. 

Kayode shared a particularly powerful story about his experience with discrimination in a hotel—a moment that left the room audibly gasping. His encounter was a stark reminder that anti-racism isn’t just about combating overt acts of racism; it’s about dismantling an ideology that affects all of us, including those within our own communities. 

One of the most beautiful aspects of the forum was the multi-generational attendance. Elders sat with open ears and hearts, listening intently to the conversations around them, while young children, as young as one, played, listened, and engaged in their own ways. Health and Social Care students helped create a welcoming space for the children, donating books and games with anti-discrimination themes, which created a nurturing environment for learning and play. These learners worked tirelessly as volunteers to serve their community, and the event simply could not have happened without their incredible support. 

Special thanks go to Weston College for providing the venue and Weston Health for their generous support. Our volunteers, particularly the media students led by their teachers, documented the event and engaged with the community, while the Health and Social Care students helped ensure that the children were well cared for. This event truly embodied the spirit of community, with the town of Weston-super-Mare coming together to support this important cause. 

We were also honoured to welcome the Mayor of Weston, who shared a few words of support, acknowledging the importance of this forum in bringing the community together and in promoting inclusivity. 

The overwhelming feedback from attendees was that they wanted more: more stories, more networking, and more tickets. The event sold out within weeks, leaving many people disappointed. Next year, we plan to host the forum at The Winter Gardens, with a capacity of 500—more than double this year’s venue. We’re already planning for it to be bigger, better, and even more impactful. 

This year’s event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including Weston College, Race Equality North Somerset, and Weston Health. Race Equality North Somerset played a key role in covering the expenses of bringing speakers from across the UK and ensuring reasonable adaptations for parents. The Global Majority Inclusion Group at Weston was instrumental in providing support throughout the event, and our Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. 

Weston-Super-Mare, we did it. And we’ll continue to do it—together. Here’s to next year’s forum, to reclaiming our narratives, and to celebrating Black excellence in all its forms.

Louise Hill-Davis