LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES
There is always so much going on across our various campuses and courses.
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Every year we like to welcome our new students with something special, and this year is no exception with our 2023 Fresher’s Fair!
Across the course of the week, we’ve been touring around South West Skills Campus, Knightstone Campus and Loxton Campus to introduce learners to the college and showcase some of the support on offer.
Our learners experienced interesting information stalls about health, wellbeing, welfare and careers from our dedicated staff, teaching learners about the services and support that they can find at college.
We also had external stalls such as Puxton Park, Community PCSOs and many others, providing excellent information for learners to use as they navigate the college.
For our more thrill-seeking learners, we even had a surfing machine! Queues formed for everyone to test their balance and see how long they could stand on a rocking surfboard before falling off.
Weston College has a range of exciting societies which our learners could learn about and sign up for. Our societies range from creative such as dance, music and drama to active such as sport, debating and sustainability.
Sport and getting active was popular this year, with learners getting involved with how sport can improve your health and wellbeing. Learners at Loxton campus even tried their hand at planking!
We hope everyone enjoyed the Fresher’s Fair and we look forward to seeing you over the course of the year.
University Centre Weston (UCW) students gathered with their friends and family last Friday (15th September), to celebrate their academic achievements, at the UCW 2023 Graduation ceremony.
The memorable event started off with the procession from the Winter Gardens to St John the Baptist’s Church for each of the three ceremonies, led by a jazz quartet. Graduates were met with applause from those in attendance, with over 1,000 guests across the three ceremonies, as well as thousands of views across the live streams.
Each ceremony was filled with emotional and uplifting moments, as graduates collected their well-earned certificates to the thunderous applause and cheers of their proud friends and family.
The traditional mortarboard toss added a touch of excitement, and the audience were also treated to a captivating musical mashup performance from the talented learners currently studying Musical Theatre BA (Hons) at UCW – some of whom only started that very week, who performed Roar by Katy Perry and Mountain by Sam Ryder.
Following the ceremonies, the festivities continued at the Winter Gardens, where graduates indulged in refreshments and captured memories in a fun-filled photobooth.
Sadie Skellon, Vice Principal Higher Education, expressed her pride in the class of 2023: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the people that graduated last Friday. Our students have done an incredible job this year, with over 80% of learners achieving a First-class or 2:1 Degree.
“All our students should be incredibly proud of their achievements, they have developed new skills, balanced their studies with a range of personal and work commitments and many have also overcome additional challenges whilst achieving their qualification.
“These qualifications are future-proof, with graduates obtaining key transferable skills, which increases their employability. Our students progress into graduate-level jobs, and we are incredibly proud of this; with learners going on to work for the likes of Disney, Network Rail, the NHS, Wessex Water and the Ministry of Defence. UCW is proud to serve as a launchpad for these extraordinary accomplishments.
“UCW is committed to nurturing the potential of students from diverse backgrounds and enabling them to achieve their educational aspirations, offering a range of support services to enable success. This year's graduates embody this commitment, showcasing their dedication and hard work in achieving remarkable academic success.”
In keeping with UCW's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the Graduation event welcomes students of all backgrounds and ages. Mature student and BA (Hons) Counselling graduate, Kimberley Humberstone, delivered on of the Student Vote of Thanks speeches, and said: “UCW is a fantastic place to study. They have an inclusive ethos, and view us all as individuals with unlimited potential, which ultimately helped us all to succeed.
“I have never felt as supported and as valued as I have while I have been a student at UCW, and I would like to thank those teams and individuals that embody this inclusive ethos and make UCW such a special place to learn.
“This ethos is, I think, one of the best parts of studying at UCW and something which sets it apart from other university environments.
University Centre Weston is also part of the West of England Institute of Technology and this year’s graduation also saw learners from these programmes graduate. One of those learners, Lewis Westcott, said: “The lecturers and the support staff are outstanding, they pour their hearts and souls into our education and give it their all day in, day out – it really is a high level of learning and studying.
"Now that I have my degree, I am going on to work in Defence at Boeing.”
After two very successful years of running our A Level adult provision, we'd like to hear from you in order to continue to improve and offer the courses that people want!
Want to have your say on what subjects we offer and in what format? Complete our form below to let us know.
Hey! I'm Maisy, and I recently completed my Digital Marketing Level 3 apprenticeship with Weston College, working for Visit Somerset.
After completing my apprenticeship in March, I was offered the role of Social Media Manager at Visit Somerset, which wouldn’t have been possible without my apprenticeship.
Let me take you through my apprenticeship journey, the highs, the lessons learned, and the growth I've experienced along the way.
Choosing the Apprenticeship Path
Why did I choose an apprenticeship? Simply put, I wanted to learn by doing. I've never been the most academically inclined, so the idea of working on the job while learning was the perfect balance for me. It allowed me to reach my full potential without the pressures of traditional education.
Gaining Unique Skills
One of the most significant benefits of my apprenticeship was developing my interpersonal skills. I had the chance to interact with customers and partners regularly, which boosted my confidence and communication abilities.
Memorable Moments at Visit Somerset
The highlight of my journey with Visit Somerset was an unforgettable trip to Noah's Ark Zoo.
There, I got to try out new animal experiences and help with filming and social media promotion. Feeding lions, bears, and armadillos was an experience of a lifetime that I'll cherish forever.
A Special Project: 'Dog-Friendly Somerset'
One project that's very close to my heart is 'Dog-Friendly Somerset.' I took it upon myself to showcase how pet-friendly our region is by creating a video at The Eastbury Hotel. The project was a massive success and continues to thrive.
Support from Weston College
I can't emphasise enough the support I received from Weston College during my apprenticeship.
My assessor was exceptional. She guided me, ensured I stayed on track, and relieved any worries about deadlines.
Advice for Future Apprentices
If you're considering an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: go for it!
You'll learn, grow, and get paid for doing what you love. I emerged from my apprenticeship more confident and equipped with skills I wouldn't have gained in a traditional job.
My journey from an apprentice to a Social Media Manager has been incredible. It's shown me the power of hands-on learning and the endless opportunities that come with it. So, whether you're starting your apprenticeship journey or just curious about it, remember that it could be the key to unlocking your full potential, just as it did for me.
Maisy, Social Media Manager, Visit Somerset
We are aware that since the start of the academic year there have been some issues with some of the local services operated by First Bus, particularly the number 7 and X5 which has impacted our learners travelling to and from our campuses. As a result, we have been in communication with the company and have raised our concerns, as well as those of our learners and their parents.
First Bus have today given us an in-depth update on some of the issues being experienced, which are linked to an upgrade of the local vehicle fleet in and around Weston-super-Mare. This has unfortunately led to some services running late or in some instances being cancelled. The knock-on effect is that where the services have run, there is an increased footfall as a result and some services being full. All of this has obviously impacted the travel of our learners and is something we have voiced with First Bus and they have acknowledged this and asked us to pass on their apologies to our learners about the experience that some may have had recently.
We have been pleased to receive communication from senior members of staff at First Bus who have had this issue escalated to their attention and are taking a proactive approach to rectifying the issue. First Bus have informed us that a number of engineers are working on their fleet and that they anticipate seeing improvement this week and moving into next week.
First Bus have informed us that learners should use the First Bus app to track journeys, including a live interactive map as well as being able to see the number of spaces available on all services. First Bus have assured us that if there is the unfortunate event of a service not running, that the app is updated and the journey will not be able to be tracked.
Our advice to our learners is therefore:
- Check the app regularly prior to travelling.
- Where services run frequently, such as the number 7 (every 20 minutes), maybe consider getting an earlier service to avoid potential disruption at peak times.
- If your travel to college is impacted by the transport network, then message your tutor via Teams to let them know you are running late.
As a college we are doing all that we can to try and resolve this issue on behalf of our learners and are optimistic that this will be resolved very soon. We will continue to post updates on this via our website when we receive them.
If you experience any issues with First Bus, then please contact their customer services team on the below:
- Email: SSC-CustomerFeedback@firstbus.co.uk
- Tel: 03300 947 577
All information on our transport network can be found on our Travelling to College section of the website.
As we explore the incredible journeys of our University Centre Weston (UCW) alumni, we turn our attention to Paul, a talented performer who embarked on his educational voyage with a UAL Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, specifically in the Acting pathway.
His dedication and passion for the craft led him to UCW's BA Hons Performing Arts course, where he continued to hone his skills and develop as an artist. Join us as we dive into Paul's experiences, highlights, and aspirations as he continues his journey in the world of acting.
The Beginnings:
Paul's journey in the performing arts began with a UAL Extended Diploma in Performing Arts at Weston College, where he excelled, earning a well-deserved Distinction. He then progressed onto UCW's BA Hons Performing Arts course.
Lecturers with Distinct Teaching Styles:
One aspect that truly stood out for Paul during his time with us, was the diverse set of lecturers he encountered during his time at UCW. Each lecturer possessed a distinct skill set and teaching style, which not only kept students engaged but also broadened their horizons.
Paull added on his experience: “Due to the patience and people around me, it meant I was able to learn at my own pace. Combined, I believe both courses supported the development of my understanding of the industry I want to break into, but, they also supplied me with the confidence and skills on how to realistically do that.”
Memorable Highlights:
Reflecting on his time at Weston College and UCW, Paul cherishes the memories of various performances: “My highlight at Weston College comes from the end of my first year, when we performed ‘The Wonderful World of Dissocia’, as I wasn't sure if I wanted to do acting when I started the course, but at the point of ‘Dissocia’ I had so much fun that I just knew my answer.
“UCW's highlight on the other hand is a hard one to pick, as I poured my heart into a lot of performances from ‘The Dumb Waiter’, ‘Angels in America’, ‘Tomcat’ and others.
“But the real highlight came just the night before my class’ performance of ‘The Castle’, in which we had raised all the money ourselves to go the Manchester Fringe, perform and stay there for 4 days. We all shared accommodation together and spent the night before playing silly games, laughing and reflecting on everything we had accomplished across the course. We all knew that this would be our last show on the course, but we were all prepared to give our all to round us off.”
The Present and Future:
Currently, Paul is actively pursuing acting opportunities, taking on featured roles and walk-on parts. His dedication to furthering his education is evident as he saves money to pursue an MFA at a Drama School. In addition to acting, he plans to collaborate with fellow student Craig, on writing and filming projects. Paul has also become a certified free running coach, contributing to the community by coaching at the only school offering free running in the area, Hans Price.
Featuring in Wolf:
Paul's journey took an exciting turn recently, when he received a text from Phoenix Casting, a company that presented him with script segments for a self-tape audition for the new BBC show, Wolf.
His talent and hard work paid off, and he was chosen for a role.
On set, he had the opportunity to interact with the cast and crew, gaining insights into their experiences and collecting valuable advice.
The Long-Term Dream:
Looking ahead, Paul's long-term dream is to become a recognised actor who can transport audiences on unforgettable journeys and adventures through his performances. His aspiration is to provide the same magic and inspiration that he found in the actors and movies he admired during his formative years.
If you would like to follow in Paul’s footsteps, and study a Performing Arts course, click the relevant link below:
On Thursday, 7th September, our Animal Management learners had a taste of their future careers through an Employers Morning, hosted at the Animal Management Education Centre at Puxton Park!
The event was organised with the help of the Student Experience team and the Animal Management staff, whereby local and national Animal related businesses and organisations were invited to discuss their job roles and to inspire the learners on finding their future careers. Employers in attendance included the RSPCA, Harmonious Dogs, Barnaby’s Bunny Barn, Bristol Vet School, Secret World and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. 
The day began with talks from many of the employers, who provided valuable insight into the industry, and were able to showcase the diverse and rewarding career paths within the animal industry. Some talks even featured live demonstrations from furry friends, including Boris!
Following the talks, learners were given the opportunity to speak to the range of employers. They were encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance and establish connections that could lead to industry placement opportunities.
Laura Link, the Subject Area Manager of Animal Management, commented on the success of the day: “At Weston College, we understand the importance of on-the-job experience, especially in a hands-on industry such as Animal Management. This is why we ensure we provide opportunities for our learners such as these, where they can not only make meaningful connections with employers, but also discover what could be their future career.
“We aim to broaden the horizons of what our learners aspire to do, and showcase career options they may not have heard before. We are so grateful to the employers who attended our careers fair, and we hope it was as beneficial to them as it was to our learners.”
The feedback from the employers was also fantastic; the RSPCA representative said: “It was great to be able to outline a job that is a passion, and to be able to see all the great employment options for students.”
The representative from Secret World told us: “It was lovely to chat with the students! I enjoyed my visit here for the first time – I'm keen to work with the Animal Management team further. Thank you for the invite!”
Bristol Vet School, from the University of Bristol, said: “It was great to meet the students and explain the opportunities open to them regarding courses and employment.”
As they continue their educational journey, these learners are now better equipped to pursue fulfilling careers that contribute to the well-being and conservation of animals around the world, thanks to the valuable experiences and insights gained during this enlightening morning at the Learning Centre at Puxton Park.
In an ever-evolving world, businesses must constantly seek innovative ways to secure a competitive edge. One strategy that has been gaining prominence in recent years is the offering of apprenticeships. At Weston College, our mantra is ‘careers, not courses’, meaning we have always understood the importance and value of learning on the job, working closely with local and national businesses to provide wonderful opportunities for our learners.
Apprenticeships are structured training programmes that combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. While they are often associated with traditional trades, modern apprenticeships have expanded to various industries, presenting a host of benefits for employers.
Skill Development and Customised Training
One of the most compelling reasons for employers to offer apprenticeships is the opportunity to tailor training programs to meet their specific needs. Unlike traditional hiring processes, where employers may struggle to find candidates with the exact skills they require, apprenticeships allow companies to mould individuals from the ground up. Employers can design apprenticeship programmes that align with their industry, company culture, and unique requirements, ensuring that apprentices develop the precise skills and knowledge needed for the job.
Cost-Effective Recruitment and Retention
Recruitment and retention of skilled talent can be a significant challenge, particularly in industries with high demand for specialised skills. Apprenticeships offer an innovative solution by enabling employers to nurture their own talent pool. This can significantly reduce recruitment costs, as apprentices are typically more cost-effective to hire than experienced professionals. Furthermore, the investment in apprentices often leads to greater loyalty and commitment, increasing employee retention rates and saving your business money in the long run.
Enhanced Workforce Diversity
Diversity in the workplace is not just a social imperative; it's also a strategic advantage. Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to diversify the workforce by attracting candidates from various backgrounds and demographics. Employers who actively engage in apprenticeship programmes can benefit from fresh perspectives, increased creativity, and a wider range of skills and experiences within their team. This diversity can lead to better problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability, all of which are crucial for success in today's global business environment.
Improved Employee Morale and Engagement
When existing employees witness the company's commitment to skills development and investment in talent, it can have a positive impact on overall employee morale and engagement. Apprenticeships create a culture of learning and growth, encouraging employees to continuously develop their skills. Furthermore, experienced staff members often have the opportunity to mentor apprentices, fostering a sense of pride and fulfilment in passing down their knowledge. This connection between experienced professionals and apprentices can lead to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.
Long-Term Sustainability
Investing in apprenticeships is an investment in the future. Companies that actively engage in apprenticeship programs are better positioned to adapt to changing industry trends and technological advancements. As apprentices become proficient in the latest tools and techniques, employers can stay at the forefront of their industry, maintaining a competitive edge in the long term.
Apprenticeships offer an incredible range of benefits, both for the business, and for the apprentice themselves. Think your business could benefit from offering apprenticeships? Our 30-Day Challenge is the perfect time to get involved!
At Weston College, we have set ourselves a challenge, of securing 500 apprenticeship pledges in just 30 days, and we need your help to reach that milestone! Click here to find out how you can get involved, and make your pledge today.
- Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal, Apprenticeships and Traineeships Recruitment
South West Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, Weston College is proud to announce its latest campaign, which sets out to support employers across the region with recruiting, retaining, and retraining staff.
The College, which is well known for its ambitious apprenticeship campaigns, and for achieving results well beyond national averages, is aiming even higher than ever before, setting themselves three, 30-day challenges:
- Challenge 1 – September: 500 apprenticeship pledges in 30 days
- Challenge 2 – October: 150 adults upskilled in 30 days
- Challenge 3 – November: 150 T Level placement pledges in 30 days
Weston College values its employer partnerships and supports over 2000 employers each year and together they drive the apprenticeship, upskill, and T Level agenda in the region.
Throughout the campaign, the College will be celebrating success stories, as well as updates on the progress of the campaign, highlighting the employers who are taking on apprentices, T Level learners, and/or upskilling their existing staff.
Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “We are passionate about creating brighter futures, and are really excited to be launching this campaign, which will support employers of all sizes across the region.
“One of the most valuable things you can do for your business is investing in your current workforce through upskilling or bringing a new generation of employees through from hiring an apprentice or taking on an industry placement student. Our employer network and our learners have benefited hugely from apprenticeships and industry placements, and we are excited to help even more people improve their lives through this campaign.
“At Weston College, we have an offer to suit all employers, and we look forward to working closely with our current business partners as well as building new partnerships throughout this campaign to positively impact our region.”
Dave Crew, Head of Business Growth and Employer Partnerships, said: “Our mantra is careers, not courses, here at Weston College, meaning we recognise the importance of employer partnerships, students gaining experience in industry and businesses getting the skills training that they need. Therefore, our aim is to make it as easy as possible for employers looking to recruit, retrain, or retain their workforce!
“We cannot wait to get started – reach out today to pledge!”
Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships & Traineeships Recruitment, said: “Our statistics really speak for themselves when it comes to the success of our apprentices; with 90% of apprentices being offered permanent roles on completion, 97% employer satisfaction and success rate of 15% above the national benchmark, we are really looking forward to the challenge of 500 pledges in just 30 days!”
Weston College will be sharing regular updates on the campaign, both in terms of numbers and impact – keep an eye on their social media and website to stay up to date with each challenge.
Head over to our 30-Day Challenge page, to find out more and to get involved!
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.
