T Levels are fast becoming one of the most popular avenues for gaining both experience in the industry and an academic qualification. With the digital world everchanging and evolving, learning from the experts within the industry, is the most effective way to develop knowledge and skills in the area.

We recently caught up with John Banks, T Levels and Skills Bootcamps Lead from the Apprenticeships Team at Lloyds Banking Group, who told us about their experience with T Levels so far!

“We first took on a T Level group in April 2022; we started at a smaller scale with just 6 students, but have scaled up to 70 placements in 2023. We have partner colleges in our key hub locations of Bristol, London, Manchester and Halifax.

“Overall, we have been so impressed with the application and initial tech competence of our digital learners. During placements, students have built chatbots, designed web pages and created code. They have also delivered presentations and organised team meetings and away days – we have been very impressed!

“We believe Lloyds Banking Group is a great opportunity for industry placement as we are so much more than the common misconception that we are ‘just a bank’; behind our high street presence there is an engine room of software developers, data analysts and cyber security teams who work on our customer applications and keep customer detail safe. There are plenty of tech roles for students to undertake and develop their technical skills. Whilst on placement the students also get a real feel for the workplace environment and develop key interpersonal and communication skills.

“We began working further with Weston College earlier this year as we expanded the T Level placement to our Bristol hub. We already have an existing relationship and share the same ethos and passion for early careers. What is impressive about the college is the learning environment they create for students and their dedication for creating opportunities for young people.

“I am a huge advocate of quality work placements and the value it gives to students. What I would say to anyone considering T Level placements is that it is a two-way street; as employers, we create the opportunity but we are also on the receiving end of fresh insight and access to talented young people, with the opportunity to create a pathway into a career which is particularly appealing in the tech space, given the digital skills shortage.”

Find out more about Digital T Levels, here!

The service sectors faculty recently held their end of year celebration in the Knightstone Bistro at Weston College, to award the achievements of learners’ outstanding performance and dedication throughout the academic year.

The Service Sector Department at Weston College encompasses a diverse range of courses, including Catering & Hospitality, Education & Early Years, Hair & Beauty and Digital. These programs aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the dynamic and ever-expanding service industry.

Over 160 learners attended the event in support of their peers and the event was hosted by Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, who praised the students for their unwavering commitment and perseverance. She emphasized the importance of their chosen fields and highlighted the immense opportunities awaiting them in the service sector.

Each of the four subject areas presented the ‘Employer of the Year’, ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Learner of the Year’ award, based on nominations from teachers and peers across the faculty. Reasons for nominations and winners ranged from exemplary academic performance, strong work ethic, leadership skills, and contributions to their courses.

The winners were:

Digital Employer Nomination- Maple from SenseIT

Digital Apprentice of the year- Rion

Digital Full-time learner of the year – Luke

Hair and Beauty Employer Nomination- Ellie from Aesthetica

Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the year- Kate

Hair and Beauty Full-time learner of the year – Kiera

Education and Early Years Employer Nomination- Ruby from Little Bears

Education and Early Years Apprentice of the year- Amy

Education and Early Years Full-time learner of the year – Callie

Hospitality Employer Nomination- Anthony from The Rising Sun

Hospitality Apprentice of the year- Owen

Hospitality Full-time learner of the year – Sophie

Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, commented on the success of the event: “I am so proud of all the learners and their achievements from the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure watching everyone develop their skills in their chosen industry, and I cannot wait to see what they go on to achieve following their time at the college.”

The end-of-year celebration at Weston College's Service Sector Department not only recognized the exceptional achievements of its students but also served as a reminder of the college's commitment to nurturing talent and preparing individuals for success in their chosen fields. The event left everyone inspired and eager to embark on their professional journeys, armed with the knowledge and recognition they had gained during their time at Weston College.

Join us for the highly anticipated return of our Year 11 Healthcare Academy—an extraordinary opportunity for all Year 11 students interested in pursuing a rewarding career or further education in Health and Social Care. Over the course of four enriching sessions, you will delve into the captivating world of healthcare, gaining valuable insights, practical skills, and a taste of what it's like to work in this dynamic field. 

27th September, 4pm-5pm: Working in a Hospital  

Step into the shoes of healthcare professionals as you experience a "day in the life" in a clinical setting. This immersive session will provide hands-on experience, allowing you to practice vital skills such as taking blood, catheterisation, and supporting patients with challenging behaviour. Explore the diverse roles within the hospital and discover what these professionals do daily. 

13th October, 4pm-5pm: Working in Mental Health  

Gain a comprehensive overview of mental health conditions and learn how you can support individuals in managing these challenges on a daily basis. Explore the signs and symptoms of different conditions and discover effective management techniques. Delve into the varied professionals working in the field of mental health, enabling you to identify potential career pathways aligned with your interests. 

8th November, 4pm-5pm: First Aid 

Develop confidence and essential life-saving skills in a safe and supportive environment. Engage in hands-on practice scenarios designed to sharpen your first aid abilities. From emergency situations to basic care, you'll acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively in times of need. Discover the critical elements required to handle emergencies and make a difference in people's lives. 

22nd November, 4pm-5pm: Preparing to Care  

Embark on a journey to explore the fundamental skills required for various healthcare roles. This session will be personalised to align with your own career aspirations, ensuring you gain valuable insights specific to your goals. Under the guidance of our team of industry specialists, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in the role you aspire to, practicing the skills and techniques necessary for success. 

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to get a head start in your healthcare journey. The Weston College Year 11 Healthcare Academy offers an exceptional platform for you to explore, experience, and engage with the fascinating world of Health and Social Care. Secure your place today and unlock a promising future in the healthcare industry. 

SIGN UP HERE.  

Weston College is delighted to announce its partnership with Rotamec as a Career Excellence Hub endorser for engineering, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities for its learners.

Through this partnership, Rotamec will play a pivotal role in co-designing the engineering training provision, creating an inspiring learning experience, and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the business and wider industry.

Paul Pearce, Sales & Operations Director of Rotamec, said: "Our partnership with Weston College is paramount to the continued success, growth and sustainability of our engineering business. We work closely with Weston College at every juncture, ensuring we provide the best learning opportunities and facilities for all students. Our shared vision is to create an environment where students can learn, develop and enhance our core engineering skills, securing the future of our industry."

Andrew Webster, Education Sector Manager – Further Education & Skills at The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “The team at Weston College don’t just work on one off projects about careers and the world of work, they work strategically, embedding information and examples about careers into so much of what they do. All of this means their young people are as well prepared as possible to take on the future.”

Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added: “At Weston College, our mission statement is ‘creating brighter futures’ and we passionately believe in helping all our students reach their ultimate goal, focussing on their future employability and developing the skills they will need to have a successful career.

“The partnership between Weston College and Rotamec signifies a shared vision for developing a highly skilled workforce that can drive businesses and industries forward. By providing learners with access to industry-specific training and work experience opportunities, this collaboration will nurture a pool of talented individuals ready to contribute to the success and growth of the engineering industry.”

Find out more about Career Excellence Hubs, by clicking here. 

Recently we caught up with Holly, a dedicated student at Weston College, who has just finished her second year of studying BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care.

Throughout her college journey, Holly has undergone significant personal growth and development, both academically and professionally. With the support of her tutors, classroom learning, and hands-on experiences during placements, Holly has made remarkable progress in these areas. 

Holly's passion for her studies in Health and Social Care has been fuelled by the valuable practical experiences she has gained. These include her voluntary work in a local educational establishment, working with individuals with additional needs as well as training in Sepsis awareness. Engaging in industry placements has allowed her to apply her skills and witness the positive impact she can have on the lives of others, and she hopes to use this experience to train to be a paramedic in the future. Holly tells us “By meeting different people who came in to give us talks about different sectors, it has opened my eyes to how much variety and opportunity there is in the health and social care sector. This only makes me more excited to go on and develop into becoming a paramedic.” 

Through her academic studies, Holly has acquired a wealth of knowledge regarding mental and physical disorders. Assignments and practical sessions in the simulation room have equipped her with hands-on experience in patient care and the importance of handling individuals with care and compassion. Moreover, the experience has honed Holly's time management skills as she diligently meets assignment deadlines. 

Juggling academic commitments, industry placements, and volunteering activities has been a challenge for Holly. However, through effective time management and meticulous planning, she has successfully balanced her various responsibilities. Allocating dedicated time for assignments and revision has been crucial in achieving her desired academic outcomes. 

Receiving outstanding feedback from her industry placement has been a testament to Holly's hard work and dedication. The recognition from her teachers has affirmed her personal growth and has given her the confidence to pursue her future goals with determination. She says “I'm extremely pleased with the feedback as it shows my hard work has paid off, and the teachers are able to see the effort I've put in. As well as knowing I've grown so much as an individual, and it'll help me in my future goals.” 

Upon completion of her college studies, Holly's aspiration is to progress towards becoming a paramedic. She eagerly anticipates the opportunities that lie ahead and is determined to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. 

Great work Holly! 

To find out more about Health and Social Care at Weston College, click here.  

Foundation Learning, our specialist provision for learners with SEND, introduced the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme as a curriculum choice for learners in 2019.

Fast forward to 2023 and this month, two of our first Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold Award achievers were invited to celebrate with 2000 other young people from across the UK to celebrate their outstanding achievement within Buckingham Palace Gardens. This provided the opportunity for them to enjoy a variety of activities and listen to famous DofE alumni and inspirational public figures about their personal journey. The Duke of Edinburgh Award at all levels is an amazing but challenging experience and we are very proud of all of our exceptional participants, and it has been a privilege to be part of this fantastic initiative.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award challenges young people to attain standards of achievement and endeavour in a wide variety of active interests, to support their communities, experience adventure and to develop and learn outside the classroom. It encompasses the true intent of our programme to support learners' personal development, behaviours and attitude and employability skills.

Following the visit to Buckingham Palace, we caught up with the two Gold-achieving learners who told us about their experience on the day: “The speakers were really inspirational. It reminded me of when I was on the DofE. I told myself I’m not going to give up! I felt proud of what I’d achieved, it was a once in a lifetime experience.”

“When I got the invite to go to Buckingham Palace, I was feeling nervous and not sure about going. I am really happy I went because it was a really good experience and opportunity to go. I had amazing day. I am so glad I went. I will always remember the day. I was really proud of myself for going because I feel like I have overcome one of my fears. Thank you for the teachers at college who supported me and encouraged me to go."

Nick Chadwick, lecturer at Weston College, said: “It was with great pride that we were able to accompany our first Gold achievers to the celebrations at Buckingham Palace. They thoroughly deserved this accolade, and it was fantastic that we were able to celebrate and recognise their amazing determination, resilience and creativity they have shown to achieve their gold award.”

One parent, who accompanied the learners to Buckingham Palace, commented: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your support! It was such an amazing day, and one full of wonderful memories we will enjoy for years to come. Liana was thrilled to have been there and for all she experienced. She keeps talking about how she wants to be your Ambassador for DofE!”

It was an incredible day for everyone involved, and a memory that the learners will carry with them for years to come. We are so proud we are able to provide these enrichment experiences, where learners are developing their skills outside of the traditional classroom environment, developing and showcasing transferable skills that prepare learners for their future progression. We look forward to continuing to explore how we can further develop the DofE across our provision to support these amazing outcomes for learners.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and excitement as Weston College's very own student band, 'The Like-Minded,' takes the stage at Summer Fest on the Grand Pier. On Friday 30th June, this talented group of musicians will be showcasing their skills and entertaining a crowd of approximately two thousand paying customers. With a lineup featuring renowned local performers, this spectacular show promises to be the highlight of the summer. 

The Like-Minded's journey to the Summer Fest stage began with a fierce competition. Alongside their fellow Weston College learners, they faced the challenge of performing two live tracks before a panel of respected local judges. These judges meticulously reviewed their performance, providing valuable feedback and ultimately awarding them the coveted supporting spot at the festival. 

The Like-Minded is a band that embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and raw talent. The band is comprised of passionate and dedicated students, Harlee, Mikey, Ewan and Toby, from Weston College's Level 3 Music Performance and Production programme. 

Their selection to pen Summer Fest on the Grand Pier is a testament to the incredible talent and hard work of The Like-Minded. This opportunity allows them to showcase their original songs alongside a selection of well-known local performers. Their infectious energy and captivating stage presence are sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere that will have everyone on their feet. 

Not only is this performance a celebration of The Like-Minded's success, but it also highlights the dedication and commitment of Weston College in nurturing emerging talent. The college's music programme provides students with the tools and opportunities to explore their passion for music and develop their artistic abilities. Through guidance from experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborations with industry professionals, students like The Like-Minded have the platform to thrive and pursue their musical aspirations. 

So, mark your calendars and join us at Summer Fest on the Grand Pier to witness the rising stars of The Like-Minded as they rock the stage with their brilliant music. Let's support these talented musicians and celebrate the vibrant music scene that flourishes within our local community. 

To find out more about our Music courses, click here.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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