Creating brighter futures

Embarking on an apprenticeship journey can be both exciting and daunting. With countless questions swirling in your mind, guidance from our professionals can make all the difference. That's why we sat down with Sharna, a member of our excellent Apprenticeship Team, to glean some expert insights into the world of apprenticeships. 

1. How can I find apprenticeship vacancies?

You can find suitable apprenticeship vacancies on the “Find an Apprenticeship” service, through the government website. 

2. When can I apply for an apprenticeship, and do I apply for a vacancy or an apprenticeship role

You can apply for an apprenticeship when you find a suitable position, however, please be mindful of the start date as if you are currently at school/college, you will need to find an apprenticeship that starts after you have finished. You will apply for the qualification and the job role at the same time, this will all be stated in the vacancy when you apply. 

3. What qualifications or skills do employers generally look for in apprenticeship candidates? 

Employers are looking for you to have strong communication Skills, adaptability and flexibility, problem-solving skills, teamwork and collaboration and good time management. Employers generally look for you to have a 4/C grade or above in maths and English, when applying for apprenticeship positions, depending on the apprenticeship you are applying for, you may be required to have other qualifications. Grade requirements are stated on the apprenticeship vacancy when you apply. 

4. How do I write the most effective CV – can I access any support? 

The Apprenticeship Team can offer CV support to ensure it’s up to the best standard for when you apply for apprenticeships. Your CV should be tailored to the apprenticeship that you’re applying for, you should keep it to one to two pages, add your qualifications and work experience, use clear and consistent section headings, pick a professional font, and choose a suitable font size.  

5. What strategies can I use to stand out during the application process, whether that be in my CV, in interviews or assessment centres? 

Do your research, show your creativity, start by doing the job already and try and get some work experience, don’t underestimate transferable skills! 

6. What steps can I take to prepare for interviews or apprenticeship assessments? 

• Research the apprenticeship and the organisation.  
• Practice by doing a mock interview.  
• Check where and when the interview is.  
• Get to the interview early.  
• Dress appropriately and stay focused.  
• Ask questions if you don't understand. 

7. How important is networking in securing an apprenticeship, and what are some effective networking strategies? 

Networking is important to find out valuable information, job opportunities that are available and access careers advice. Attending as many events as you can such as, college open days, job fairs and careers days will give you a better chance of finding an apprenticeship. 

8. What support do you offer to apprenticeship candidates? 

We offer 1 to 1 IAG (information, advice and guidance, CV support, interview and assessment centre tips, application support and general apprenticeship advice. You can contact us on 01934 411 594, apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk, to access this. 

9. Is there anything else you would like to add? 

• Perseverance is key – don’t give up!  
• The average person will interview for x3 apprenticeships before finding the right one  
• Learn from rejection – ask for feedback – how did you do?  
• Set yourself some achievement goals  
• Be flexible – your starting point may lead you to your dream job 

Embarking on an apprenticeship journey is not merely about securing a job; it's about unlocking a world of opportunities for growth and development. With the right guidance and mindset, the path to your dream career becomes clearer than ever. 

If you’d like to see more about our apprenticeship opportunities, click here. 

This week the Governing Body of Weston College, announced Pat Jones as their new College Principal, to start in July 2024.

Pat is currently the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Finance at the Bedford College Group, with a wealth of curriculum and further and higher educational experience.

On hearing of her successful appointment Pat (pictured above) said, "I am delighted to be joining Weston College as their new principal and CEO at this exciting time. 

"Weston have achieved so much, and I look forward to leading the dedicated and talented team, building upon the many successes."

Andrew Leighton-Price Chair of Governors said "Pat has held a distinguished career in education of over 20 years, and is an innovative National Leader of Further Education (NFLE).

"More importantly she has the inclusive learning ethos that we champion so strongly here at Weston, with experience of working across all our learner groups.

"Combining this with her impressive financial acumen as a global management accountant, and strong background in community and employer partnerships, made Pat a very obvious choice, in what was already a strong field of candidates, from a diverse range of backgrounds.

"As a Board of Governors, we extend a very warm welcome for her to join us, and we are confident that Pat’s leadership can deliver the next chapter of growth, innovation and success for the College, in order to continue to create even brighter futures for our learners."

We had the privilege of hosting Lisa Phillips, Mark Vearncombe, Nick Denham and Matt Maynard from Bakers Dolphin Coaches, who delivered an enlightening presentation to our Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Full-Time Motor Vehicle learners. The session provided invaluable insights into the rich history and evolution of Bakers Dolphin, from its humble beginnings offering funeral services via horse and carriage in 1889 to its current stature as a leading coach operator business boasting a fleet of over 100 coaches. 

Bakers Dolphin Coaches, a renowned provider of services to schools, coach tours both domestically and internationally, as well as private hire, shared their journey of growth and adaptation with our students. The highlight of the presentation was the announcement of their forthcoming move to a new, purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility near the Food Works in Weston-Super-Mare. This relocation underscores their commitment to modernising and expanding their workshop operations, with plans for a 10-bay centre designed to accommodate their scaling needs. 

During the engaging session, the Bakers Dolphin team elucidated the diverse career opportunities available in PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) Service and Maintenance operations. Each learner received a comprehensive insight into the job role, complemented by a detailed explanation of the activities integral to the position. As a token of appreciation, the students were gifted goody bags containing a Bakers Dolphin PCV inspection/service report along with a tyre depth gauge, fostering practical learning experiences. 

Further enriching the experience, students were treated to an immersive tour of one of the coaches brought to the site, offering a firsthand glimpse into the operations and upkeep of these vehicles. Students displaying a keen interest were extended a special invitation to tour the current workshop facilities and offered the invaluable opportunity for a week-long work experience placement. This initiative aims to provide students with hands-on exposure, aiding them in making informed decisions about potential career paths within Bakers Dolphin, whether through direct employment or formal apprenticeship training. 

This guest visit forms part of the Motor Vehicle 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.   

To discover more about our Motor Vehicle courses, click here. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.