AICO, the European market leader in home safety, came to Weston College recently to deliver industry Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training to our apprentices and full-time learners in electrical. The CPD training session delivered by Peter Price-Higgott at Weston College was met with enthusiasm from learners, who were eager to learn more.

The interactive presentation showcased AICO's range of home safety products, highlighting their advanced features and functionality. Through practical demonstrations and informative discussions, our learners gained valuable insights into integrating these devices effectively into electrical systems.

Alex Jackson, Electrical Lecturer at Weston College, said: “It was great to welcome Peter to South West Skills Campus, who delivered a fantastic session for our learners.

“Our learners relished the opportunity of hearing from an industry leader, gaining insights into real-world applications of safety products and solutions. This exposure to cutting-edge technology and best practices has enhanced their skills and improved employability prospects.

“Working in partnership with local and national companies is a key part of the student journey at Weston College, and we look forward to working closely with AICO over the coming months.”

Find out more about our Electrical courses, by clicking here.

A group of Weston College Level 1 and 2 Health and Social Care learners recently participated in a special initiative at the Healthy Living Centre on the Bourneville. The learners demonstrated their exceptional skills and commitment by organising and leading creative activities aimed at supporting social and emotional development for the EXTEND toddler group. 

The enthusiastic learners showcased their dedication to the field of health and social care by engaging with parents and children from the EXTEND toddler group in a nurturing and supportive environment. The activities were designed to promote emotional wellbeing and facilitate social interaction among the young participants. 

Throughout the session, the Weston College learners exhibited commendable confidence and exceptional communication skills. Their empathetic approach created a warm and inclusive atmosphere, fostering an environment where children and parents felt comfortable and encouraged to express themselves. 

The creative activities encompassed various forms of expressive arts and interactive play, encouraging children to explore their emotions, develop their social skills, and express their creativity. The learners' resourcefulness and adaptability were evident as they tailored the activities to meet the individual needs and preferences of the children, ensuring a meaningful experience for all. 

This opportunity not only allowed the learners to gain hands-on experience in their respective discipline but also provided them with a valuable opportunity to observe and understand the practical application of the theories and concepts they have learned in the classroom. 

Excellent work! 

To find out more about our Health and Social Care programmes, click here.  

Imagine a career that offers flexibility, excellent earning potential, and a chance to explore the open road.

That's exactly what Jenny discovered when she embarked on her journey with the HGV Bootcamp. Jenny's story is a testament to the transformative power of vocational training and the countless opportunities it can unlock.

Discovering the Potential:

For Jenny, becoming an HGV driver was never part of her plan. It all started when she struck up a conversation with a female driver who shared her enthusiasm for the role. Intrigued, Jenny reached out to some friends who were also drivers, and their positive feedback piqued her interest further.

The idea of a flexible job with good pay was incredibly appealing, but the financial burden of training seemed impossible. However, fate intervened when Jenny stumbled upon an advert for the HGV Bootcamp, prompting her to enroll immediately.

Flexibility to Suit Her Lifestyle:

One of the standout features of the HGV Bootcamp was its flexibility, allowing Jenny to balance her commitments seamlessly. The course structure, comprising a combination of classroom learning, home study, and practical training, appealed to her. This variety of learning styles ensured she could adapt and make the most of her training while managing other responsibilities.

Guidance and Empowerment:

Throughout her HGV Bootcamp journey, Jenny received exceptional mentoring and employability support from the training staff. The tutors' passion for the subject and their commitment to helping learners succeed was evident.

Jenny found their approachability and inclusivity refreshing, as they readily answered her questions and made her feel at ease.

As part of the employability support, she received invaluable assistance in tailoring her CV to suit her desired job role. The result? A well-crafted CV that resonated with potential employers and boosted her confidence.

The Impact of Skills Bootcamp:

Reflecting on her experience with the Skills Bootcamp course, Jenny expresses her gratitude for the life-changing opportunities it provided. She landed her first Class 2 job with a reputable agency, delivering for B&Q. Not only is the job conveniently located just an eight-minute drive from her home, but it also offers the flexibility she sought. Jenny relishes the learning experience and enjoys gaining knowledge about driving and vehicles. Most importantly, she is thrilled to have left Universal Credit behind and has a renewed sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Conclusion:

Jenny's success story serves as a shining example of the transformative impact vocational training, such as the HGV Bootcamp, can have on individuals' lives. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment showcases the potential for career fulfillment and financial stability that exists within the HGV industry.

By providing flexible courses, mentorship, and employability support, the HGV Bootcamp empowers individuals like Jenny to break barriers, embrace new opportunities, and embark on rewarding journeys. If you're looking to carve a path to success in the HGV industry, let Jenny's inspiring story be your motivation to take the first step toward a brighter future with the HGV Bootcamp.

With Weston College's Annual Business Awards rapidly approaching, we’re excited to be bringing you another employer award nominees articles!

In this article we’ll be talking through our nominees for the Medium Employer of the Year award. Nominated are: Honeyfield Property Services, Rotamec, Thatchers Cider.

Good luck to all that have been nominated! Award winners will be announced on Thursday 15th June. Stay updated by following our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages or by following #WestonCollegeBusinessAwards2023. 

As one of four national Centres for Excellence in SEND, a brand-new workshop, delivered by highly skilled and experienced neurodivergent employment specialists working at Weston College, achieved a significant milestone in neurodiversity training last week. Over 200 individuals have taken part in Neurodiversity for Business; a collaborative initiative between the faculty and Weston College’s Business Partnership Team. Aimed at supporting businesses to become more aware of neurodivergent individuals and advising on key knowledge and the skills required to recruit, retain, support and inspire neurodiverse staff and customers.

The initiative has already shown promising results. Three local businesses, Mendip Activity Centre, Puxton Park, and The Grand Pier have already implemented changes to become more neurodiversity friendly.

The impact for Puxton Park has already shown incredible results. The park, which attracts over 450,000 visitors every year, has made it their mission to ensure that new play equipment, infrastructure and daily operations are as inclusive and accessible as possible. Investments such as an accessible roundabout, which can be used by children of mixed abilities, as well as a state-of-the-art wheelchair accessible trampoline have already been made, alongside wide paved paths throughout the park for wheelchair access. One of the new additions to the park to support neurodiverse customers is an investment in Ear Defenders which can be rented out free of charge.

According to Lynsey McKinstry, Business Partnership Manager for the SEND provision, "The Faculty team and I are thrilled to have reached this milestone in our neurodiversity training initiative. Our goal is to make sure that every business understands and values individual need. This initiative is not just about ticking a box, but about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive."

Mendip Activity Centre, known for its adventurous outdoor activities, welcoming individuals and groups of all ages and abilities, took part in dedicated training. The next step will be to bring some of the learners with SEND to work with the instructors. Attendees have also praised the initiative, highlighting its practicality and usefulness. One attendee remarked that, "Just by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes who is neurodivergent was hugely impactful and we don’t have the ability to understand unless we ask".

The initiative has received support from various companies, including Alliance Homes, Wessex Water, Thrings, North Somerset Council, GKN, and The Grand Pier.

Since attending the training, The Grand Pier has taken further measures to ensure the attraction is inclusive and accessible for all visitors; they are now providing tinted glasses and noise-reducing headphones to its visitors with sensory sensitivities to ensure they enjoy their time on the Pier comfortably. Additionally, a dedicated quiet room has been established to offer a calm space for those who may need a break from the liveliness. The Pier has also formed a partnership with AccessAble, a trusted and relatable website widely used across the UK.

Businesses who are interested in taking part in the training can click here to find more information.

With Weston College's Annual Business Awards rapidly approaching, we’re excited to be bringing you another employer award nominees articles!

In this article we’ll be talking through our nominees for the Small Employer of the Year award. Nominated are: Ginger Pig Kitchen, Inspired Worx, TaxAssist Accountants.

Good luck to all that have been nominated! Award winners will be announced on Thursday 15th June. Stay updated by following our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages or by following #WestonCollegeBusinessAwards2023. 

Yesterday, a group of dedicated ESOL learners gathered in the Weston College kitchens, to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments with a delightful cooking session.

The event, organised by their tutor, provided a fun and interactive experience for the students after their exams and a year of dedicated study.

The cooking session served as a platform for the students to share their culinary expertise, representing the diverse cultures and cuisines from where they come from.

Their tutor, Liam O’Callaghan, said: "We wanted to do something fun for the students after their exams and a long year of working so hard.

"They're always talking about their food from their respective countries, and although the class is very close, we've never actually broken bread together. So, we thought it would be a good chance for them to showcase their talents and strengthen our bonds as a class.

"We're always looking for things that empower our learners and put them in the driving seat in terms of knowing what to do and how to do it. Cooking is another way of doing that.”

Throughout the term, the learners had been working on various language skills related to food and cooking. They explored vocabulary such as names of foods, adjectives to describe flavours, cooking verbs, and quantifiers.

Liam added: “Combining their linguistic prowess with their culinary expertise, the students created a cookbook as a testament to their hard work. It is worth noting that English is the second, third, or even fifth language for some of these learners, making their achievements all the more remarkable.

“As unaccompanied refugees, the learners possess few sentimental souvenirs. To commemorate the day and strengthen their bonds further, a section was dedicated in the cookbook for each student to sign for one another. This heartfelt gesture served as a meaningful reminder of the friendships formed and the support they have received throughout their journey.”

The cooking session not only showcased the students' talent and cultural diversity but also fostered a sense of camaraderie within the class.

It exemplified the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by the ESOL program, highlighting the transformative power of education and the value of celebrating achievements collectively.

For more information about the ESOL programme, click here. 

The United Kingdom has been experiencing a nursing shortage for several years, which has led to increased pressure on healthcare services.

However, there is some hope in the form of apprenticeships, which are being used to help tackle the nurse shortage issue in the country. In particular, Weston College and the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), who are leading the way with 25 new degree apprentices starting earlier this year.

Nursing apprenticeships provide an opportunity for individuals to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills and experience on the job while also receiving a qualification. The apprenticeships are funded by the government, which means that the cost of training is covered, and apprentices receive a salary while they work.

This is a win-win situation for both the healthcare sector, which gains skilled and motivated staff, and for the individuals themselves, who have the opportunity to enter a rewarding career and gain valuable qualifications without the burden of student debt.

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Phillips, said: “We are delighted to work closely with UHBW, and provide opportunities for people to join the National Health Service.

“The partnership offers an innovative approach to nurse training, combining academic learning with hands-on experience in a real-world setting. The curriculum was created in partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and in collaboration with University West of England, being delivered at the Bristol Training Institute.

“This approach ensures that apprentices are well prepared for the challenges of working in the healthcare sector and have the practical skills and knowledge needed to make a positive impact on patients' lives.”

The nursing apprenticeships offered by Weston College and UHBW are open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those who may not have considered nursing as a career path before.

Rich Francis from Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) and Victoria Howells from UHBW, shared: “BNSSG Integrated Care System (ICS) are developing a ‘grow your own’ approach to increasing the nursing workforce. We are delighted to be working collaboratively with one of our local university centres, Weston College (UCW) to support this educational training initiative.

“In March, over 25 Trainee Nursing Associate apprentices from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston (UHBW) enrolled on the nursing associate apprenticeship based in Bristol which is all part of the range of apprenticeships to tackle the shortage of nurses across the region. Weston College has been delivering this apprenticeship in Weston for the last 2 years but we’re excited to expand this offer to meet the needs of our local NHS health and care organisations and start to deliver in Bristol. The delivery schedule was a joint curriculum partnership with our colleagues at UHBW and overall, this degree has been developed in collaboration with UWE and delivered at our Bristol site.

“As part of this work, across the region, the ICS are also increasing the number of Apprentices across all areas including clinical, facilities, administration, and management careers.”

For more information on apprenticeships within the health industry, click here.