T Levels are the future of technical education, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience. These two-year courses offer students a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to their chosen industry. At Weston College, there are 13 different T Level courses on offer, spanning from Education & Early Years to Engineering & Manufacturing, and Construction, plus many more. 

Weston College are the largest provider of T Levels in the region, and on results day in August, an 100% pass rate was achieved by our learners.

One of the standout features of T Levels is the industry placement, which plays a pivotal role in enhancing the learner's understanding of the real-world workplace. There are a huge number of benefits of industry placements, and the results show a positive impact on the employers and their business. 

T Levels are tailored to the specific needs of industries and provide students with a deep understanding of their chosen field. When businesses host T Level learners for industry placements, they contribute to the development of a more skilled and job-ready workforce. Employers can actively shape the future workforce by imparting industry-specific knowledge and skills to the next generation. Some of the fantastic employers we already work with include national employers such as the NHS, regional employers such as Wessex Water, and local SMEs. These employers have recognised the untapped talent that can be provided to the business, and were first in line to experience it. 

One example is one of the largest financial employers in the UK, who had five T Level students on placement last year. The students made such a positive impression that the employer has given four of those students a job offer to work for them when they finish their course. That’s proof that T Levels work.  

Recruiting and training new employees can be an expensive and time-consuming process. When businesses provide T Level learners with industry placements, they are effectively getting to know potential future employees. This hands-on experience allows employers to assess the learner's aptitude, work ethic, and compatibility with the company culture. This reduces the risk of making poor hiring decisions and can ultimately lead to cost savings in recruitment and training. 

T Level learners bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to businesses. They often have a strong theoretical foundation and can apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. Employers benefit from the infusion of new ideas and approaches, which can lead to improved processes, products, or services. 

Students on industry placements are highly motivated to learn and make a positive impression. Employers often find that T Level learners contribute to increased productivity by taking on tasks and projects with enthusiasm. Their energy and eagerness to learn can inspire and motivate existing employees, creating a positive work environment. 

Hosting T Level learners on industry placements is an excellent way to identify and nurture potential talent for the future. Businesses can establish a pipeline of skilled and knowledgeable workers who are already familiar with their operations and industry. This can lead to more seamless onboarding and faster integration of new employees when they transition from students to full-time workers. 

T Levels offer substantial advantages to both businesses and learners. By providing industry placements to T Level learners, employers can help shape a skilled and job-ready workforce, reduce recruitment costs, introduce fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, enhance productivity, create a talent pipeline, contribute to corporate social responsibility, and align with government initiatives. 

The positive impact of T Levels on businesses is a win-win scenario, benefiting both employers and the future workforce. Encouraging more employers to pledge to have T Level learners on placement with them is not just a sound business decision but also a valuable investment in the growth and prosperity of industries and communities. 

Throughout the month of November, we have set ourselves the challenge of receiving 150 T Level pledges from business owners and employers just like you. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to change the future of your business through an industry placement - click here to find out more. 

We look forward to working with you! 

Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth & Employer Partnerships 

Following the success of last year’s ‘Phobia’ Halloween event collaboration at Puxton Park, Further and Higher Education learners from Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) have collaborated with the Park to design and apply makeup to the 40 learner actors per night! The event ran from 21st - 28th October 2023, and had many haunted attractions including a Haunted Tractor Ride, Dolls House, Asylum, Freak Show, and The Dark Wood.

The impeccable hair and makeup were crafted by learners from Weston College's Hair and Makeup for Fashion and Media, Hair, Makeup, and Special Effects for Film and Theatre, and students from University Centre Weston on the BA (Hons) Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics for Production. The transformation of actors into creatures of the night is a testament to the dedication and skill of the makeup artists, adding to the immersive experience that "Phobia" offers.

The learners from the Performing Arts department utilised their impressive acting skills to strike fear into the hearts of those brave enough to enter. Dressed in scary costumes and adorned with hair and makeup that was nothing short of spectacular, these actors made sure that the Phobia Event lived up to its name. Puxton Park's Marketing Manager, Grace Harvey, expressed her excitement about the event:

"Phobia is an exciting opportunity for all of us here at Puxton Park. Not only has it allowed us to welcome a wider range of visitors, but it also provided us the chance to collaborate with the exceptionally talented teams at Weston College and UCW. We have been impressed by the high level of professionalism and skills these students possess. Their passion and enthusiasm in their respective fields have truly shined, and we were thrilled to see their hard work come to life during the event."

This is the third year that Puxton Park has worked collaboratively with the College on this event and the students' remarkable talent continues to amaze year after year, taking the makeup designs to a whole new, spine-chilling level.

In addition to the spine-tingling performances, the Music department from Weston College also played a role in enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event, with student bands keeping visitors entertained.

Sandra Bull, Assistant Principal – Curriculum, commented “The professionalism and quality of work displayed by each learner working at ‘Phobia’ has been incredible – they have been an absolute asset to Weston College and UCW.

“I would like to thank Puxton Park for welcoming us back for another year and being so supportive to our learners – we can’t wait for next year!”

Phobia has been an incredible opportunity for Puxton Park and Weston College to collaborate again, creating an exciting, immersive Halloween experience for visitors from all around the area. This industry event experience forms part of both the Music and Hair & Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. The College Group has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which support both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. This partnership with Puxton has provided these students with a platform to showcase their talent and skills and is a shining example of how businesses and educational institutions can work together to create something extraordinary and mutually beneficial.

Weston College's sports students were treated to a great opportunity as they welcomed Becky York, a distinguished figure from the Invictus Games, as their guest speaker. The event, saw Becky share her remarkable journey from serving in the Marines to achieving remarkable success in the Invictus Games arena.

Becky York captivated the Level 2 and Level 3 groups with her compelling narrative of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. Having faced significant challenges, including injury, Becky's story resonated deeply with the students, inspiring them to persevere and strive for excellence in their own endeavours.

Throughout the session, Becky shared invaluable insights into her journey, recounting her path to victory and the obstacles she overcame along the way. Her remarkable achievement of winning three medals at the Invictus Games served as a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.

"We were incredibly privileged to have Becky York join us and share her incredible story," said Dan Lomax, Curriculum Co-ordinator Sport and Health at Weston College. "Her journey from the Marines to the Invictus Games is nothing short of inspirational, and our students were truly moved by her resilience and determination. Becky's visit has left a lasting impact on our students, motivating them to push beyond their limits and pursue their goals with unwavering determination."

Becky's visit served as an example of Weston College's commitment to providing its students with enriching experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth, crucial to our Careers Excellence Hubs initiative. By bringing in distinguished speakers like Becky, the College aims to inspire and empower its students to reach their full potential, equipping them with employability skills and tools to make a positive impact on the world as they embark on their path to success in a professional career.

For more information about Weston College sports courses, please click here.

Our level 2 and level 3 Public Services learners recently had the amazing opportunity to visit HMS Raleigh!  

HMS Raleigh is a Royal Navy training establishment in Torpoint near Plymouth, comprising of over 239 acres of land. This site is where ratings from all branches of the Royal Navy receive their 10-week Initial Naval Training, making this the perfect place for students to visit to find out more about Navy life.  

A wide range of training is provided by the site including the Military Training Unit, the Board and Search Training School, the Royal Navy Submarine School, the Royal Navy School of Seamanship, and the School of Maritime Survival. Training is provided to as many as 2200 people on the site!  

Our students were introduced to the fitness requirements required for the Royal Navy with exercises performed in the onsite gymnasium. Fitness instructors demonstrated the strict training regimes that recruits go through, emphasising the importance of staying in peak physical condition. 

Students were also given an introduction to the Submarine Service. They gained insights into the advanced technology and complex operations that submariners experience. The Royal Navy personnel shared their experiences, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and attention to detail, which are crucial in submarine missions. 

Finally, students had the chance to see a demonstration of the firefighting specialisation at the base. They witnessed the courage and precision required to combat onboard blazes in naval vessels. Royal Navy instructors showcased their firefighting skills and the specialized equipment used during emergencies at sea. 

Student Honey said “the fire fighting demo was exhilarating. The whole day opened my eyes to the Royal Navy." 

This trip forms part of the Public Services Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

To find out more about public services courses, click here.

Makaton tutor, Ali, recently spent the afternoon delivering an ‘Introduction to Makaton’ workshop to Health & Social Care learners and staff. For learners looking to go into a career in the Health & Social Care industry, the ability to communicate effectively is not merely an advantage but a necessity in providing the best possible care and support for clients and patients. 

During the training, participants learned the core principles and elements of Makaton, including basic signs and symbols. Ali seamlessly integrated practical exercises and role-playing scenarios into the session, enabling attendees to put their newfound knowledge into practice immediately. This hands-on approach not only made the learning experience engaging but also helped cement the understanding of Makaton's application in real-life situations. 

The feedback from the learners was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand their communication skills and a newfound enthusiasm for incorporating Makaton into their daily routines. Participants eagerly embraced the chance to receive a certificate for attending Ali's training session, acknowledging the commitment they made to improving their communication skills. 

Lecturer, Louise, shared her appreciation for Ali's dedication and passion. She stated, "Thank you, Ali, for your dedication and passion. You have left a lasting impact on our learners, and I am confident that you will continue to inspire and empower others wherever you go." Louise's sentiments perfectly capture the sentiment of everyone who had the privilege of attending Ali's Introduction to Makaton. 

This  guest speaker forms part of the Health and Social Care 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.

Collaboration with industry professionals like Ali is undoubtedly crucial for students and professionals in the fields of Health & Social Care. These partnerships bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for the multifaceted challenges they will face in their future roles. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and social care, effective communication is paramount, and Ali's Introduction to Makaton has proven to be a valuable step in the right direction. 

Last week, Weston College had the privilege of hosting alumni Naomi, the proud owner of the Music and Movement business, Boogie Beat. Naomi paid a visit to Level 2 Early Years learners, and her engaging talk and interactive session was an incredible experience for the class, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination, and the wide variety of opportunities that follow an Early Years course at college. 

Naomi's journey from a Level 2 Early Years student at Weston College to becoming a successful business owner is nothing short of inspiring. As she addressed the eager learners, she shared her remarkable transformation. Naomi emphasized how her time at Weston College had provided her with the foundational knowledge and skills she needed to embark on her career path. Her experience demonstrated that with determination and dedication, it's possible to turn your college education into a thriving business.

Naomi's talk was not just a nostalgic reflection of her time at Weston College; it was also filled with invaluable insights for the Level 2 Early Years students. She underscored the significance of working hard during their college years, a message that resonated with the young minds eager to set their own path in the field of Early Years education. By sharing her personal journey, Naomi provided students with a tangible example of how a college education can be a stepping stone to entrepreneurial success.

One of the highlights of Naomi's visit was her ability to open students' eyes to the vast array of opportunities available in the Early Years sector. Her success story served as a testament to the versatility of a career in Early Years education. It was a reminder that this field extends far beyond traditional teaching and can be a launchpad for diverse and fulfilling career paths.

The engagement didn't stop at an inspirational talk. Naomi had the students up and active with a lively practical session. Learners had a blast as they participated in singing and dancing, wielding rainbow streamers, and even sharing the floor with Giggles the Boogie Beat Monkey. This hands-on experience not only added an element of fun to the afternoon but also reinforced the idea that learning can be both enjoyable and instructive.

This guest speaker forms part of the Education Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

As the session concluded, the Early Years learners were buzzing with excitement and inspiration. Their feedback echoed the sentiment that the afternoon was not only informative but also incredibly enjoyable. Naomi's visit left an indelible mark on these students, reminding them that with hard work, dedication, and a passion for what they do, they can carve out successful and fulfilling careers in Early Years education.

Find out more about our Early Years & Education courses, here.

At Weston College, we’re always trying to raise awareness for important causes. That’s why we’re very pleased to announce that our Level 3 Media learners recently teamed up with Meningitis Now, a leading charity in the UK for raising awareness and supporting people with meningitis. They have invested tens of millions of pounds in research surrounding the illness, playing a critical part in life-saving vaccines.

Our students were tasked with creating Instagram Reels and TikTok videos to help Meningitis Now with their annual awareness campaign. To do this, our learners travelled to their headquarters in Stroud. Here they met with survivors of meningitis and carefully interviewed them to record their experience, allowing them to recount their stories.

After this, the students went to Bristol to meet with more people who have suffered as a result of Meningitis, including a mother who sadly lost her child to the illness.

Inclusion was a key part of the brief given to learners, as an important part of an awareness campaign is ensuring that the message can be received by as many people as possible. To help with this aim, students used a Makaton interpreter to help subtitle their reels. Makaton is a type of sign language used by over 100,000 children and adults as a communication aid for people who have difficulty communicating and understanding concepts.

This employer project forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

Well done to all of these learners for raising awareness of such an important issue in a creative way. We wish all of these students the best for the rest of their course!

We recently caught up with Maria, a talented second year student currently studying T Level Production Design and Development.

Maria began her journey at Weston college with the T Level Computing and Digital technical progression programme which provided her the opportunity to develop skills such as teamworking, basic python coding and website deigning. Maria stated that the level two technical progression programme helped ‘develop her skills and understanding of programming’ and ‘gave her an insight about the technical and non-technical skills that she needed to develop further’.

Moving onto the T Level Digital Production Design and Development Maria continued her excellence, especially when completing her industry placement. Her determination and passion drove her to be the first student to complete all the industry placement hours working on PHP development systems. Her hard work was reflected with excellent feedback from her industry placement employer.

Maria decided on studying a T Level due to the 315 hours of industry placement offered, which she realised would allow her to gain knowledge and experience to help her continue into either a skilled job, higher apprenticeship or university. Maria found her T Level ‘fun, and not as difficult or stressful as it might seem’, she also thoroughly enjoyed when she got to create her own website from scratch.

The Digital Production Design and Development T Level, is a two year course based at Knightstone campus. The T Level is designed and developed in collaboration with employers, which allows students to have a mixture of classroom learning and work-based experience to help build technical skills to kick start your career into the digital sector. Studying this course means you will be apart of our computing and IT career excellence hub, as well as provided with the opportunity to join our esports academy!

Throughout the T Level Maria has grown in both confidence and knowledge, and her tutor is confident she will continue this trend and become an invaluable member of any team within the industry. After completing her course, Maria hopes to take a gap year to develop her skills further and the progress onto a higher apprenticeship!

We wish you the best of luck Maria!

Last week, learners studying courses as part of our Public Services Career’s Excellence Hub, went on an exciting trip to Weston-super-Mare Fire Station. The initiative aimed to expose learners to the multifaceted world of firefighting and kindle their aspirations of becoming future heroes of the community.

Hosted by the dedicated Blue Watch team at Weston-super-Mare Fire Station, the visit proved to be an unqualified success. Watch Manager Chris Bacon, who was involved with the visit, reported: "The day was a real success, with four of the group expressing an interest in joining our Service at the next recruitment window."

Approximately 20 students from Weston College seized this unique opportunity to step into the shoes of a firefighter. Their day began with a hands-on experience, participating in practical firefighter tests and interacting closely with the seasoned crews. This immersive experience allowed them to gain insights into the life of a firefighter, including the challenges and rewards.

The highlight of the visit was a dynamic question-and-answer session with the fire service's recruitment team. This gave the students an invaluable platform to delve deeper into the intricacies of a firefighter's role and gather information on potential career paths.

Subject Area Manager for Public Services, David Beresford, said: “At Weston College we prepare our learners for a career, rather than just to pass their course. This trip has inspired our students, giving them a real insight into a career as a firefighter. Thank you to Chris and the team for hosting our learners.”

This employer project forms part of the Public Services Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

Find out more about our Public Services courses, by clicking here.