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.
Pre-employment Employer of the Year Shortlist Announced
The final countdown is on for Business Awards, with just one more week to go! It is time now to turn our attention to the nominees for Pre-employment Employer of the Year.
These are businesses which use our excellent Pre-employment courses to prepare people for an apprenticeship course or full-time employment. This preparation is often vital to ensuring that the student's potential is reached in the workplace. The businesses in this category are Apache Construction, Bespoke Building and Carpentry, and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
Good luck to all nominees!
Apache Construction
Apache Construction has engaged with Weston College’s Pre-employment team via the Constructing Lives Together Project. Learners have completed their work experience with Apache, and several of these learners have gone on to gain full-time employment.
During the pandemic Apache Construction lost several key members of their team and approached Weston College to support them with their recruitment needs. Candidates have developed at a really quick rate with Apache, who have been extremely supportive and patient with learners. They have proved to be a fantastic employer to partner with.
Bespoke
Bespoke have been supporting our recent North Somerset Works Together and our Constructing Lives Together project by giving learners access to work experience opportunities. For many learners this was their first ever experience in the construction sector
Some of these learners would not have otherwise accessed this valuable experience on site to explore the construction sector. They have shown great empathy and are very supportive to all the learners that they take on. Following placements with Bespoke, learners have gone on to enter the industry, with some going on to full-time employment within construction – including with Bespoke.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has engaged with Weston College through Sector Based Work Academies, which has resulted in over 80 people being employers by the NHS in clinical and support roles.
They started off by recruiting vaccinators, but that has since evolved, and they now offer over 350 different career pathways. Not only has this course been a great opportunity for people to gain valuable experience with the NHS, but it has also supported them with their application process and helped to prepare them for interviews.
This week some of our SEND learners were lucky enough to be invited along to see behind the scenes of the legendary Glastonbury Festival just days before it opened to the public! If this wasn’t exciting enough, they were also given an exclusive tour by the prestigious Arcadia Spectacular, known colloquially as ‘Arcadia’.
A performance art collective; Arcadia combine elements of sculpture, architecture, recycling, pyrotechnics, lighting, circus and music into large scale performance and dance spaces.
Learners were given a tour of the infamous Arcadia ‘spider’ as well as getting the opportunity to hear all about different creative jobs and careers at music festivals.
Faculty of Inclusive Practice Lead Operations Manager, Nicola Lace, commented that “‘it was a great experience to be able to see backstage at such a well-known festival, as well as supporting people who might not feel as comfortable at festivals becoming more visible ultimately leading to more inclusive environments. The whole group loved it!”
This comes at a very exciting time, with Glastonbury opening once again at Worthy Farm in Pilton for 2022. Glastonbury, which welcomes over 200,000 festival-goers, has had a 3-year hiatus after being continuously postponed by Covid-19. Therefore being able to see behind the scenes of one of the world’s biggest festivals, right before the grand re-opening by festival creator Michael Eavis, was a wonderful experience for our learners.
Many thanks to everyone involved!
Last week, Weston College was internationally recognised in the field of education, when the Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Sir Paul Phillips collected the GOLD Strategic Leadership Award on June 17th at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) global awards of excellence. The awards, which were running alongside the WFCP 2022 Congress in San Sebastian Spain, recognise the very best educational strategies for vocational and technical education sector in the world and are hosted by the WFCP - a prestigious international network of colleges and polytechnics, who provide leadership to deliver education that is fit for a 21st century global economy.
Attended by over 300 College leaders worldwide, the Strategic Leadership award was collected by Sir Phillips for the College’s leadership in creating and leading the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT). This unique collaboration consists of 4 Colleges, I University and 13 anchor employers, who are successfully bridging the higher technical skills gap across the West of England, covering key sectors such as Creative, Digital and HighTech, Health & Life Sciences, Skills for Net Zero, Advanced Engineering & High Value Manufacturing.
Judges were quick to applaud the responsive and innovative partnership approach, which has also been designed to widen participation. In doing so, the partnership has created an inclusive talent pipeline, supporting learners (whatever their starting point in life) to access aspirational careers which are centred around the region’s high growth sectors.
On receiving GOLD, Sir Phillips added “The West of England Institute of Technology, is a strong collaboration and I would like to thank Bath College, Gloucestershire College, UWE Bristol, Yeovil College and all the anchor employers for helping us create an innovative long-term strategic vision, which continues to be driven by industry and which has created state of the art facilities and opportunities for successful higher technical inclusive careers’.
The Director for the WEIoT Claire Arbery said ‘This is an amazing international accolade which reflects the very ethos of Weston College, enabling the WEIoT partners to build their specialisms in partnership with employers in a highly inclusive strategy led from the very top. The provision is highly ambitious in its engagement of learners, many of whom who have succeeded, thinking initially that a high growth technical career was beyond their reach. It is fitting that the WEIoT led by the College, is now not only recognised as a UK model of excellence, it is now recognised globally made possible by our amazing partners and employers’.
Find out more:
- World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) global awards of excellence
- The West of England Institute of Technology
This September, we are launching brand new adult courses, which present a fantastic opportunity to reskill, upskill or improve your CV.
In May, the BBC reported that there were over 1.3 million live job vacancies in the UK, so now is the perfect time to turn your dream career into a reality and starting your journey with adult courses.
There are a real range of exciting courses on offer, including:
Access to HE – An opportunity to gain the qualifications needed to study a University Degree
A Levels for adults – We have 7 fast-track A Levels for adults, which are delivered online
FREE building trade courses – Whether you want to learn a new skill, or expand your skillset, we have lots of opportunities available
English and Maths – We are offering functional skills, GCSEs and also ESOL courses
Hospitality, Hair, Barbering and Beauty – If you want to learn some new skills, or turn your hobby into a career, we have a wide range of courses available
FREE Level 3 courses – For those who do not already have a Level 3 qualification you can choose from a list of National Skills Fund courses.
Many of these courses will also be free, opening the doors for people to access this high-quality training.
Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “We are excited to launch this new offer, which provides valuable opportunities for people over the age of 19.
“We are passionate about creating brighter futures for all, and these new courses are a great way for adults that are wanting more from their career, to retrain in an area that they are really passionate about.
“There also exciting opportunities for people that are currently unemployed, through our Employment Services Team, who work closely with employers across the region to attract and train staff.
“This September we are expanding our teaching locations as well, with courses being delivered across our major campuses in Weston, but also in Bristol, and some delivered online.
“If you or someone you know is looking for advice and support, we can help! Get in touch with the team at Weston College, either call on 01934 411 411, or email us via enquiries@weston.ac.uk”
With Weston College Business Awards just around the corner, it's time to turn our attention to the nominees for Large Employer of the Year.
The businesses in this category are: University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, MBDA and Liberation Group. We wish all the nominees every success! Keep up to date with what’s happening on the night by following us on socials!
#BusinessAwards
Weston College’s very own Creative Arts Department recently held the most amazing Summer Festival. The celebration of Art & Design, Fashion, Creative & Digital Media, Graphic Design, Photography and music learners took place from 16th-18th June at our Loxton Campus – with activities and shows for all the family to enjoy!
The commemorate the class of 2022 coming to an end, the festival-style event showcased an array of awe-inspiring work. From a full art exhibition, filled with works by creative arts learners of all levels, to live performances from our incredible music learners – the festival was truly an event to behold! Music Performance and Production learner, Millie, told us she was thrilled to have the opportunity to perform to such a big audience, stating "we got to perform in the huge marquee on the field on a real stage, it's so exciting to play in such a professional atmosphere...I really want to pursue a career in performing music so it was great experience!"
Take a look at our latest TikTok video to catch a glimpse at some of the outstanding work on show!
@westoncollege The Creative Arts Summer Festival starts tonight! ? Here’s a sneak peek of the amazing work on show ??? We can’t wait to see you all there! ? #fyp #foryou #creativearts #festival ♬ original sound - Valeria Torres
The show was a fantastic opportunity for learners to gain some invaluable industry experience, with encouragement to show-off their work and boost their networking skills. This is one of the many initiatives and career-boosting benefits backed by our Careers Excellence Hub (CEH), supporting learners to create brighter futures and develop essential skills needed to have a successful career!
Receiving raving reviews from all in attendance, the celebratory event was a tremendous success!
Rachel Heath, Dean of our Creative Arts faculty, had the following to say:
“The Creative Arts Summer Festival is absolutely essential in developing our learners’ employability and career prospects. As creatives, it is crucial to have the confidence and ability to showcase your work and be part of conversations with people throughout the industry. The Summer Festival gives students their first taste of professional life. This year’s show was a roaring success, and I received so many positive comments. I’d like to say a huge well done and congratulations to all the students that took part!”
To find out more about our Careers Excellence Hub, click here.
Click here to find out more about: Art & Design, Creative and Digital Media, Game and Animation, Graphic Design, Performing and Production Arts, Photography and Music at Weston College.
And to find out more about creative courses at UCW click here.
In 2021, Weston College launched the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Esports, and the learners have already achieved an impressive accolade, reaching the semi-finals of the British Esports Championships.
The learners have formed several teams, who all compete in their chosen games, and the team that play ‘Overwatch’ are gaining national exposure, for their success in reaching the semi-final. After competing in initial trials in October (just one month into the course) to pick their starting 6 prior to starting the season for the British E-Sports Championships.
They achieved a win in all their games in the lead up to Winter split. Because of their placement and results, the team was placed in Division 1.
After competing against the other teams in Division 1, they placed second to reach the Semi-Finals in the elimination stages.
In their first game, they beat Welsh College, Coleg Sir Gar 3-0. In their second game, they went the distance and played into overtime on the final map as they beat Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies’ Overwatch team, Confetti Arrows, 3-2.
From there, the training stepped up to practicing 5-6 times a week to prepare for the semi-finals against Queen Mary College (QM Samurais). Unfortunately, they were not able to progress from there after losing 3-0, but still gave the other team a very close game and played valiantly, going into overtime multiple times on different maps. Luke, a student who plays for the team, commented on this by saying: “I will hopefully do it again. The team that knocked us out this year is graduating, whereas the core of our team is staying, so we hope we’re able to win next year.”
Roger, another member of the team, added: “Competing is always great fun and challenges us to improve our teamwork and communication skills – a highlight of this year was being livestreamed on the British Esports Twitch channel; I certainly want to compete again next year!”
Will Price, a supportive member of staff, summarised: “We had an amazing run and were deserved semi-finalists; the dedication to training and improving as a team was inspirational to see.”
If you’re interested in the opportunities available in E-Sports, click here.
New research shows the extent of the Southwest’s demand for sustainable living, as the majority would consider a home to be worth more money if it was sustainably constructed. A report released alongside the research highlights the technical skills that are needed if the Southwest’s consumers’ green ambitions are to be met.
The skills to succeed: Meeting the country’s evolving technical skills needs’ report, produced on behalf of the Institutes of Technology, looks at a range of challenges that communities, face today, including sustainable construction, transport, and tackling threats to national cyber security.
Research released alongside the report shows that more than half of people in the UK are worried about the risk of cyber threats either at home or in the workplace. It also shows that 77% of the public think the likes of banks, social media companies and shops need to do more to keep their customers’ data safe.
Furthermore, the report shows that 82% of businesses now see cyber security as a high priority. However, around half (51%) say they face a basic technical cyber security skills gap with 44% of cyber vacancies reported as being “hard to fill” since the start of 2020. Therefore a workforce with the right technical skills is needed.
The West of England Institute of Technology is plugging this gap by teaching skill that can be applied to the ever-evolving threats to cyber security.
The West of England Institute of Technology (IoT) is part of a new national network of regional partnerships between local colleges (including Weston College), universities and leading employers across England, created to ensure the technical skills and knowledge needed to overcome the biggest challenges communities face are accessible to all. IoTs provide training in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based occupations, many of which address sustainability demands facing the country, such as in energy, transport and digital industries. Their work is increasing the accessibility of vital expertise for employers seeking to embrace innovation.
Michelle Donelan, Minister for Higher and Further Education, says: “Institutes of Technology are not only playing a critical role in helping to close skills gaps in key sectors such as sustainable construction, but crucially, they are providing people with high quality technical training that leads to good jobs, helping to level up opportunity across our country.
“The need to support sectors such as advanced manufacturing and engineering, construction and digital looks set to only grow and with their close ties to employers, Institutes of Technology will be the driving force behind ensuring the workforce is ready for future technological change and changing working practices.”
As well as covering Cyber: Tackling threats to national security, The skills to succeed: Meeting the country’s evolving technical skills needs’ report looks into other challenges communities are facing today, and how Institutes of Technology are helping to plug gaps. The topics include, Energy: Powering the nation in new ways, Construction: Building a sustainable future, Electric Vehicles: Driving transport innovation and Agriculture: Cultivating technical skills.
Read the full report here.
My name is Emma and I’ve been in the hairdressing industry for nearly 30 years. I started hairdressing as soon as I left school, working in a large salon where I completed a two-year apprenticeship with a one-day college day. I absolutely love every aspect of hairdressing, especially the way it allows creativity and for you to make your own style.
I worked in a few salons on a rent-a-chair basis, but always felt there was something missing for me. I had so many ideas and I truly wanted to open my own salon in which everything was unique. I worked very hard and I can now say it all was worth it as I have had my own salon for two years, which has been the best and most rewarding thing I've ever done, even with the Covid lockdown in between.
Something that was really important to me was offering students the opportunity to gain work experience, as I knew first-hand how important it was. Learning in a college is amazing, but being able to go into a salon to see how it's run and their own approach to each detail is essential to a learner looking to go into the field.
When I opened Unique, I wanted my salon to be different and stand out from the crowd, while also benefitting the environment. To achieve this, I decided I wanted all my colours and products to be vegan friendly. I also offer a wide range of eco-friendly products at an affordable price, so it's easier for my clients to be friendly to the environment.
With any learner coming into my salon, I would expect them to have fantastic timekeeping and be ready to learn, to accept that there are many jobs to be done, which are all of equal importance to the smooth-running of the salon.
This year, we are so excited that we are getting involved with the brand-new Careers Excellence Hub as an endorser. This will allow us to impact the future of our industry by influencing what is taught in the curriculum, delivering master classes and offering more opportunities to learners to gain valuable experience.
Emma - Unique Hair
If you're interested in studying hairdressing and barbering, click this link!
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.
