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ENGINEERING & GREEN SKILLS Job Vacancies

Find out how you can inspire the next generation of engineers. 

Are you an experienced engineer looking for a new challenge? Or maybe a recent graduate with a passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers? Either way, Weston College wants to hear from you! 

We offer a fully supported programme of training, including a funded teaching qualification, so you can take your expertise to the classroom and help shape the future of the engineering industry. 

Our engineering programmes teach students and apprentices aged 16+, and we welcome applications from candidates with knowledge and experience in a range of disciplines. Whether you're fully qualified or new to teaching, we encourage you to apply. 

Working with world-class employers like Rolls Royce, Airbus, and the Ministry of Defence, our study programmes offer career-boosting benefits to our learners, making sure they're career-ready. And as one of the largest training providers in the region, you'll be based in our state-of-the-art engineering facilities at South West Skills Campus. 

Join a like-minded team in a modern campus with a full salary, holiday, and generous pension package, plus free onsite car parking. And with programmes from level two to seven and bespoke CPD courses, this is the perfect opportunity to start your teaching career or take it to the next level. 

Apply now and find out how you can inspire the next generation of engineers at Weston College. 

Current vacancies

Currently there are no vacancies in this area, but if you'd like to be kept informed on when something else comes up in the future, register your interest below

Thinking of relocating?

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a better work-life balance by relocating near the coast. Discover the perfect blend of career opportunities and a serene coastal lifestyle to live your best life.

Find out what Weston-super- Mare has to offer here
  • Work with a highly motivated team of educators and professionals who are dedicated to providing an outstanding learning experience for students.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career progression, including support for obtaining a Level 4/5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent/higher level teaching qualification
  • Generous pension scheme and holiday entitlement, plus other benefits such as access to our fantastic Wellbeing@Weston support.
  • Join an award-winning organisation that has a proven track record of providing high-quality education and training to students.
  • Training opportunities for those new to teaching, including an extensive program of training to help you transition into a career in education.
  • Work in a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and encourages innovation and creativity.
  • Part time and full-time applications are welcome, to help you to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
  • Smaller class sizes.

We deliver qualifications and apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5, so you could be helping someone to start their engineering career or enabling them to develop degree level skills to secure a career enhancement or promotion.  

View our curriculum here: 

16–19-year-olds: Engineering and Green Skills | Weston College 

Adults: Courses for adults | Weston College 

Degree level: Engineering and Construction - University Centre Weston (ucw.ac.uk) 

 

Weston College is also the lead College for the West of England Institute of Technology where industry, education and research collaborate to design and deliver flexible, higher-level technical learning to equip people with the skills to fully participate in, and contribute to, economic growth driven by digital innovation and emerging technologies.​ 

Find out more: West of England Institute of Technology - Leading Technical Education (weiot.ac.uk) 

If you have a disability, neurodivergence, or a condition that may impact your performance during our selection process, we are happy to accommodate your needs. You will have the opportunity to inform us of any necessary adjustments throughout the application and selection process. As an employee, we will continue to discuss and work with you to ensure you have the necessary accommodations to succeed in your role. 

Some examples of possible adjustments include: 

  • Allowing extra time for online assessments 
  • Providing alternative accessible formats 
  • Sharing interview questions beforehand 
  • Offering additional information about what to expect 
  • Providing an office orientation before an in-person assessment. 

If you have any questions about the adjustments process at Weston College, please contact hr@weston.ac.uk

Want to ask a question ahead of applying? Click here to book a phone call with a member of the team

RECENT NEWS STORIES

Engineer welding metal

<p>Weston College is delighted to announce its partnership with <a href="https://rotamec.com/">Rotamec</a&gt; as a Career Excellence Hub endorser for engineering, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities for its learners.</p>

<p>Through this partnership, Rotamec will play a pivotal role in co-designing the engineering training provision, creating an inspiring learning experience, and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the business and wider industry.</p>

<p>Paul Pearce, Sales &amp; Operations Director of Rotamec, said: "Our partnership with Weston College is paramount to the continued success, growth and sustainability of our engineering business. We work closely with Weston College at every juncture, ensuring we provide the best learning opportunities and facilities for all students. Our shared vision is to create an environment where students can learn, develop and enhance our core engineering skills, securing the future of our industry."</p>

<p>Andrew Webster, Education Sector Manager – Further Education &amp; Skills at The Careers &amp; Enterprise Company, said: “The team at Weston College don’t just work on one off projects about careers and the world of work, they work strategically, embedding information and examples about careers into so much of what they do. All of this means their young people are as well prepared as possible to take on the future.”</p>

<p>Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added: “At Weston College, our mission statement is ‘creating brighter futures’ and we passionately believe in helping all our students reach their ultimate goal, focussing on their future employability and developing the skills they will need to have a successful career.</p>

<p>“The partnership between Weston College and Rotamec signifies a shared vision for developing a highly skilled workforce that can drive businesses and industries forward. By providing learners with access to industry-specific training and work experience opportunities, this collaboration will nurture a pool of talented individuals ready to contribute to the success and growth of the engineering industry.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/FutureTalentBusinessPartner?utm_source=main-me… out more about Career Excellence Hubs, by clicking here. </a></p>

Bede standing in front of airplane at Airbus

<p>Bede is a 3rd year <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">Engi… Degree Apprentice</a> working at <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en">Airbus</a&gt;. Bede has shared his experience of being Neurodivergent:<img alt="Bede next to airplane at airbus" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33df2ecf-2516-423f-ab2b-7bbf497c411c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/bede%20smaller_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>"Imagine walking into a shop and every item is blank. Packets, jars and boxes, unbranded and unidentifiable. It would be so hard to understand what you wanted to buy. Labels are often useful to identify and choose what we want, to be selective. But this can be flipped – they can also be used to single people out, to shame or discriminate – this is why I did not want labels at the start of my diagnosis journey.</p>

<p>At the age of 11 I was diagnosed with dyslexia, privately because the school I was at sadly deemed me not ‘dumb’ enough for a test. My dad is severely dyslexic and sometimes reading his text messages is a real mental work out – the phonetic spellings often so far from reality they make you laugh. So as I entered secondary school with a diagnosis and it was a positive neurodiversity (ND) support experience.</p>

<p>I was provided with regular support and lessons on the skills I needed to succeed in a neurotypical world. I think the thing it compounded most in my head was the feeling I was being ‘fixed’. Although no one explicitly told me this was the case, the world we live in orientates around the medical model of disability – the idea you have a ‘problem’ to be fixed.</p>

<p>By the end of the struggle and gruel that was school, I had some of the toughest years of my life - I was struggling mentally and felt lost about what was ahead. I had a place in university that I ended up dropping out of after three weeks. People laughed at me, because let’s be honest, who gives up the chance to study at Cambridge? I was unhappy and needed help to live my life better but I was too scared of labels which put me off of wanting to find the problem.</p>

<p>I wanted to be ‘normal’ and I did not want to feel like a burden or a list of forever stretching ‘problems’.</p>

<p>It took me a couple of years to work out what to do, a pandemic nearly sank all of my plans but by the end of 2020 I was in Bristol and starting the next stage of my life. Education is not built for me, or more generally it is not built for ND people. But I knew I needed a degree to progress to where I wanted to be in engineering, hence the Airbus apprenticeship scheme was ideal. It provided a balance between the work I loved and the difficulties of education.</p>

<p>Fast forward a couple more years and I received an email about the Neurodiversity Community in Airbus. To set the scene, it was August 2022. I was nearly two years into my engineering apprenticeship and struggling. I had split up with my long-term partner, started therapy once a week again and grown apart from old friends. I was in a place where I didn’t understand how to proceed in life without the risk of destroying everything I had built.</p>

<p>As with many things in my life, I threw myself headfirst into the community. It felt like something positive, mentally and emotionally. Each meeting felt as if I was helping not just myself but those around me. The sharing of employee’s struggles and stories around their ND drove me forward to be proud of my ND instead of hiding it or trying to fix it.</p>

<p>I think the biggest change for me was gaining an understanding of the different ways to view disability. Society taught me to see disability by the medical model, but instead the social model lets us view people as being disabled by barriers in society, not by the ‘problems’ that society sees in them.</p>

<p>I wanted to be ‘normal’ and I did not want to feel like a burden or a list of forever stretching ‘problems’.</p>

<p>It took me a couple of years to work out what to do, a pandemic nearly sank all of my plans but by the end of 2020 I was in Bristol and starting the next stage of my life. Education is not built for me, or more generally it is not built for ND people. But I knew I needed a degree to progress to where I wanted to be in engineering, hence the Airbus apprenticeship scheme was ideal. It provided a balance between the work I loved and the difficulties of education.</p>

<p>Fast forward a couple more years and I received an email about the Neurodiversity Community in Airbus. To set the scene, it was August 2022. I was nearly two years into my engineering apprenticeship and struggling. I had split up with my long-term partner, started therapy once a week again and grown apart from old friends. I was in a place where I didn’t understand how to proceed in life without the risk of destroying everything I had built.</p>

<p>As with many things in my life, I threw myself headfirst into the community. It felt like something positive, mentally and emotionally. Each meeting felt as if I was helping not just myself but those around me. The sharing of employee’s struggles and stories around their ND drove me forward to be proud of my ND instead of hiding it or trying to fix it.</p>

<p>I think the biggest change for me was gaining an understanding of the different ways to view disability. Society taught me to see disability by the medical model, but instead the social model lets us view people as being disabled by barriers in society, not by the ‘problems’ that society sees in them.</p>

<p>I faced a wake up call. I received a behavioural warning from my Early Careers managers near the end of 2022 from a three day training course we were sent on. I remember the three days well – it felt like school again – impossible to listen and to focus. It was somewhere I wanted to escape from as quickly as possible. As a result I was regrettably disrespectful. All the evidence I could see and feel in my life was pointing me towards ADHD. There were several champions in the community who would share common ADHD struggles – I felt them . There were members in the chat that would share common ADHD behaviours – I felt them. There were champions and members who shared their diagnosis stories. I listened, learned and felt understood.</p>

<p>I want to say that 2023 is going to be a good year. However, to be honest, it has been tough. The days I have felt overwhelmed and burnt out are more common than the days without. I have often felt excluded and actively struggle with this time of year. The weather, the cold, the dark and the rain makes me lack energy and happiness.</p>

<p>All this mental pressure has meant getting an answer from my ADHD diagnosis could not come quickly enough. I felt like I could self-diagnose, but the irrational doubt in my brain wouldn’t let me. Without the ability to label myself as ADHD, it means I often fail to be kind to myself when I experience common negative ADHD symptoms. I was able to ‘own’ and forgive my difficulties from dyslexia – “ah you have lots to read … give yourself breaks … take it easy”. But I struggled to own my feelings about being hypersensitive to bright lights or loud noises. Or feeling like I could never follow the time. Or understanding why I felt burnt out after any of my successful productive days. Or feeling demoralised when I hadn’t been able to focus at all.</p>

<p>I can now confidently say I have ADHD. My diagnosis is finished, I have combined impulsive, inattentive and hyperactive ADHD and my doubt in my NDs is gone (well I have been recommended an Autism diagnosis - which was expected…!).</p>

<p>How do I move forward with this? I’m not sure - this is just the start of my journey. However now I can explore the world of ADHD research, tips, tricks and even medication without the reluctant thought of ‘does this apply to me’.</p>

<p>I still struggle with labels but I have recognised just like in the shop we need labels sometimes to understand how to proceed. The controversial nature of labels is something felt by many and is explored by the amazing Genius Within here: https://geniuswithin.org/labelling-neurodiversity/</p&gt;

<p>This year I want to continue to focus on building the community that has supported me so much. Sharing thoughts, troubles or successes helps celebrate positives and is a powerful encouragement through struggles. The warmth from people listening and sharing in a safe space is remarkable and transformative. There are many people inside Airbus and external who I have to thank for my progress. I think it is always important to remember that you are never alone, we have an amazing community here in Airbus, and many supportive employees."</p>

<p>One of Bede's lecturers here at Weston College, told us:</p>

<p>"I was Bede’s lecturer in Dynamics Modelling and Simulation. This involved Programming and Mathematical Simulation of Engineering Problems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was one of the best students and a real talent in programming.</p>

<p>Although undiagnosed at that time, I believe his ADHD played a significant role in his programming skills, problem solving and thinking out of the box abilities.</p>

<p>He never asked for support due to learning difficulties, but on several occasions, he was messaging me to share a ‘’crazy idea’’, as he used to say, usually in regards with some really challenging problem I had set to just a few of his cohort.&nbsp;A very bright mind indeed!"</p>

Georgia stood in front of engine, smiling

<p>Weston College has launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust.</p><p>The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College.</p><p>The scholarship was introduced to honour the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water.</p><p>Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer.</p><p>The first scholarship has been awarded to degree apprentice, Georgia, who impressed judges in her application, with her love of engineering and desire to succeed.</p><p>Georgia said of the scholarship: “I was so happy when I found out that I had been awarded the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust Scholarship.</p><p>“The scholarship will support my education and help me to buy textbooks for my course in aerospace engineering. I will also put some of the scholarship money towards buying a laptop to help make better notes in my lectures so that I am well organised, and I would like to buy a Raspberry Pi to practice coding and further my knowledge of Python.”</p><p>Georgia went on to add some information about her apprenticeship: “I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, as I have been able to meet apprentices from other companies as well as learning important skills about engineering and sustainability.</p><p>“I have enjoyed learning about different materials, their testing and application to different aircraft parts.</p><p>“When I complete my degree apprenticeship, I would like to further this understanding and research into material properties and look at cost effective and sustainable solutions to use in the aerospace industry.”</p><p>Jo Philpott, Vice Principal at Weston College, said: “Luke was a fantastic learner, and we really wanted to support other apprentices starting their journey into the engineering industry, in his honour.</p><p>“After receiving lots of applications, we are thrilled to offer the very first scholarship to Georgia, who is an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence.</p><p>“This scholarship will help Georgia’s development by paying for new equipment and also assisting with travelling.</p><p>“We are excited to see how this assists Georgia on her engineering journey.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… can find out more about apprenticeships in engineering at Weston College, by clicking here.</a></p>

OUR ENGINEERING STAFF STORIES

@westoncollege "I always wanted to work at Weston College because it seems like a really big family here!" Electrical Lecturer, Letitia, shares her highlights of her role! #westoncollege #recruitment #staffstories ♬ Happy Up Beat (Medium) - TimTaj

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THE COLLEGE

Over recent years, the College has gone from strength to strength, proving to be one of the top education providers in the country.

The College has also been featured in the ‘Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For’ list and the top-ranked college nationally.


Furthermore, the College holds the highest possible Investors in People ‘Platinum accreditation, which demonstrates our commitment to continually invest in our staff to achieve their full potential.

Our higher education provision University Centre Weston is graded ‘Gold’ by TEF, putting us amongst the top universities in the UK, and in 2018 we received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.

All establishment staff at Weston College are entitled to a minimum of 30 days plus statutory bank holidays per year (allocated on a pro rata basis for part time staff).

All staff are automatically entered into a pension scheme relevant to their role with generous employer contributions.

Business support staff are automatically entered into the Local Government Pension Scheme, provided by the Avon Pension Fund.

Teaching staff are automatically entered into the Teacher’s Pension Scheme, a contributory scheme administered by Teachers’ Pensions on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

We provide an excellent programme of staff development and CPD opportunities to all staff through internal development courses and training or through programmes such as LinkedIn Learning.

Not JUST available to students, college staff are also eligible to purchase a student discount card through Totum.

As well as access to the college’s in house student-led training restaurant, staff members also receive a 10% discount at The Green House coffee shop.

All employees of Weston College, are able to benefit from a free subscription to Microsoft 365 whilst employed by the College.

All staff are eligible for the Discount for Teachers scheme offering a wide range of discounts across all sectors.

Throughout the year, staff will also be notified about exclusive deals and discounts for local tourist attractions or businesses.

‍The health and wellbeing of our staff is very important, so as well as an excellent Occupational Health referral system, the College offers the following to all staff:

• Health Assured EAP Scheme (Employee Assistance Programme). This health programme is available to all staff. The service provides free and confidential support that is available 24 hours a day.

• A dedicated Staff Welfare Officer.

• Eyesight tests - The College will contribute towards the cost of your eye examination and up to £40 towards the cost of glasses, if it is deemed necessary for your role.

• College Fitness Suite - All staff have access to the fully equipped, sport and fitness centre on the 7th floor of the Knightstone Campus. There are no membership fees involved, however a full gym induction must be completed.

• Hair, beauty and relaxation treatments - Discounts are available to all staff across the College on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments including hair cuts and colours, massage and manicures. The treatments are carried out by our Weston College students under the close supervision of the highly qualified hair and beauty lecturers.

We recognise that many of our staff have responsibilities for family or dependants and operate a number of initiatives to help colleagues balance these responsibilities with work.

The College has a number of schemes that cover the following family circumstances:

• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Adoption leave
• Parental leave
• Dependant's leave
• Fertility treatment leave.

We are happy to consider requests for flexible working in line with the Flexible Working Policy.

We recognise that many of our staff have responsibilities for family or dependants and operate a number of initiatives to help colleagues balance these responsibilities with work.

The College has a number of schemes that cover the following family circumstances:

• Maternity leave

• Paternity leave

• Adoption leave

• Parental leave

• Dependant's leave

• Fertility treatment leave.

We are happy to consider requests for flexible working in line with the Flexible Working Policy.

EXPLORE OUR GREAT FACILITIES

You will support learners using state-of-the-art facilities, workshops and laboratories enabling a range of operations, including: 

  • Aerospace, including tornado jet engine with subsonic wind tunnel 
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics 
  • Electronics 
  • Material analysis and deformation 
  • Milling, turning and CNC 
  • Composites 
  • Welding 
  • Fabrication  

View 360 tours here: 

Engineering workshop Engineering classroom

OUR ENGINEERING STAFF STORIES

paul simon

Paul

I have many days which leave me full of pride from a technical stance where the knowledge and skills developed by learners reach outstanding levels but without any doubt, my favourite part is being integral to learners developing their behaviours and their character as individuals.

Workshop Manager

READ MORE

OUR PARTNERS

roles royce logo
airbus logo
national composite center logo
GKN aerospace logo
ministry of defence logo
MBDA missile systems logo
wessex water logo

One Message, Different Voices

Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

VIDEOS

MBDA talk about the importance of apprenticeships for their business

Ministry of Defence tell us how working with Weston College has benefitted their business

Halo workplace logo

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 employee's ability to succeed.

FAQ's

Yes – you will be placed on Weston College’s internal teacher training programme or the Education Training Foundation’s ‘Taking Teaching Further’ programme. This will include undertaking a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (or equivalent/higher level teaching qualification).

Yes – we would still encourage applicants to apply. Candidates can organise a virtual discussion with one of our team to discuss further. Please find the booking link above.

Yes – Weston College actively promotes staff to maintain industry currency and/or membership. The College provides an extensive CPD programme whilst supporting staff to engage with industry-specific training.

Engineer welding metal

<p>Weston College is delighted to announce its partnership with <a href="https://rotamec.com/">Rotamec</a&gt; as a Career Excellence Hub endorser for engineering, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities for its learners.</p>

<p>Through this partnership, Rotamec will play a pivotal role in co-designing the engineering training provision, creating an inspiring learning experience, and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the business and wider industry.</p>

<p>Paul Pearce, Sales &amp; Operations Director of Rotamec, said: "Our partnership with Weston College is paramount to the continued success, growth and sustainability of our engineering business. We work closely with Weston College at every juncture, ensuring we provide the best learning opportunities and facilities for all students. Our shared vision is to create an environment where students can learn, develop and enhance our core engineering skills, securing the future of our industry."</p>

<p>Andrew Webster, Education Sector Manager – Further Education &amp; Skills at The Careers &amp; Enterprise Company, said: “The team at Weston College don’t just work on one off projects about careers and the world of work, they work strategically, embedding information and examples about careers into so much of what they do. All of this means their young people are as well prepared as possible to take on the future.”</p>

<p>Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added: “At Weston College, our mission statement is ‘creating brighter futures’ and we passionately believe in helping all our students reach their ultimate goal, focussing on their future employability and developing the skills they will need to have a successful career.</p>

<p>“The partnership between Weston College and Rotamec signifies a shared vision for developing a highly skilled workforce that can drive businesses and industries forward. By providing learners with access to industry-specific training and work experience opportunities, this collaboration will nurture a pool of talented individuals ready to contribute to the success and growth of the engineering industry.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/FutureTalentBusinessPartner?utm_source=main-me… out more about Career Excellence Hubs, by clicking here. </a></p>

Bede standing in front of airplane at Airbus

<p>Bede is a 3rd year <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/engineering-degree-apprenticeships/">Engi… Degree Apprentice</a> working at <a href="https://www.airbus.com/en">Airbus</a&gt;. Bede has shared his experience of being Neurodivergent:<img alt="Bede next to airplane at airbus" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33df2ecf-2516-423f-ab2b-7bbf497c411c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/bede%20smaller_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>"Imagine walking into a shop and every item is blank. Packets, jars and boxes, unbranded and unidentifiable. It would be so hard to understand what you wanted to buy. Labels are often useful to identify and choose what we want, to be selective. But this can be flipped – they can also be used to single people out, to shame or discriminate – this is why I did not want labels at the start of my diagnosis journey.</p>

<p>At the age of 11 I was diagnosed with dyslexia, privately because the school I was at sadly deemed me not ‘dumb’ enough for a test. My dad is severely dyslexic and sometimes reading his text messages is a real mental work out – the phonetic spellings often so far from reality they make you laugh. So as I entered secondary school with a diagnosis and it was a positive neurodiversity (ND) support experience.</p>

<p>I was provided with regular support and lessons on the skills I needed to succeed in a neurotypical world. I think the thing it compounded most in my head was the feeling I was being ‘fixed’. Although no one explicitly told me this was the case, the world we live in orientates around the medical model of disability – the idea you have a ‘problem’ to be fixed.</p>

<p>By the end of the struggle and gruel that was school, I had some of the toughest years of my life - I was struggling mentally and felt lost about what was ahead. I had a place in university that I ended up dropping out of after three weeks. People laughed at me, because let’s be honest, who gives up the chance to study at Cambridge? I was unhappy and needed help to live my life better but I was too scared of labels which put me off of wanting to find the problem.</p>

<p>I wanted to be ‘normal’ and I did not want to feel like a burden or a list of forever stretching ‘problems’.</p>

<p>It took me a couple of years to work out what to do, a pandemic nearly sank all of my plans but by the end of 2020 I was in Bristol and starting the next stage of my life. Education is not built for me, or more generally it is not built for ND people. But I knew I needed a degree to progress to where I wanted to be in engineering, hence the Airbus apprenticeship scheme was ideal. It provided a balance between the work I loved and the difficulties of education.</p>

<p>Fast forward a couple more years and I received an email about the Neurodiversity Community in Airbus. To set the scene, it was August 2022. I was nearly two years into my engineering apprenticeship and struggling. I had split up with my long-term partner, started therapy once a week again and grown apart from old friends. I was in a place where I didn’t understand how to proceed in life without the risk of destroying everything I had built.</p>

<p>As with many things in my life, I threw myself headfirst into the community. It felt like something positive, mentally and emotionally. Each meeting felt as if I was helping not just myself but those around me. The sharing of employee’s struggles and stories around their ND drove me forward to be proud of my ND instead of hiding it or trying to fix it.</p>

<p>I think the biggest change for me was gaining an understanding of the different ways to view disability. Society taught me to see disability by the medical model, but instead the social model lets us view people as being disabled by barriers in society, not by the ‘problems’ that society sees in them.</p>

<p>I wanted to be ‘normal’ and I did not want to feel like a burden or a list of forever stretching ‘problems’.</p>

<p>It took me a couple of years to work out what to do, a pandemic nearly sank all of my plans but by the end of 2020 I was in Bristol and starting the next stage of my life. Education is not built for me, or more generally it is not built for ND people. But I knew I needed a degree to progress to where I wanted to be in engineering, hence the Airbus apprenticeship scheme was ideal. It provided a balance between the work I loved and the difficulties of education.</p>

<p>Fast forward a couple more years and I received an email about the Neurodiversity Community in Airbus. To set the scene, it was August 2022. I was nearly two years into my engineering apprenticeship and struggling. I had split up with my long-term partner, started therapy once a week again and grown apart from old friends. I was in a place where I didn’t understand how to proceed in life without the risk of destroying everything I had built.</p>

<p>As with many things in my life, I threw myself headfirst into the community. It felt like something positive, mentally and emotionally. Each meeting felt as if I was helping not just myself but those around me. The sharing of employee’s struggles and stories around their ND drove me forward to be proud of my ND instead of hiding it or trying to fix it.</p>

<p>I think the biggest change for me was gaining an understanding of the different ways to view disability. Society taught me to see disability by the medical model, but instead the social model lets us view people as being disabled by barriers in society, not by the ‘problems’ that society sees in them.</p>

<p>I faced a wake up call. I received a behavioural warning from my Early Careers managers near the end of 2022 from a three day training course we were sent on. I remember the three days well – it felt like school again – impossible to listen and to focus. It was somewhere I wanted to escape from as quickly as possible. As a result I was regrettably disrespectful. All the evidence I could see and feel in my life was pointing me towards ADHD. There were several champions in the community who would share common ADHD struggles – I felt them . There were members in the chat that would share common ADHD behaviours – I felt them. There were champions and members who shared their diagnosis stories. I listened, learned and felt understood.</p>

<p>I want to say that 2023 is going to be a good year. However, to be honest, it has been tough. The days I have felt overwhelmed and burnt out are more common than the days without. I have often felt excluded and actively struggle with this time of year. The weather, the cold, the dark and the rain makes me lack energy and happiness.</p>

<p>All this mental pressure has meant getting an answer from my ADHD diagnosis could not come quickly enough. I felt like I could self-diagnose, but the irrational doubt in my brain wouldn’t let me. Without the ability to label myself as ADHD, it means I often fail to be kind to myself when I experience common negative ADHD symptoms. I was able to ‘own’ and forgive my difficulties from dyslexia – “ah you have lots to read … give yourself breaks … take it easy”. But I struggled to own my feelings about being hypersensitive to bright lights or loud noises. Or feeling like I could never follow the time. Or understanding why I felt burnt out after any of my successful productive days. Or feeling demoralised when I hadn’t been able to focus at all.</p>

<p>I can now confidently say I have ADHD. My diagnosis is finished, I have combined impulsive, inattentive and hyperactive ADHD and my doubt in my NDs is gone (well I have been recommended an Autism diagnosis - which was expected…!).</p>

<p>How do I move forward with this? I’m not sure - this is just the start of my journey. However now I can explore the world of ADHD research, tips, tricks and even medication without the reluctant thought of ‘does this apply to me’.</p>

<p>I still struggle with labels but I have recognised just like in the shop we need labels sometimes to understand how to proceed. The controversial nature of labels is something felt by many and is explored by the amazing Genius Within here: https://geniuswithin.org/labelling-neurodiversity/</p&gt;

<p>This year I want to continue to focus on building the community that has supported me so much. Sharing thoughts, troubles or successes helps celebrate positives and is a powerful encouragement through struggles. The warmth from people listening and sharing in a safe space is remarkable and transformative. There are many people inside Airbus and external who I have to thank for my progress. I think it is always important to remember that you are never alone, we have an amazing community here in Airbus, and many supportive employees."</p>

<p>One of Bede's lecturers here at Weston College, told us:</p>

<p>"I was Bede’s lecturer in Dynamics Modelling and Simulation. This involved Programming and Mathematical Simulation of Engineering Problems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was one of the best students and a real talent in programming.</p>

<p>Although undiagnosed at that time, I believe his ADHD played a significant role in his programming skills, problem solving and thinking out of the box abilities.</p>

<p>He never asked for support due to learning difficulties, but on several occasions, he was messaging me to share a ‘’crazy idea’’, as he used to say, usually in regards with some really challenging problem I had set to just a few of his cohort.&nbsp;A very bright mind indeed!"</p>

Georgia stood in front of engine, smiling

<p>Weston College has launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust.</p><p>The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College.</p><p>The scholarship was introduced to honour the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water.</p><p>Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer.</p><p>The first scholarship has been awarded to degree apprentice, Georgia, who impressed judges in her application, with her love of engineering and desire to succeed.</p><p>Georgia said of the scholarship: “I was so happy when I found out that I had been awarded the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust Scholarship.</p><p>“The scholarship will support my education and help me to buy textbooks for my course in aerospace engineering. I will also put some of the scholarship money towards buying a laptop to help make better notes in my lectures so that I am well organised, and I would like to buy a Raspberry Pi to practice coding and further my knowledge of Python.”</p><p>Georgia went on to add some information about her apprenticeship: “I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, as I have been able to meet apprentices from other companies as well as learning important skills about engineering and sustainability.</p><p>“I have enjoyed learning about different materials, their testing and application to different aircraft parts.</p><p>“When I complete my degree apprenticeship, I would like to further this understanding and research into material properties and look at cost effective and sustainable solutions to use in the aerospace industry.”</p><p>Jo Philpott, Vice Principal at Weston College, said: “Luke was a fantastic learner, and we really wanted to support other apprentices starting their journey into the engineering industry, in his honour.</p><p>“After receiving lots of applications, we are thrilled to offer the very first scholarship to Georgia, who is an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence.</p><p>“This scholarship will help Georgia’s development by paying for new equipment and also assisting with travelling.</p><p>“We are excited to see how this assists Georgia on her engineering journey.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… can find out more about apprenticeships in engineering at Weston College, by clicking here.</a></p>

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One Message, Different Voices

Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

paul simon

Paul

I have many days which leave me full of pride from a technical stance where the knowledge and skills developed by learners reach outstanding levels but without any doubt, my favourite part is being integral to learners developing their behaviours and their character as individuals.

Workshop Manager

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Queen’s Anniversary logo
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