In a heart-warming celebration of cultural diversity and language acquisition, Weston College’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners gathered together for a momentous event that showcased their incredible progress.

With a blend of excitement, camaraderie, and delicious food, the event proved to be a resounding success.

The highlight of the occasion was an exciting quiz, where competitiveness was high!

Laughter and friendly competition filled the air as teams passionately debated answers and cheered each other on.

The event was more than just a quiz; it was a celebration of the learners' personal triumphs. Each participant had overcome language barriers and pushed themselves to expand their linguistic skills. Their dedication, resilience, and commitment to learning were honoured and applauded throughout the day.

Sam Wilson, Head of ESOL at Weston College, said: “We have had a fantastic year, where we have seen learners progress superbly. We wanted to recognise their hard work, and celebrate with something fun that connected all of the learners together.

“The event showcased the power of education, cultural diversity, and unity. It highlighted the immense progress these learners had made in their English language skills while embracing the beauty of their diverse backgrounds. With each passing event, the ESOL learners continue to inspire and remind us all that language is not merely a means of communication, but a bridge that connects us all.”

If you would like to find out more about our ESOL courses, click here.

June 23rd marks an important day on the calendar for the engineering community and beyond – International Women in Engineering Day. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the contributions, achievements, and ongoing challenges faced by women in the field of engineering. It is a day to recognise and celebrate the remarkable women who have shattered glass ceilings and challenged stereotypes, while also highlighting the ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the engineering profession.

Engineering has long been considered a male-dominated field, with women historically underrepresented in various engineering disciplines. However, at Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW), we are making conscious efforts to give the support and encouragement needed for women to pursue their dream career in the Engineering industry. This support has been in the form of scholarships, job opportunities and apprenticeships, encouraging women to break down the barriers and have a successful career in the industry.

One of the most significant challenges faced by women in engineering is the gender imbalance within the field. According to recent data from EngineeringUK, women make up only 16.5% of engineers in the UK. This disparity can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including societal stereotypes, lack of representation, unconscious bias, and systemic barriers. Women in Engineering Day serves as a platform to address these issues and advocate for change. By showcasing the accomplishments of women engineers and highlighting their stories, we can inspire more young women to consider engineering as a viable and rewarding career path.

Georgia was recently awarded a new Engineering and Green Skills scholarship, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, who impressed judges in her application with her love of engineering and desire to succeed.

When catching up with Georgia about the scholarship, she said: “I was so happy when I found out that I had been awarded the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust Scholarship.

“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.

“I have enjoyed learning about different materials, their testing and application to different aircraft parts.

“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.”

Another successful female engineer from within the college is Chloe, who’s job role is Engineering Assessor.

Chloe told us: “I was looking for an opportunity to develop my career in this direction when a perfect job came up at the college. This involved having more time directly influencing and developing up-and-coming engineers on their apprenticeships in a range of technical skills, within an often diverse and challenging environment.”

In recent years, efforts to increase gender diversity in engineering have gained momentum. The West of England Institute of Technology, for example, are 500% ahead of target in female learner numbers. By fostering an inclusive environment and breaking down barriers, these initiatives are helping to create a more diverse and vibrant engineering community.

While progress has undoubtedly been made, there is still work to be done. Women continue to face challenges such as unconscious bias, lack of representation in leadership positions, and the persistence of gender stereotypes. Recognising these obstacles and actively working to overcome them is crucial for achieving true gender parity in engineering. By embracing diversity, fostering an inclusive culture, and providing equal opportunities, we can harness the collective talents and perspectives of all individuals, irrespective of gender.

On International Women in Engineering Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women engineers, past and present, and acknowledge the incredible contributions they have made to society. It is a day to honour their resilience, brilliance, and innovation. But it is also a reminder that our efforts must extend beyond a single day. We must continue to advocate for equal opportunities, challenge gender biases, and support aspiring women engineers. By doing so, we can build a future where engineering is truly a field that embraces and empowers individuals of all genders.

Find out more about our engineering courses, by clicking here.

Weston-super-Mare's prestigious Winter Gardens venue played host to the highly anticipated Weston College Business Awards last night.

The event brought together 250 distinguished guests for an inspiring celebration of learners and local employers who have worked closely with the college to offer work-placed opportunities to people taking their first steps in their career.

The Winter Gardens was transformed into a hub of excitement and anticipation as attendees, including prominent figures from the local business community, educators, and local dignitaries, gathered to honour the outstanding achievements and commitment of individuals and businesses alike.

The attendees were treated to a motivational speech by Paralympic Gold medallist, Andy Lewis. His remarkable journey as an athlete and unwavering determination left a lasting impact on the audience.

Principal and CEO of Weston College Group, Sir Paul Phillips, who hosted the awards, said: “This year we received a record number of nominations and, while this made judging an unenviable task, it highlights the wealth of talent among our learners and the level of dedication and expertise within our employer network. 

“It was fantastic to celebrate the many successes of our work-based learners, who show outstanding commitment to their programmes. They are truly a credit to the College and their employers.   

“Working with key employers is critical for our local region, and it was a pleasure to recognise so many brilliant businesses.   

“I would like to say congratulations to all of our winners, who we are delighted to work closely with.”

The awards were presented across various categories, honouring exceptional apprentices, trainees, and industry placement learners who had demonstrated outstanding dedication and made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Winner of the Digital Apprentice of the Year Awards, Toby from Visit Somerset, said: “To be nominated for Digital Apprentice of the Year is mind blowing and to be recognised at these awards is a big accomplishment.

“I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone looking to earn and learn at the same time. It has given me an opportunity to start my career and learn new skills for the workplace, but also personal skills such as self-confidence.”

The Overall Learner of the Year, Jess from VADO, added: “My apprenticeship provided me with a great opportunity to learn and develop. If I ever had any questions the team at Weston College were brilliant, they were easy to contact and always on hand to support.

“Once I completed my apprenticeship I was given a promotion as well, which was great!”

Additionally, employers were acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of learning and providing valuable opportunities to their workforce.

Matt Carpenter, from Future Stars Coaching, said: “We have been taking on apprentices for well over five years, and recently started taking on traineeships with Weston College. Every time I come to Weston College they seem to better themselves! It has been a brilliant night, with a brilliant guest speaker, and to come away with two awards (Traineeship Employer of the Year, and Josh winning Health, Sport and Community Apprentice of the Year) has been fantastic.”

Business Award winners list:

Learners

• Business, Finance and Professional Services Apprentice of the Year – Ruby from Thatchers Cider
• Construction Apprentice of the Year – Kash from Ashton Scaffolding Services
• Digital Apprentice of the Year – Toby from Visit Somerset
• Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the Year – Courtney from Serenity Hair & Beauty
• Health, Sport and Community Apprentice of the Year – Josh from Future Starts Coaching
• Industry Placement Learner of the Year – Christiana from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW)
• Into Work Learner of the Year – George from Southern Co-op and Dunstan House Inn
• Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year – Jess from VADO
• Luke Wheaton Engineering Apprentice of the Year – Jonah from Rolls Royce
• Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Corey from Andy Hall Cars
• Pre-employment Learner of the Year – Lee
• Service Sectors Apprentice of the Year – Christie from Weston College
• Traineeship Learner of the Year – Lavar from UHBW

Employers

• Career Excellence Hub Employer of the Year – Hinkley Point C
• Inclusive Practice Employer of the Year – Puxton Park
• Industry Placement Employer of the Year – UHBW
• Large Employer of the Year – Avon Fire & Rescue
• Medium Employer of the Year – Thatchers Cider
• Pre-employment Employer of the Year – Somerset NHS Trust
• Small Employer of the Year – The Ginger Pig Kitchen
• Sustainability Partner of the Year – Burnham and Weston Energy
• Traineeship Employer of the Year – Future Stars Coaching
• Work Experience Employer of the Year – Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Overall Learner of the Year – Jess from VADO

Overall Employer of the Year – Avon Fire & Rescue

A big thank you to our sponsors, who have made this event possible: Honeyfield Property Services, Ashton Gate, Inspired Worx, Pace, Image Sign, Mindful Education, Gravity, and Puxton Park.

We caught up with ESOL learner Mohammed, to share his story and ask him about the impact that the course has had on him.

"When I first moved to England, I couldn’t really speak much English, with Arabic being my first language. However, my desire to learn the English language brought me to Weston College, where I could learn, grow, and connect with the community and people from diverse backgrounds.

"The ESOL course at Weston College has really supported me. It has provided me with the tools and resources to improve my English skills. The classes are well-structured, and the teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed.

"We have a lot of fun in college, and I always look forward to coming to class.

"One of the best bits is the great trips we go on. We have done several different things and experienced different industries to help me pick the right course after this one – we even went to the police station.

"The teachers at Weston College are incredible. They are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but they teach everything in an easy and understandable way. They are super helpful too, even with things outside of college.

"This course has helped me to build my skills and grow my confidence with speaking English too. In September I want to start my career in marketing and will be looking for an apprenticeship.

"If English isn’t your first language, and you want to improve, then I think you should definitely study this course. It is a great course and has been the best choice for me to settle into the community and offer my skills to an employer."

Mohammed, ESOL Learner

If you would like to find out about our ESOL course, or apply for the course, click here. 

AICO, the European market leader in home safety, came to Weston College recently to deliver industry Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training to our apprentices and full-time learners in electrical. The CPD training session delivered by Peter Price-Higgott at Weston College was met with enthusiasm from learners, who were eager to learn more.

The interactive presentation showcased AICO's range of home safety products, highlighting their advanced features and functionality. Through practical demonstrations and informative discussions, our learners gained valuable insights into integrating these devices effectively into electrical systems.

Alex Jackson, Electrical Lecturer at Weston College, said: “It was great to welcome Peter to South West Skills Campus, who delivered a fantastic session for our learners.

“Our learners relished the opportunity of hearing from an industry leader, gaining insights into real-world applications of safety products and solutions. This exposure to cutting-edge technology and best practices has enhanced their skills and improved employability prospects.

“Working in partnership with local and national companies is a key part of the student journey at Weston College, and we look forward to working closely with AICO over the coming months.”

Find out more about our Electrical courses, by clicking here.

A group of Weston College Level 1 and 2 Health and Social Care learners recently participated in a special initiative at the Healthy Living Centre on the Bourneville. The learners demonstrated their exceptional skills and commitment by organising and leading creative activities aimed at supporting social and emotional development for the EXTEND toddler group. 

The enthusiastic learners showcased their dedication to the field of health and social care by engaging with parents and children from the EXTEND toddler group in a nurturing and supportive environment. The activities were designed to promote emotional wellbeing and facilitate social interaction among the young participants. 

Throughout the session, the Weston College learners exhibited commendable confidence and exceptional communication skills. Their empathetic approach created a warm and inclusive atmosphere, fostering an environment where children and parents felt comfortable and encouraged to express themselves. 

The creative activities encompassed various forms of expressive arts and interactive play, encouraging children to explore their emotions, develop their social skills, and express their creativity. The learners' resourcefulness and adaptability were evident as they tailored the activities to meet the individual needs and preferences of the children, ensuring a meaningful experience for all. 

This opportunity not only allowed the learners to gain hands-on experience in their respective discipline but also provided them with a valuable opportunity to observe and understand the practical application of the theories and concepts they have learned in the classroom. 

Excellent work! 

To find out more about our Health and Social Care programmes, click here.  

Yesterday, a group of dedicated ESOL learners gathered in the Weston College kitchens, to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments with a delightful cooking session.

The event, organised by their tutor, provided a fun and interactive experience for the students after their exams and a year of dedicated study.

The cooking session served as a platform for the students to share their culinary expertise, representing the diverse cultures and cuisines from where they come from.

Their tutor, Liam O’Callaghan, said: "We wanted to do something fun for the students after their exams and a long year of working so hard.

"They're always talking about their food from their respective countries, and although the class is very close, we've never actually broken bread together. So, we thought it would be a good chance for them to showcase their talents and strengthen our bonds as a class.

"We're always looking for things that empower our learners and put them in the driving seat in terms of knowing what to do and how to do it. Cooking is another way of doing that.”

Throughout the term, the learners had been working on various language skills related to food and cooking. They explored vocabulary such as names of foods, adjectives to describe flavours, cooking verbs, and quantifiers.

Liam added: “Combining their linguistic prowess with their culinary expertise, the students created a cookbook as a testament to their hard work. It is worth noting that English is the second, third, or even fifth language for some of these learners, making their achievements all the more remarkable.

“As unaccompanied refugees, the learners possess few sentimental souvenirs. To commemorate the day and strengthen their bonds further, a section was dedicated in the cookbook for each student to sign for one another. This heartfelt gesture served as a meaningful reminder of the friendships formed and the support they have received throughout their journey.”

The cooking session not only showcased the students' talent and cultural diversity but also fostered a sense of camaraderie within the class.

It exemplified the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by the ESOL program, highlighting the transformative power of education and the value of celebrating achievements collectively.

For more information about the ESOL programme, click here. 

The United Kingdom has been experiencing a nursing shortage for several years, which has led to increased pressure on healthcare services.

However, there is some hope in the form of apprenticeships, which are being used to help tackle the nurse shortage issue in the country. In particular, Weston College and the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), who are leading the way with 25 new degree apprentices starting earlier this year.

Nursing apprenticeships provide an opportunity for individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and experience on the job while also receiving a qualification. The apprenticeships are funded by the government, which means that the cost of training is covered, and apprentices receive a salary while they work.

This is a win-win situation for both the healthcare sector, which gains skilled and motivated staff, and for the individuals themselves, who have the opportunity to enter a rewarding career and gain valuable qualifications without the burden of student debt.

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Phillips, said: “We are delighted to work closely with UHBW, and provide opportunities for people to join the National Health Service.

“The partnership offers an innovative approach to nurse training, combining academic learning with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The curriculum was created in partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and in collaboration with University West of England, being delivered at the Bristol Training Institute.

“This approach ensures that apprentices are well prepared for the challenges of working in the healthcare sector and have the practical skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on patients' lives.”

The nursing apprenticeships offered by Weston College and UHBW are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those who may not have considered nursing as a career path before.

Rich Francis from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Victoria Howells from UHBW, shared: “BNSSG Integrated Care System (ICS) are developing a ‘grow your own’ approach to increasing the nursing workforce. We are delighted to be working collaboratively with one of our local university centres, Weston College (UCW) to support this educational training initiative.

“In March, over 25 Trainee Nursing Associate apprentices from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) enrolled on the nursing associate apprenticeship based in Bristol which is all part of the range of apprenticeships to tackle the shortage of nurses across the region. Weston College has been delivering this apprenticeship in Weston for the last 2 years but we’re excited to expand this offer to meet the needs of our local NHS health and care organisations and start to deliver in Bristol. The delivery schedule was a joint curriculum partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and overall, this degree has been developed in collaboration with UWE and delivered at our Bristol site.

“As part of this work, across the region, the ICS are also increasing the number of Apprentices across all areas including clinical, facilities, administration, and management careers.”

For more information on apprenticeships within the health industry, click here.