LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES
There is always so much going on across our various campuses and courses.
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In a heart-warming gesture, Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners provided a range of mini treatments for the dedicated NHS staff at the Wellbeing Centre in Weston Hospital.
The learners wanted to express their gratitude for the workers’ tireless efforts and provide a well-deserved moment of relaxation and pampering.
The Wellbeing Centre at Weston Hospital has been the perfect spot for NHS staff to unwind, de-stress, and recharge. Recognizing the immense dedication and selflessness exhibited by healthcare professionals, the hair and beauty learners wanted to contribute to their wellbeing by providing a series of indulgent treatments.
Under the guidance of skilled instructors, the learners skilfully carried out an array of mini treatments, including hand massages, file and polish services, and expertly applied makeup. These treatments were specifically designed to uplift the spirits of NHS staff and give them a much-needed respite from their demanding roles on the front lines.
The event was a resounding success, with NHS staff members expressing their gratitude for the thoughtful initiative. Many shared that the experience not only helped them relax but also boosted their morale, reminding them of the unwavering support they receive from their local community.
Jenna Ratcliffe, Divisional Lead of Service Sectors, expressed her pride in the learners' dedication and commitment to making a positive impact. She stated, "Our learners were thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the incredible NHS staff who have been working tirelessly to keep us safe. This event allowed them to showcase their skills and demonstrate the power of beauty and self-care in promoting overall well-being."
Jodie Alden, HR and Management Assistant at Weston Hospital, commented: “It was a real treat to have the beauty students join Weston General Hospital to provide mini hand treatments and make-up. I opted for the hand massage, which was excellent, but all of the treatments looked fantastic! It was lovely to see the Hospital staff taking time to relax and chatting away with all of the students.”
If you would like to find out about Beauty Therapy courses, click here!
My name is Sam Matthews and I’m an Accounts manager at Brooking Ruse. My role consists of running my own client portfolio which includes a wide range of businesses, as well as assisting the directors with their more complex clients. I also line manage our accounting apprentices.
I decided to become an accountant during my second year at university. I had visited Brooking Ruse on work experience whilst at school, which evolved into some paid seasonal work during the summer holidays – so it was a no-brainer when I was offered a graduate trainee role.
Accountancy involves a lot of maths, and this wasn’t something that I was initially interested in, or considered pursuing until I sat my GCSESs when I surprised myself with good grades! My interest in maths certainly developed over time after that.
Being an accountant is challenging but rewarding.
Becoming an accountant gives you access to a wide range of industry sectors and job roles. I knew that if I didn’t enjoy working in general practice then I could look to move into industry as a management accountant. I could also have chosen to specialise within a particular area such as audit, tax, or insolvency, etc.
Once you’ve done your bit it’s then time to communicate with the client. This can be a great opportunity to build professional relationships and meet people you’d have otherwise never met.
There are lots of great things about the job – I really enjoy meeting with clients to understand their goals and working with them to ensure they’re achieved. I’ve taken on a couple of clients recently who found themselves in a spot of bother – seeing the relief on their faces when the matters were resolved was a great feeling.
If you’re thinking of becoming an accountant, my advice is to go for it!
Accountancy qualifications are a passport to anywhere – every business needs someone financially-minded so there are infinite possibilities.
I also think there’s a myth that you need A Level or degree standard maths skills; you really don’t. What’s more important is being able to approach problems with logical and structured thinking…. our calculators do the sums for us!
Local attractions have teamed up with respected local music producers and artists to bring a night of entertainment and competition to our seaside town this June.
Summerfest, a one-night event curated by the Lipinski Brothers in collaboration with the Pier, is set to take place in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday June 30th.
The spectacular show is expected to draw a crowd of two thousand paying customers, and will feature a selection of well-known local performers, including Senna Weeks. Senna, a former FE learner, has performed alongside many high-end professional Blues artists such as Walter Trout and Joe Bonamassa.
As well as the live acts, Summerfest will also include a competition open to Weston College learners. Participating acts must perform two live tracks to a respected panel of local guests, who will review the performance and critique it.
The successful act will be awarded the opening slot at the prestigious event, as well as a cash prize. Organising the competition, alongside the Lipinski Brothers, is Weston College’s Music Instructor and Technician, Oz.
Oz told us “This is a great opportunity for our Music learners. The Music Industry is notoriously tough to break into, so having the chance to audition in front of the panel is an invaluable experience. As well as the technical and performance skills, learners will also develop their resilience and determination – crucial transferrable life skills, which will support them in future ventures.”
Summerfest promises to be a highlight event of Weston-super-Mare’s summer season. Lipinski will be headlining centre stage this year at the Grand Pier, supported by a host of wonderfully talented musicians throughout a fun-filled evening of entertainment. With the opportunity for local learners to also take part in the festivities, this truly is an event not to be missed.
Tickets are on sale here now, so be sure to get yours soon and guarantee yourself a place at this exciting event.
To find out more about Music at Weston College, click here.
It’s our T Level Takeover Week! To kick things off, we thought we would take a look into the top 5 reasons why you should consider studying T Levels!
If you’re not sure what T Levels are, they are innovative courses designed to bridge the gap between academic and vocational education, and they will offer you a practical and industry-focused learning experience.
Here are our top 5 reasons to study T Levels:
1. They are a Direct Pathway to Employment
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing T Levels is the direct pathway they offer to employment. T Levels are designed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that the skills and knowledge acquired during the course align with the demands of the job market. By studying a T Level, you gain valuable practical experience and expertise in a specific industry sector, making you highly employable upon completion. Employers often value T Level qualifications due to their practical nature, making them a great choice for individuals seeking immediate career opportunities.
2. Extensive Industry Placement Opportunities
T Levels provide students with invaluable opportunities to gain real-world work experience through industry placements. These placements, lasting for a minimum of 315 hours, allow you to apply the skills and knowledge you've learned in the classroom to a professional setting. These hands-on experiences enable you to develop a deeper understanding of the industry, establish valuable connections, and enhance your employability. Industry placements also help you make informed decisions about your future career path, allowing you to explore different roles and industries before committing to a specific job.
We work with some amazing local employers that offer T Level learners placements too, from Hydrock to Suez – they are a fantastic way of developing your skills and CV, ready for your career.
3. Higher Education Progression
While T Levels are a fantastic option for students seeking direct entry into the workforce, they also provide a pathway to higher education. T Level qualifications are recognised by universities, and many institutions offer specific progression routes for T Level students. By completing a T Level, you can accumulate UCAS points, making you eligible for higher education courses. Whether you choose to pursue a degree related to your T Level or explore other fields, T Levels serve as a solid foundation, equipping you with practical skills and knowledge that can greatly enhance your university studies – especially if you are looking at degree apprenticeships.
4. Enhanced Career Prospects
In today's competitive job market, having a qualification that sets you apart is crucial. T Levels offer a unique opportunity to gain industry-recognised skills and qualifications, setting you up for long-term career success. Employers value the practical skills developed through T Levels, as they demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios. With T Levels in your arsenal, you'll have a competitive edge over others in the job market, opening doors to a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.
5. Personal and Professional Development
Studying T Levels not only equips you with practical skills but also fosters personal and professional development. T Level courses are designed to nurture transferable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. These skills are highly sought after in today's dynamic work environments, and T Levels provide an excellent platform to develop and showcase them. Moreover, T Levels instill confidence, independence, and a strong work ethic, preparing you to thrive in your chosen career and face the challenges of the ever-evolving job market.
T Levels offer a refreshing and effective alternative to traditional academic pathways, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the workplace. Whether you're eager to jumpstart your career, gain valuable work experience, or progress to higher education, T Levels provide a versatile and future-ready qualification.
By choosing to study T Levels, you open the doors to a world of opportunities, enhancing your employability and setting the stage for a fulfilling and prosperous professional journey.
Embrace the chance to build practical skills, gain industry recognition, and be prepared for the demands of the modern workforce with T Levels.
Find out more about our available T Levels, by clicking here.
Weston College learners have returned triumphant after a successful day at the Young Enterprise Awards.
This month, some of our fantastic Sixth Form learners attended the Young Enterprise Awards. One of our teams, ‘Crystals on a String’, secured an impressive three achievements, including the prestigious Award for Best Customer Service.
All our learners worked incredibly hard throughout the competition to deliver carefully crafted presentations to a large audience.
We would like to give a special mention to Economics Lecturer, Aaron Wilson, who lead the team through the competition. His expertise, perseverance, and mentorship of the learners throughout the process ensured their success on the day.
We are so proud of our learners for what they have achieved. This experience has been invaluable for all teams taking part, and it is a great example of where hard work and dedication can get you.
Congratulations to ‘Crystals on a String’ and the rest of our participating students on their well-deserved success.
To find out more about opportunities at our Sixth Form, click here.
Weston College's Automotive learners were given a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of luxury automobiles during an unforgettable visit to Career Excellence Hub Partner, Mercedes-Benz, Weston-super-Mare dealership.
The amazing trip allowed learners to explore the garages and engage in enlightening conversations with managers, salesmen, and mechanics.
The excursion was part of Weston College's commitment to providing its students with hands-on experiences that enhance their learning and career prospects. By collaborating with renowned industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz, the college aims to expose its learners to real-world scenarios and foster a deeper understanding of the automotive industry.
During their visit, the motor vehicle learners were welcomed onto the bustling shop floor of the Mercedes-Benz dealership, where they witnessed firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating each iconic vehicle. From the sleek exteriors to the state-of-the-art technology embedded within, the learners gained invaluable insights into the manufacturing process and the attention to detail that distinguishes Mercedes-Benz from its competitors.
In addition to observing the shop floor operations, the learners had the opportunity to engage in in-depth conversations with the dealership's knowledgeable managers, salesmen, and mechanics. These industry professionals generously shared their expertise, offering practical advice and shedding light on the various career pathways available within the automotive sector.
Learners eagerly absorbed the wealth of information, asking insightful questions and gaining a clearer perspective on the skills and attributes required to thrive in this fast-paced industry.
Chris Priest, the Subject Area Manager for Automotive at Weston College, expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, saying: "We are incredibly grateful to Mercedes-Benz for welcoming our learners and providing them with such an extraordinary learning experience."
“Engaging with industry professionals and witnessing the inner workings of a prestigious dealership has undoubtedly broadened their horizons and ignited their passion for pursuing careers in the automotive field."
Find out more about Weston College’s Automotive courses, by clicking here.
Recently, we welcomed construction company Tica Acad to South West Skills Campus, to deliver an informative session to our plastering students, on the importance of thermal insulation.
The interactive product demonstration captivated the learners, who were delighted to discover the future earning potential associated within the industry.
At Weston College, learners are treated to unrivalled access from employers, as part of the Career Excellence Hub. Learners can gain work experience, get insight from industry leaders and complete a study programme that has input from the industry.
The visit by Tica Acad proved to be an invaluable experience for the students. The session commenced with an engaging presentation that emphasised the significance of thermal insulation in modern construction and highlighted its positive impact on energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
They also shared progression opportunities within the company, particularly through apprenticeships. Operations Manager for Construction, Richard Hanney, said: "We were thrilled to have Tica Acad visit South West Skills Campus and share their expertise with our plastering learners.
"The interactive product demonstration provided our students with valuable hands-on experience and deepened their understanding of the importance of thermal insulation. Tica Acad's commitment to offering apprenticeship opportunities was especially exciting for our learners, as it opens doors to a prosperous future in a growing sector."
Find out more about our construction courses, by clicking here.
My name is Jason, and I am the General Manager at the Club and Spa Cadbury House. DoubleTree by Hilton Cadbury House is the South West’s finest four-star boutique hotel and spa, and provides event spaces for weddings, private parties, business events, spa breaks or dining experiences. My role at the business is to oversee the day-to-day running of the Health Club and Spa.
We have worked with Weston College for a number of years, as we can see that the students get the best possible help, support and training from the excellent team of tutors available, and we trust the judgement from them on the students that they recommend to us.
We have regularly employed students from the college in various departments of the business as well as giving many students the opportunity for work experience. We find work experience is extremely beneficial as it allows the learner to see first-hand how a business operates in their first steps before employment. We have regular communication with the tutors and business team, to make sure the relationship is always strong.
Working with the college has given students the opportunity to apply for various positions within the Heath Club and Spa. We have recruited many college leavers in the 16 years that I have been in charge, which has really helped us to grow our business. By having regular contact with the Weston College Team and a close working relationship, I know each leaver has been trained to the highest of standards from the excellent tutors and will provide us the experience that our guests expect. Furthermore, this is also beneficial in helping with a career for the individual.
I would highly recommend the College whatever course someone chooses; we have an amazing relationship and long may it continue!
Recently our Level 3 Health and Social Care learners took a trip to London.
The aim of the trip was to encourage the students to learn and gain an understanding of London’s rich medical history, while also experiencing the amazing sights the city has to offer.
Learners explored Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole's historical impact on medicine at the Florence Nightingale Museum, located on Lambeth Palace Road in South East London.
The museum offers an abundance of rich learning opportunities, from tours to their popular ‘Meet Miss Nightingale’ series, which gives learners a chance to hear live, factual performances from actors taking on the role of Florence Nightingale herself.
After spending the day at the museum, the students were able to enjoy some live music at the Hard Rock Café, followed by a stroll past Buckingham Palace and some shopping in Oxford Street.
Our Health and Social Care students thoroughly enjoyed the trip and were really able to develop their knowledge and understanding of historical healthcare practices.
To find out more about Health and Social Care at Weston College, click here.
Marketing and Communications
The marketing department is responsible for promoting Weston College to the public, by promoting the Colleges courses, achievements and events.
Our aims are to attract learners to study within the Weston College Group, build and grow the College’s brand and highlight its reputation, and promote the College Group’s success, student progression and outstanding support for our learners.
The marketing department manages the College’s websites and official social media accounts, runs advertising campaigns, creates press releases, and manages many of the College Group’s events, such as Graduation, the Celebration of Success and the Business Awards.
We produce a wide range of publications including our full-time, Higher Education and part-time prospectuses, course leaflets and posters, and other documents such as the College’s annual report, magazines and newsletters, course brochures and the student handbook.
Weston College is committed to providing accurate and timely information for local, regional and national media, and the general public.
The marketing team is available between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays. You can get in touch with us by emailing marketing@weston.ac.uk.
All of our press releases are uploaded to the news section of our websites. News from the academies we sponsor, including the North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College, can be found on the news section of the Inspirational Futures Trust’s website. News pertaining to our Higher Education Provision can be found on www.ucw.ac.uk.
The marketing department produces most imagery and film in house, and keeps an extensive archive of the photographs it takes. If you would like a copy of an image featuring you or a member of your family, please contact us at photography@weston.ac.uk.
Our photos of graduation and many other events can be found on the College’s Facebook page. High quality images can be found on the College’s Flickr account.
Weston College is able to accommodate many requests to provide locations for film and photography. The College has a range of attractive, modern and adaptable facilities which can be viewed on our youtube channel.
We also are able to provide heritage facilities such as the Victorian Hans Price designed Conference Centre and, from September 2017, the 1927 Winter Gardens Pavilion.
For booking details, contact marketing@weston.ac.uk.
For enquiries about sponsoring key events such as Celebration of Success, Business Breakfast, Business Awards and Graduation, please contact the marketing team by email at marketing@weston.ac.uk.
