Earlier this academic year, Weston College launched the first ever Digital T Level, one of just 15 Further Education Colleges in the UK offering the course.

As part of the T Level, learners complete a minimum of 45 days with a relevant employer carrying out their Industry Placement to really hone what they learn in the classroom.

Almost a year into the course, and learners are having a positive impact on local employers, helping to enhance their digital visibility, whether that be through websites or social media, at a time when it is more important than ever.

Following the huge success, Weston College has decided to launch a new T Level transition programme, with the aim of supporting learners to get ready for the Digital T Level. This has caught the attention of local employers, who recognise the importance of the course, and the potential that it can bring for their organisation; by building a pool of new talent, gaining support from an additional pair of hands, who can bring fresh ideas and provide them with the opportunity to mould a learner into a future employee.

Leading digital companies: Bath Property Maintenance, Minotaur Software, One Big Circle, Sense IT and Synoptix, have all pledged their support for the new T Level transition programme, which will see them offer learners work experience, as well as give guest talks to the learners who are preparing to complete the T Level programme.

Emily Kent, Director at Intelligent Video specialists One Big Circle based in Bristol commented: “We have been really impressed with the work of T Level students, hearing fantastic reviews from local businesses, and we wanted to support learners on their T Level journey, and prepare them for our industry where the skills they have developed will be in great demand in the years to come".

Rob Barnett, HR Manager at Synoptix, said: “We have been working with Weston College for a few years now, and they have provided us with some fantastic young talent, who have thrived in a business setting. Our endorsement of this programme further cements our support not only for the college, but for young people across the region and to allow them a route into our industry.”

Bruce Reed, Director at Sense IT, added: “Industry Placements offer the opportunity to meet keen and eager potential employees, that can be developed into future leaders of your business. We are delighted to support this new initiative, as we know from experience that the College develops learners of a high standard, who we can help further grow their talents.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “I am so proud of our T Level learners, having heard about their success from local businesses, and how grateful local employers were for their support.

“The transition programme will allow more learners to enter this route, and working with these fantastic local employers will provide learners with the vital experience they need to enhance their skills. We are looking forward to working in partnership with these leading tech sector employers, to develop career pathways for our learners.”

You can find out more about the T Level transition programme, here.

Success stories about student progress always make great reading and this year we have seen more fantastic students, who have made the most of the opportunities presented to them.

Two students I want to focus on today, study a Level 3 Animal Management course. Both learners worked at The Pet Studio in Nailsea, where they put their theory into practice, and developed both technical and employability skills needed, to work as a dog groomer.

Both learners completed over 200 hours of work experience, and impressed so much, that they were offered a place at The Pet Studio Dog Grooming Training Academy based in Congresbury.

One year on, and not only have they successfully managed to complete their course at the Academy, but they are now employed by The Pet Studio.

The Pet Studio, run by Liza Smith, is using Weston College students as a talent pipeline for her business. Industry Placements have offered Liza many benefits, including developing young people and equipping them with the skills needed to work in the dog grooming business, and utilising an extra pair of hands in the studio.

Studio manager Danielle said “Liza gave me a chance to work here when I was a student, and now I am happy to give others that same chance. The students from Weston College are brilliant, motivated, and hardworking, we love having them here. The industry placement scheme is great, I can’t think why all businesses don’t take advantage of it.”

If you think that this might benefit your business then please do not hesitate to contact us, we have student from all courses that would love the opportunity to work with you. workplacementteam@weston.ac.uk

Sarah Roberts, Work Placement Officer

Weston College is investing in its Education and Early Years provision due to the sector demand - it’s estimated that in 2020 over 143,000 under twos and 1,271,500 three to four-years olds benefitted from funded early education*, and this figure is set to grow.

Our brand new £600k Education and Early Years facility at the Knightstone Campus will be open this September to meet the growing demand from employers both locally and regionally to train potential staff to join the industry and develop existing employees.

This brand-new facility will include a:

• Community Room – to allow us to host stay and play and other community sessions.
• Child and Healthcare Room – a multi-functional space for food prep and mid-session naps.
• Primary School Room – an engaging environment full of multi-curricular activities.
• Creative and Exploratory Atelier – a non-traditional learning environment to host messy-play, science activities and more.
• Observation room – includes one-way mirrors so learners do not influence a child’s play.

Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty said: “It’s really important for us that all learners get real-life experience to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market. We work with a number of early education employers to ensure not only the course content includes insights of industry leaders, but also that the new facilities will be industry standard.”

The new facilities will be matched with an exciting portfolio of study programmes, for school leavers there will be college-based courses, apprenticeships plus the new flagship T Level – the gold-standard in qualifications where learners can follow a college-based programme and gain sector experience through an industry placement. Plus, a range of options for adults for those who would like to upskill or re-train as an early years practitioner or teaching assistant.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College added: “To complement these exciting developments, we have launched an innovative ten-point Education and Early Years Career Excellence Hub Charter ensuring that the area is committed to aligning its curriculum to the needs of employers. This new facility is just one element of a College-wide initiative to ensure we are making aspirational careers a reality for all our learners regardless of their starting point in life.”

The build is co-funded by T Level Capital funding, awarded by the Department for Education.

Keep an eye on our social media for updates on the build as it progresses over the summer. There is still time to apply to join us this September:

• Courses for school leavers
• Courses for adults

*Source: December 2020.

All photos shown on the right are for illustration purposes, actual build may vary.

As lead partner of the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) Weston College has created a WEIoT base in north Bristol’s aerospace and advanced engineering heartland through partnership working with GKN Aerospace.

The College will be opening its own Bristol WEIoT facility for delivery of Higher Education Engineering, within GKN Aerospace’s new flagship Global Technology Centre (GTC), located within the aerospace cluster that includes Rolls Royce, GKN Aerospace and Airbus north Bristol Filton sites.

Working in partnership with GKN Aerospace, the College will start teaching from the world-class Global Technology Centre from September 2021 providing an exciting and inspirational learning environment. Students will be immersed in the cutting-edge research facility and benefit from seeing modern engineering methods in operation in the same building.

The new teaching facility for Weston College will include a modular building that houses the majority of the teaching, together with use of additional training facilities, an auditorium and an Innovation Workshop.

Initially the provision will focus on second year Higher Education Engineering students, but Weston College aims to expand its provision responding to the opportunities that will emerge as a result of the College having this new Bristol location.

Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “Our strategic partnership with GKN Aerospace at the GTC provides an exceptional industry-led environment where cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing techniques are being trialled and tested for industry application, which will provide a unique environment for our staff and learners, enabling the College to embed learners and staff in the latest digital and technological industry developments in the advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors.”

Dr Paul Phillips CBE continues: “Weston College’s location within the GTC means that we will be delivering learning programmes alongside world class industrial research and innovation partners also based in the GTC for the aerospace advanced manufacturing and engineering sector, cementing Weston College’s position as a leader and innovator in technical education and skills.”

Find out more about the WEIoT, here.

Our extra curricular sports academies provide athletes with outstanding opportunities. We are extremely pleased and excited to announce a third student has gained international honours this year. Bailey Kempster, part of our under 19s football programme, has recently been selected for the England colleges football team.

As well as impressing the academy and senior coaches at our partner club Weston-super-Mare AFC, Bailey has had a successful first two seasons playing national youth alliance football.

This accolade is extremely well deserved and caps off a fantastic two years of development. It is great to see that our football programme is now going from strength to strength with Bailey being the second colleges international to come out of the programme since our official partnership with Weston football club started just three years ago.

We caught up with Bailey who added:

"My time in the sports academy has been a great experience with high level coaching and a brilliant training and games program.

"The coaches, the team and the facilities available has made my time at the academy a excellent environment to work in. They have also given me the opportunity to represent them by nominating me for these trials.

"The selection process consisted of two trials. The first of these was a South West trial which was held at Weston Super Mare AFC and the second was a national trial in Leicester. Each player was then given a minimum of 60 minutes in the matches we played to impress the coaches and show them that you are worthy of a place in the final squad. 

"I can't wait to start on the 1st of July with a game against Chelsea FC. We then have a tournament at the end of July with many professional clubs attending. 

"My advice for someone getting into football would be to stay positive, never give up and be prepared to work hard."

Bailey now joins female rugby athletes, Lottie Dadds and Katie Mackay, as our third international progression for this season. We are extremely proud of the trio and wish them the best of luck for all of their fixtures in the future.

Academy Manager Jack Gadd said:

"This is a fantastic achievement for these athletes and shows how the programmes continue to encourage and produce players for these highest of honours.

"All three have epitomised what it means to be a student athlete here at Weston College. It is great to see our programme helping athletes achieve their sporting goals and are now receiving recognition on the national stage.

"We are extremely proud of the three guys and are looking forward now to supporting the next crop of talent reach its potential next season where we hope to add to this tally across our main performance sports."

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE added: "A massive congratulations to all three of our national achievers this season. With these successes and the development of state-of-the-art sporting facilities at the Health and Active Living Skills Centre, I'm so proud that Weston College and partners are continuing to put Weston on the map as a hub of excellence and outstanding young talent"

Weston College has been named as the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year for the third year in a row.

The awards were virtual this year, and were hosted by BBC personality, Ali Vowles. There were winners from across the region, as the hard work of apprentices, employers and training providers were recognised.

Weston College learners picked up prestigious awards too, with Harvey Castree (Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy & Electrical) and Danny Gould-Dyer (Outstanding Apprentice of the Year (Health, Wellbeing, Care & Education) winning their categories.

The highlight of the evening was the Bristol & Bath Apprentice of the Year award which went to Harvey, for his fantastic work with his employer, GKN Aerospace.

This is further success for the Weston College Apprenticeship Team, with Leadership and Management apprentice, Dan Green, recently winning the Gloucestershire Apprentice of the Year.

The College delivers a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree-level and works with many high-profile employers in the Bristol and Bath area, including the Ministry of Defence and GKN Aerospace and Royal United Hospitals Bath.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “I am delighted that we have managed to win this award for the third year in a row, it really does showcase the amazing work that goes on in this College on a daily basis.

“Our team are once again bucking the national trend, creating new opportunities for our learners. Our apprentices are also having huge impacts on their businesses, and it is fantastic to see.

“I’m also delighted for our learners, as we had six apprentices make the finals, with both Harvey and Danny coming out victorious. Our learners show such a fantastic attitude to their studies and I am thrilled to see them performing so well in such a difficult period.”

A Weston College Commis Chef Apprentice, Daniel, has been crowned apprentice of the year - beating competition from across the South West.

Daniel joined us on the Level 2 Commis Chef apprenticeship which covers preparing dishes using fresh and raw ingredients cooking meat, fish and poultry dishes, and other culinary skills such as making soups and sauces, either in specialist, ethnic or fine dining restaurants. The programme includes four days with an employer and one day at the College.

We asked Daniel about his experience of the apprenticeship “I would definitely recommend it, it’s a good experience and it’s great to earn money whilst learning your trade. It also shows you can put your knowledge into practical use having done it already. Giulio Ellis, owner of Guilio's Italian Kitchen, was very supportive, he helped source brilliant ingredients to work and experiment with, which I couldn't have accessed myself. I love being in the workplace, it’s been like having a second family and the masterclasses on my course are brilliant.”

Gemma Zaire, owner of Guilio's Italian Kitchen, recalled when Daniel began working at Giulio's, she said: "Daniel came to work with us a year ago when we first opened Giulio’s and we saw something special in him. We asked him if he would like the opportunity to be an apprentice to learn to be a chef, he jumped at the chance. At first, Daniel needed a lot of guidance and help but within a matter of months he has become one of our most valued members of staff."

“Daniel has taken to the catering industry like a duck to water. When speaking with his employer they have nothing but great things to say about his positive attitude, his attention to detail and his ability to work well under pressure. At Guilio's Italian Kitchen, the busier it gets during service, the more they rely on Daniel's cool head.As his assessor, I always find we end up talking about recipes, and different styles of food, what cookbooks we're reading and different chefs or restaurants we're interested in. Daniel is about to turn 18, but he speaks like someone who has been working in the industry for many years who is always keen to try something new and challenge himself, said Grant Spenser, Assessor, Weston College.

Daniel was put forward for the award and was crowned Outstanding Apprentice of the Year in Hospitality, Travel and Customer Service in the contest hosted by both Bristol and Bath Live on 2nd December 2020.

Sandra Bull, Dean of Faculty, Weston College said: “We are very proud of Daniel and pleased that his achievements have been recognised nationally.

“If someone is thinking about a career where they can be creative, have fun, but work hard, then catering is definitely a sector where that can happen.

“There are lots of young people out there just like Daniel, all they need is an opportunity, someone to give them a chance and support them to be their best. The relationship that the College has with an employer like Guilio's Italian Kitchen is a good example of the success that a young person can have when they are given the right support. The pandemic has hit the hospitality and catering industry, but our apprentices are still learning and the employers are temporarily adapting their business models to succeed. It’s an exciting time and we look forward to a time when we can once again sit in and enjoy dinning out.”

Join us on a hospitality and catering course:

• Courses for 16-19 years olds
• Adult courses
• Find an open event

Jess studied a level 3 early years and education course at Weston College before progressing to higher education at UCW and is now employed in a managerial position at a specialist independent education organisation.

Jess said: "My time at Weston College helped me decide that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping people.”

The level 3 course included subjects such as child development; theories of development, learning and behaviour; health and safety and safeguarding; observation, assessment and planning, special educational needs and disability; legislations, policy and procedure; children’s health and care; early years foundation stage and key stage one, first aid and food hygiene training.

In 2021 the level 3 course will also include 750 hours of work placements to ensure you develop your workplace skills ready for employment. Giving you a blend of classroom learning and on-the-job experience.

Although Jess initially took time away from her studies to teach English in Cambodia after finishing College, she returned to UCW in 2016 and has now achieved an upper second-class honours degree in early years education at UCW.

“I was in UCW three days a week for the degree in early years education, which meant I had plenty of time to for my work placement and to study. I’m so grateful to my family, friends, my lecturers and everyone else at UCW who helped me. My studies at UCW set me up for success in lots of roles"

Sandra, Dean of Faculty said: “It’s great to see Jess’s journey through College, a gap year, UCW and now into employment. The early years courses really do open many doors and in particular the new T level will get you a nationally recognised certificate, giving you opportunities to enter the industry but also gain UCAS points towards further education.”

Join us:

• Early years and education courses for 16-19 year olds (including the new T Level)
• Early years education degree at UCW
• Forthcoming events

On Saturday 14th, learners went to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, to take part in the Association of Hairdressers & Therapists (AHT) finals and came back with 1st and 2nd places.

The AHT competition is open to any 16-19-year-old studying hair or beauty. 

Zoe, Level 2 Beauty Therapy, competed in the facials & make-up competition, where she had 75 minutes to perform a skin analysis, facial cleanse, make-up removal, exfoliation, mask (which must be visible), application of moisturiser product to prepare the skin before the application of a day make-up service.

In the afternoon Zoe went on to compete in the back-massage competition where she had 45 minutes to perform a pre-cleanse, exfoliation and massage of the back, concentrating on areas based upon the client’s needs, using a full range of movements.

“The work and dedication put into training has really paid off and I feel so proud to be 1st place in both competitions, it has also given me more confidence to continue with competitions in future”, said Zoe.

Meanwhile Amelia, Level 2 Hairdressing, had 60 minutes to create a lady’s high fashion long hair down look, where all the hair must be down, the hair was straight to start and she was able to use any ornamentation, stylings tools and products. 

Amelia then went on to compete in the red carpet up style competition where she had 45 minutes to create her chosen style; all the hair had to be up, ornamentation must be used, no additional hair was allowed, and any styling tools and product could be used.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given. I am looking forward to expanding my skills even further. Going to the finals will be an incredible experience in which I hope to excel in”, Amelia.

We are pleased to announce that Zoe, came home with two 1st place awards and Amelia, a 2nd and 3rd place. 

Jenna, FE Curriculum Co-ordinator for Hair and Beauty, said: “I'm so proud of each of our learners who took part in the AHT competition. They put in outstanding performances and should be pleased to have gained 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. We pride ourselves with offering all learners the opportunity to take part in competitions. These competitions are a brilliant way to springboard their skills, improving their future employability.”

Find out more:

• AHT 
• 16-19 Hair and barbering courses
• 16-19 Beauty courses
• Next open event