Creating brighter futures

Our level 2 and level 3 Public Services learners recently had the amazing opportunity to visit HMS Raleigh!  

HMS Raleigh is a Royal Navy training establishment in Torpoint near Plymouth, comprising of over 239 acres of land. This site is where ratings from all branches of the Royal Navy receive their 10-week Initial Naval Training, making this the perfect place for students to visit to find out more about Navy life.  

A wide range of training is provided by the site including the Military Training Unit, the Board and Search Training School, the Royal Navy Submarine School, the Royal Navy School of Seamanship, and the School of Maritime Survival. Training is provided to as many as 2200 people on the site!  

Our students were introduced to the fitness requirements required for the Royal Navy with exercises performed in the onsite gymnasium. Fitness instructors demonstrated the strict training regimes that recruits go through, emphasising the importance of staying in peak physical condition. 

Students were also given an introduction to the Submarine Service. They gained insights into the advanced technology and complex operations that submariners experience. The Royal Navy personnel shared their experiences, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and attention to detail, which are crucial in submarine missions. 

Finally, students had the chance to see a demonstration of the firefighting specialisation at the base. They witnessed the courage and precision required to combat onboard blazes in naval vessels. Royal Navy instructors showcased their firefighting skills and the specialized equipment used during emergencies at sea. 

Student Honey said “the fire fighting demo was exhilarating. The whole day opened my eyes to the Royal Navy." 

This trip forms part of the Public Services 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.

To find out more about public services courses, click here.

Makaton tutor, Ali, recently spent the afternoon delivering an ‘Introduction to Makaton’ workshop to Health & Social Care learners and staff. For learners looking to go into a career in the Health & Social Care industry, the ability to communicate effectively is not merely an advantage but a necessity in providing the best possible care and support for clients and patients. 

During the training, participants learned the core principles and elements of Makaton, including basic signs and symbols. Ali seamlessly integrated practical exercises and role-playing scenarios into the session, enabling attendees to put their newfound knowledge into practice immediately. This hands-on approach not only made the learning experience engaging but also helped cement the understanding of Makaton's application in real-life situations. 

The feedback from the learners was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand their communication skills and a newfound enthusiasm for incorporating Makaton into their daily routines. Participants eagerly embraced the chance to receive a certificate for attending Ali's training session, acknowledging the commitment they made to improving their communication skills. 

Lecturer, Louise, shared her appreciation for Ali's dedication and passion. She stated, "Thank you, Ali, for your dedication and passion. You have left a lasting impact on our learners, and I am confident that you will continue to inspire and empower others wherever you go." Louise's sentiments perfectly capture the sentiment of everyone who had the privilege of attending Ali's Introduction to Makaton. 

This  guest speaker forms part of the Health and Social Care Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches.

Collaboration with industry professionals like Ali is undoubtedly crucial for students and professionals in the fields of Health & Social Care. These partnerships bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the multifaceted challenges they will face in their future roles. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and social care, effective communication is paramount, and Ali's Introduction to Makaton has proven to be a valuable step in the right direction. 

Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. 

We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. 

In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employees ability to succeed. 

Notes: 

1. Race-based hair discrimination is illegal under the Equalities Act 2010. Workplaces have the right to enforce a dress code as long as it is fair and does not unduly discriminate against any staff. Policies and practices that prohibit hairstyles which are primarily used to maintain Afro-textured hair can lead to indirect discrimination. 
2. The Halo Code focuses on hair textures and styles most commonly associated with the Black community. The term Black has historically been used as a racial and political label. Here, we use it to refer to members of the African diaspora, including those with mixed heritage, who as a result of their ancestry have Afro-textured hair. 
3. The Halo Code is a gender neutral policy. 
4. In order to embody the sprit of The Halo Code, all staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with different Afro-textured hairstyles and their cultural significance, and to avoid labelling Afro-textured hair with terms such as messy, unprofessional, or inappropriate. 
5. The Halo Code does not prevent workplaces from issuing additional guidance around Afro-texture hair and protective styles if applied consistently across all students and staff, including: 
6. That head wraps and scarves should reflect other elements of the uniform code such as the school’s colours. 
7. That hair be tied up for health and safety reasons, such as during sports, science labs, or to avoid trip hazards. 
8. That hair colour is reflective of wider school uniform policy. 

About the Halo Collective: 

We are an alliance of organisations and individuals working to create a future without hair discrimination, founded by young Black organisers from The Advocacy Academy. 

Race-based hair discrimination has been illegal in the UK since the the Equalities Act became law in 2010, and yet it still happens all the time. 

For too long, Black people have been told that our hair textures and hairstyles are inappropriate, unattractive, and unprofessional. We’ve been suspended from school, held back in our careers, and made to feel inferior by racist policies and attitudes. 

Together, we are fighting for the protection and celebration of Black hair and hairstyles.