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.
Weston College will be hosting and engaging in Great Big Green Week, from 26th - 30th September, the UK's biggest ever celebration of Community Action to tackle Climate Change and protect nature!
In order to celebrate this week, a range of activities and events have been curated to get all members of the Weston College Community involved, and thinking about how to make our future more sustainable and do our part to help with the environmental challenges that lie ahead.
The activities planned for the week are:
Monday - a Q&A session with Chris Hines, a founding member of ‘Surfers Against Sewage’ and a former Sustainability Director of the Eden Project, who has previously spoken at our events, including the Sustainability and Social Action Business Breakfast.
Tuesday - an Engineering and Construction Sustainability Learner Conference, opened by Sir Paul Phillips, with guest speakers and panel Q and A sessions from industry. Our learners will also have the opportunity to compete ‘real-world’ challenges with judges from our key employers.
Wednesday - a Beach Clean will be taking place, in partnership with Weston Pier, where the aim will be to work together to clean the beach!
Thursday - the challenge will be to 'Green Your Campus', as we seek to achieve Net Zero
People taking part will have the opportunity to win awards in the following categories:
- Zero Waste
- Sustainability Awareness
- Carbon Footprint
- Digital Innovation
- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
- Best Campus
- Outstanding Commitment to Sustainability
Friday - a Smart Living Conference will be held at the Winter Gardens from 3pm-7pm
Beyond this week, we also plan to organise activities in the upcoming year, regarding sustainability and helping the environment, for example more tree planting in partnership with The Woodland Trust and Queens Green Canopy, taking place in April 2023.
The huge range of activities planned for the week will be very exciting for everyone within the Weston College Community. Beyond this, we look forward to seeing wider celebration from across the UK, and the Community Action taking place, to tackle Climate Change and protect nature!
Keep an eye on our social media, to see how we get on throughout the week!
Learners studying Creative & Digital Media and Music recently had the unique opportunity to manage the main stage at Watchet Festival! The incredible crew got the opportunity to support and assist world-renowned acts like the Fratellis, best known for their No.1 hit Chelsea Dagger, as well as major Southwest superstars; the Wurzels (Combine Harvester, I Am a Cider Drinker)!
Watchet Festival is a volunteer-run festival based in the historical Somerset harbour town of Watchet, taking place annually from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th August. This year's instalment saw around 5000 attendees flocking to see impressive acts like Scouting for Girls (She’s so Lovely) and Belinda Carlisle to name but a few!
Internationally acclaimed public realm artist Morag Myerscough made her mark in Weston-super-Mare last week as painting began on a new public art shrine for the town’s High Street.
The temporary artwork, designed and co-created by the artist with the local community, is part of a pioneering heritage project called ‘21st Century super Shrines’, managed by Culture Weston in collaboration with North Somerset Council.
21st Century super Shrines was launched in May 2021. It is part of a four-year High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) cultural programme, funded by Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Before it is installed, the bandstand-shaped shrine design will be injected with the artist’s signature colour and pattern as students from Weston College work alongside her and local creatives to help apply the patterns and paint the structure.
The timber-built outdoor structure, featuring a small external performance area and sheltered seating, will be erected in the pedestrianised space outside 30 High Street - an area known locally as Big Lamp Corner.
Installation is planned to take place next month (October 2022) and the artwork will remain in situ for the duration of the 21st Century super Shrines programme, which finishes in 2024.
Fiona Matthews, creative director at Culture Weston, said: “The painting of the Shrine is a key moment in the project, as Morag’s co-ordinated jigsaw of pattern and colour brings the design to glorious multi-coloured life! Weston-based master joiner Simon Birtwistle has done an amazing job in crafting the structure and we are excited to be moving on to the next stage in creating this unique and vibrant landmark.
“A 21st Century take on the traditional bandstand, the celebratory public artwork represents the combined vision of the artist and local community, shining out pride in Weston and capturing the cultural zeitgeist that is thriving in the town.”
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, said: “The 21st Century super Shrines cultural project will be a fantastic addition to Weston’s High Street. It’s exciting to learn that it’s now being painted, ready for installation next month. What an opportunity for the Weston College students too to work alongside an acclaimed world-renowned artist.
“As we continue to focus on the recovery of our town centre, our investment into the cultural sector continues to support local artists, tradespeople and businesses. Weston is alive with cultural activity as never before.”
The project has been supported by organisations and businesses in the area including Weston College, Cuppa Architects, the Sovereign that has provided the painting space and YesColours for supplying eco-friendly paints.
Features of the bandstand-shaped shrine design include:
- An external and open space
- A small performance ‘stage’ area which will be accessed by ramps on two sides with the remaining perimeter of the structure featuring a sheltered seating area
- Made entirely from recycled and/or sustainably sourced timber approved by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
- Built offsite by a local artisan carpenter and master joiner
- Painted facades and features in Morag Myerscough’s signature multi- coloured style, carrying slogans and affirmations from local people.
During the 2021 consultation period, led locally by visual artist and social maker Megan Clark-Bagnall, artist Morag Myerscough engaged with the local community in a series of public sessions. The activity included in-person word and pattern workshops to online discussion forums, capturing local responses to help inform the design process. The result is a co-created artwork that reflects and builds upon the town’s identity, with leading themes emerging such as the importance of pets and animals.
The public artwork is the first in a series of innovative ‘shrines’ planned to appear on Weston’s High Street. From art installations to live arts experiences, the aim is for the work to capture the vitality and values of the local community.
For more information about 21st Century super Shrines, click here.
My name is Rob, and I’m a Weston College adult learner alumnus. I studied a Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair. I decided to go to Weston College to complete my training as they offered a standalone Level 3 course in Mechanics, which suited me perfectly as I was already Level 2 qualified. The course was also only a year, which allowed me to get back into my mechanics career sooner.
Completing the course with Weston opened opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have been offered, due to their close working relationships with companies. This was how I was able to begin networking with Mercedes-Benz, which resulted in being offered a full-time position at the company prior to even completing the course.
Through attending Weston College, I was also given the chance to compete in the WorldSkills competition. The experience was mind-blowing to say the least! I didn't think much of it at first as I was focused on my primary goal of becoming fully qualified and getting a job in a main dealer garage. It was my tutor, Steve, who made me aware of the competition and suggested I apply for it. His support was invaluable and I really felt that he believed in me which gave me the confidence to apply. I thought "What's the worst that can happen?" and that, if anything, it might be a bit of fun.
I applied for WorldSkills in March 2022. I registered online and completed an online test during my normal college hours. The test itself was quite challenging, encompassing everything you should know on completion of the Level 3 course. I received my results the same day but didn't know I had made it into the top thirty until about a month later.
When the day of the semi-finals came, I felt prepared until I got there, and then the nerves kicked in! I found it quite difficult to overcome my nerves at first but having my tutor, Steve, cheering me on from the sidelines was a great support. The group of competitors were all really supportive of one another. I ended the day on a high, with the last task going really well which boosted my confidence. There was a short wait for the results and when they called my name for second place, I couldn't believe it. I was overjoyed with what I had achieved!
Since finishing at the college and becoming Level 3 qualified, I started working at Mercedes-Benz, and I’m currently working towards my maintenance technician qualification as well as an air conditioning qualification. I have also just been assigned my own apprentice to teach the trade to, who previously gained his Level 2 also at Weston. This involves providing guidance in different tasks and overseeing the work that he undertakes to enable him to progress to the next level.
The day-to-day involves working on cars which require prepping, ready to be sold. This requires me to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, through which I identify and rectify any faults. Each day is varied, and no two days are ever the same. Additionally, I conduct services and inspections on customer cars. I couldn’t have reached where I am now without Weston College, and my tutor Steve, both of which provided invaluable support which gave me the confidence to progress in my career to my current stage and beyond!
At Weston College, we understand and emphasise the importance of planning your dream career, and helping you take all the steps needed to reach that goal.
Making connections with employers is a great way of securing plans for your future, so creating opportunities for learners to meet guest speakers from the industry is a highly valuable part of the courses, particularly the programmes endorsed by the Career Excellence Hub (CEH). When a course is endorsed by the CEH, it means the qualifications have been developed in conjunction with local and national employers, and they have a proven record of helping students gain relevant jobs.
Our Animal Management learners had a great introduction to employers from the industry, through an Animal Careers Fest, held at the Puxton Park campus. Throughout the day, multiple animal-related professionals met the learners to explain their journey to where they are now, answering questions and giving the inside scoop of how to succeed in the animal industry. Pete, from the Reptile Zone in Bristol, was one of the visitors, who bought along Ali G the alligator, and Frank the chameleon. Staff (and guinea pigs!) from Barnaby’s Bunny Barn also gave talks on their experience, as well as the RSPCA.
The learners fully utilised their time with each professional, asking in depth and detailed questions about how to follow in their footsteps. The professionals all explained their advice, following along the similar mantra of “know your stuff!”
Each learner even had the opportunity to hold and interact with Ali G the alligator, as featured in the photographs, which, though daunting, was the highlight of the day!
Click here if you’re interested in looking into animal management, and click here to find out more about the Career Excellence Hub.
Weston College’s Academy of Sport recognises the abilities and efforts of our top athletes and aims to support them to achieve their potential.
As a student at Weston College, you will have the opportunity to combine your academic studies with high-level sporting provision, which will allow you to fully immerse yourself as a student-athlete.
Weston College has joined forces with the St Monica Trust, to offer a brand-new bespoke traineeship which will support young people across North Somerset and Bristol wanting to enter the care industry.
This exciting new opportunity will offer young people a high-quality work experience placement, to provide them with a solid foundation for a career within the sector, through valuable experience and developing the key skills needed for employment in the sector.
The new traineeship will be delivered at The Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham, with the first cohort starting this October.
Weston College Group Principal and Chief Executive, Sir Paul Phillips, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the St Monica Trust, on this really exciting traineeship programme.
“From experience, we know that traineeships are a fantastic platform for young people to gain apprenticeships or full-time employment.
“Learners that complete this programme will gain an Introduction to Care Certificate, as well training on key aspects, such as: equality and diversity, prevent and safeguarding, plus motivation, mindset and target setting.
Chief Executive of the St Monica Trust, David Williams, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Weston College in this traineeship that will provide a much-needed pathway for young people to enter the care sector. Caring for older people can be one of the most rewarding careers in the UK health care sector and we look forward to welcoming the trainees to The Chocolate Quarter in October.”
If you would like to apply for this traineeship, please contact: traineeships.enquiries@weston.ac.uk
Mollie’s Motel and Diner have just been welcomed as Future Talent Business Partners of Weston College, in association with the Catering and Hospitality Career Excellence Hub (CEH). The CEH allows learners to take part in many career boosting benefits, and work alongside professionals to pick up skills and knowledge to impress employers looking to recruit the best talent.
Mollie’s is a growing family of motel-diners with big ambitions. In spirit, Mollie’s was born in America – an offspring of the classic roadside motel and drive-in diner, a welcome stopover on a route to somewhere. They borrowed the inviting red neon signs and the easy-going vibe, the burgers, the shakes, the bottomless coffee, a dash of nostalgia, but there’s nothing old-school about Mollie’s. Expect innovative digital check-in, EV chargers, designer rooms with a fresh Soho House look and affordable prices.
Mollie’s reached out to Weston College as part of their career pathways project, hoping for support in their current team’s growth and development, as well as an exciting welcome into the hospitality industry. The company as a whole want to support their people, the communities they serve, and playing a part to reinvigorate the industry.
Trudi Parr, People and Development lead from Mollie’s, spoke about what being part of the Career Excellence Hub means to them: “The Career Excellence Hub helps us provide additional support and structure and gives us an additional platform to reach and enrich the future lives of people joining the hospitality sector and at Mollie’s.
“We want all our team to have a clear career pathway and for us to be able to provide the tools that enable this. Being part of the Career Excellence Hub will help us achieve our goal and promise our team the investment and support in building a longstanding career.”
Once the CEH has been fully embedded into Mollie’s career pathways programme, drop in events will be held for their own team, as well as external events for freshers’ and apprenticeships, to engage with as many people as they can. Trudi explained, “We have a responsibility to invest in the future of hospitality employees and we are looking forward to working with our partners at the career excellence hub to do this.
“We encourage other businesses considering it, to join us! It gives the opportunity to reinvent the narrative, support the development of talent and support the community in an industry that we love.”
Sandra Bull, the Dean of Faculty of Service Sectors, commented, “We are so thrilled that Mollie’s has joined our Hospitality and Catering Career Excellence Hub. 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, and we are confident that Mollie’s will be able to support our learners in this way. We’re so excited to see what happens from this partnership.”
If you’d like to learn more about the Career Excellence Hub, click here!
This summer we were presented with a really exciting opportunity, to create a new forest school for our Education and Early Years students!
It has been fantastic to see this come to fruition, with support from across faculty to make this such an exciting environment for learners. A couple of weeks ago, we joined forces with Construction staff to clear the brambles and build a wooden bridge to make the area safe and ready for learners.
The concept of Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia. The teaching approach was widely adopted in Denmark throughout the 1980’s and was believed to be the solution to the lack of indoor facilities for Pre-School children.
In the early 1990’s a group of nursery practitioners visited Sweden and witnessed the benefits. Following their return to the UK they developed a programme for Forest Schools. Forest Schools has now become widely accepted across the UK and the approach has taken on its own unique flavour which is being adopted elsewhere in the world.
The Education Career Excellence Hub at Weston College has always spent time on the theories and delivery linked to Forest schools, but this year with the support of our Future Business Partner’s Puxton Park and Busy Buddies, our learners can experience their own dedicated area on a weekly basis.
At Weston College we are committed to supporting learners to become more environmentally conscious, and we are always looking for ways to help the younger generations appreciate the outdoors and natural environments – with this being the next step in our journey.
There is also an increasing awareness of the importance of understanding wellbeing and self-development from a young age, so it is vital that our learners here at Weston College get the chance to understand and develop the skills required as they enter this Education sector changing for the future.
Going forward, our T Level learners will be instrumental in designing this space as part of their programme, and will study the holistic and learner led approach where space allows children to take risk and problem – solving a natural environment.
The Education Career Excellence Hub at Weston College delivers a wide range of courses where learners can go on into a teaching profession, teaching assistant, nursery professional, childminder or educational support. Find our full suite of course, by clicking here.
Sandra Bull, Dean of Faculty for Service Sectors
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.
