LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES
There is always so much going on across our various campuses and courses.
Stay up to date on our latest news here or check us out across social media.
We recently caught up with Caitlin, our wonderful Health and Social Care assessor, who told us about her experience in completing her Level 3 qualification, and how it resulted in a full time job here at Weston College. Here's what she told us!
My role at Weston College is as a Health and Social Care assessor for 16–19-year-olds and adult learners studying Health and Social Care qualifications. I observe and assess learners either on work placement or in their work setting.
I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care while continuing my previous employment as a senior care worker at a local care village, and predominantly supporting those living with dementia.
I found out about the course through Facebook and had been keen to gain the qualification for a while. I was also promoted to apply as the course was free for me as I did not already hold a Level 3 qualification.
While on the course, we had lessons on the SIM room, learning how to catheterise patients and a lesson in the lab dissecting pig lungs to learn about the respiratory system. The SIM room and lab are both fantastic spaces for learning and developing practical skills which are invaluable to 16–19-year-olds who are preparing for work placement.
Without this qualification, I would not have been able to apply for my role at Weston College. The course also helped me prepare for interviewing. Not all criteria were met though assignments, some were assessed on professional discussions which helped me develop my communication skills on a professional level. The course also helped me with my digital skills, which was fortunate as I had to create a PowerPoint presentation for interview.
I would really recommend and encourage others to study as an adult. I found I was more focussed and committed to the workload and qualification. I initially studied to further my career in the industry and to progress in my previous employment. I never thought that my knowledge and skills could support those in further education. I feel privileged to be able to support those in further education to become fantastic health care workers.
Alongside the Level 3 qualification, I was also able to compete a Level 2 in Safeguarding which was a bonus as I managed to gain another qualification while studying one. Since joining Weston college as an employee, I am being enrolled in a certificate in Vocational Assessing to further my knowledge in supporting through assessing.
This would never have been possible if it wasn't for the completion of my Level 3 qualification and the support of Weston College - I'm so grateful to everyone who was involved in my journey!
The Level 2 and 3 Public Services learners journeyed to Ilfracombe during late November to brave the Bristol Estuary by jumping into the Sea donned in wet suits and helmets.
This activity developed ID skills such as teamwork and resilience as well as confidence in working and operating in a strange environment.
The trip allowed learners to prepare for long hours whilst being cold and wet, making it essential for vocational preparation for future careers.
Are you ready to build a career in the health and care industry, but not sure how to start?
We've got you covered!
With our partnership with Sirona Care & Health, you'll learn the skills and qualifications that will give you a great foundation for your career with us in our FREE 3-week training programme—and we'll even guarantee an interview, so there's no risk involved!
You'll be able to work flexible hours and on your own schedule, meaning you can set your own pace as well as provide stability for your future employer. This means that whether you're looking for a part-time job or full-time commitment, we have something in store for everyone.
The programme also offers fantastic career progression opportunities; once you've completed the training programme, you'll have the opportunity to transfer into one of our Level 3 Apprenticeships, to gain a qualification as you work.
The course starts on 23rd January, in Bristol.
Contact traineeships.enquiries@weston.ac.uk or employment.support@weston.ac.uk to register your interest!
Public Service Career Excellence Hub learners were treated to a guest lecture from Sgt Chris Stone last week, who inspired the Level 3 learners.
Sgt Chris Stone told his story, and shared best practice for joining the army.
Subject Area Manager for Public Services, David Beresford, said: “It was great to welcome Sgt Chris Stone last week, who gave our learners a real insight into what it is like to be in the army, but also how to achieve their goal of entering the military.
“A big thank you to Sgt Chris Stone, and we look forward to welcoming him back in the future to deliver more talks to our learners.”
If you would like to study one of our Public Services courses, you can apply by clicking here.
Weston College is thrilled to announce, that for the 5th year running, we have been selected as a Microsoft Showcase College – one of just 14 in the UK!
The status is awarded to colleges that demonstrate ‘a commitment to education transformation and empowering educators and students to innovate and exercise a growth mindset.’
As a ‘Microsoft Showcase College’, the college will continue to benefit from the IT giant’s support in the personalised learning of students. This includes the use of one-to-one devices and Office 365 Education, Microsoft Teams, OneNote, Skype, Minecraft and more.
Microsoft will also share ideas to enhance staff development, student employability and innovation, as well as providing the College with opportunities to host Microsoft-branded educational events.
Our Digital Learning team has been working tirelessly to enable this to work from behind the scenes, so without their incredible work, this wouldn’t have been possible - thank you to everyone involved!
Jon Hofgartner, Assistant Principal for Digital Technologies, commented: “Being recognised as a Microsoft Showcase College status for a fifth-year running is a fantastic achievement for our learners, our staff and the college. This valuable partnership with Microsoft reflects our shared goals in developing future ready skills for the rapidly changing digital landscape and economy.”
He continued, “Working with Microsoft, we can bring new technologies to extend our outstanding education and training. For example, in 2022/23 Weston College will be introducing virtual labs for Computing students to develop higher-level digital skills and new hybrid classrooms that enable learners to attend both online and on-campus. New certification opportunities also mean staff and learners can get certified as they progress their own digital skills.
It looks like another exciting year ahead as a Showcase College, with digital technologies enabling even more opportunities for inclusion and innovation.”
Weston College will be delivering free HGV training in partnership with West of England Combined Authority, to residents of Bristol, BANES and South Gloucestershire, starting this November.
With a limited number of spaces, participants will be given the opportunity to gain a Category C Licence, which will allow them to drive vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 32 tonnes.
The HGV Skills Bootcamps offer participants free, flexible courses that last up to 16 weeks, with those that successfully complete the course being guaranteed a job interview.
Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, Sir Paul Phillips, said: “Following a big demand for driver training, we’re delighted to offer this exciting opportunity to people living in the West of England.
“We will be running three different cohorts over the next couple of months, starting in November, with two other cohorts in early 2023 taking place in January and March.
“We know that many local organisations are facing a skills shortage, and this training will offer vital support for employers looking to recruit drivers.”
There are very limited spaces available, so if you are interested, register today to avoid missing out – you can register by clicking here.
Last week we welcomed Richard Gilbert from Halfords to our South West Skills Campus, to meet learners that are part of our Automotive Career Excellence Hub.
Richard delivered an engaging guest talk, and displayed a range of products available at Halfords.
Learners from across Automotive joined in, and they were also presented with a Halfords Trade Card, which allows them to purchase car parts, workshop tools, engine oils, and more, at a discounted price.
The Subject Area Manager for Automotive, Chris Priest, said: “It was great to welcome Richard in to talk to our students and we thank him and Halfords for their generosity in giving our learners trade cards.
“The learners were all really excited to receive their trade cards, and I know that this will be a great help for them as they start their journeys into the motor vehicle industry.”
Find out more about our Motor Vehicle courses, by clicking here.
Today the Association of College (AoC) have announced the Commended Colleges for the 2022/23 Beacon Awards; this is the first stage in the Awards process that sees 12 categories as part of the annual AoC Beacon Awards programme.
At this stage the Awards Assessors have recommended those applications that should be commended for their practice in each of the award categories, having demonstrated a high level of innovation, impact and sustainability and have therefore met the AoC Beacon Standard 2022/23.
Following this announcement, from those Beacon Commended Colleges the Beacon Finalist Colleges will then be announced at AoC Conference in Birmingham on Tuesday 15 November.
The categories Weston College are commended for include:
The Nous Group Award for Education for Sustainable Development
- BHASVIC
- Education Training Collective
- EKC Group
- Weston College
- New City College
- Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education
The AoC Award for Excellence in Governance
- Weston College
- Barnsley College
- Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
- Cardiff & Vale College
- EKC Group
- Moulton College
- Solihull College & University Centre
It is the WorldSkills National Finals next week (w/c 14th November). This event is the culmination of an exciting development programme, designed and assessed by industry experts, which judge an individual’s employability, personal and technical skills. There will be a total of 62 finals between 7 venues, and Weston College will be running the Website Development Competition at the Middlesborough venue!
Three of our own computing learners, Finley, Mircea and Skylar will be competing, and we wish them the very best of luck, as well as five other finalists from all over the country. We are looking forward to seeing who takes home the trophy!
As well as boosting skills and confidence, if competitors impress under the pressure of the finals, they could being with a chance of representing the UK at the “skills Olympics” in France 2024.
Steph McGovern will announce the winners on Friday, 25th November in a special medal ceremony, live-streamed to the WorldSkills UK website, from her Packed Lunch studio.
Sandra Bull, the Dean of the Faculty, commented: “We are so proud of the learners going to compete in the WorldSkills National Finals – it is a huge achievement for the college, and is a testament to the talent and ambition that is created here. This achievement, of course, would not be possible without our wonderful staff, who give endless encouragement and support to our learners, so a huge thank you from me, to every staff member that has been involved with this opportunity. Good luck to every participant competing, we can’t wait to celebrate your expertise.”
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.
