Last week, Weston College hosted the Institute of Hospitality West of England: Best of the West Conference, designed to celebrate the best of western hospitality and discuss critical issues such as recruitment, retention, and innovation.  

The event was sponsored by Accelerate which is a unique initiative that will provide sector support and workshops to individuals in North Somerset that is funded by the UK Government Community Renewal Fund. The Accelerate Programme has allocated part of their funding to the Best of the West event, as Weston-super-Mare is so dependent on tourism, they want to help local hospitality businesses thrive.  

The conference featured a vibrant panel session which was chaired by Sarah Peters of Commercial Development, Alex Polizzi of Polizzi Collection and The Hotel Inspector, Dean of Services at Weston College Sandra Bull, Dan Flanagan - Recruitment Manager from Liberation Group and Butcombe Brewery and Front of House Manager Chris Bancroft at The Newt. 

Key skills sessions on communication on hospitality for the deaf community were delivered as part of the conference and attendees had the chance to meet suppliers, meet industry professionals and learn more about the training and employment support that Weston College can offer. 

Lynsey Mckinstry from the Business Growth team at Weston College comments “Working with the Institute of Hospitality, who expressed their interest in bringing their annual conference to Weston-super-Mare, we felt that this was the perfect opportunity to offer businesses and individuals the chance to network and be part of the conversation about the industry and the challenges it faces.” 

“We hope all attendees from the world of hospitality found this event useful and that it cemented our promise and commitment to assist with supporting their business growth. We aim to help the industry move forward positively within a sector so hard hit over the past two years and see it flourish!” 

As the heart-breaking situation in Ukraine continues to dominate everyone’s thoughts, the learners on the Preparation for Life course have shown their support to all the people in Ukraine by making badges which are being sold for £1. All the money they raise they are donating to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC).

The learners have really enjoyed selling them around the College, it has been a great opportunity for them to practice their communication and money skills. They are very proud of the small enterprise they have set up from scratch.

Learners have visited staff offices at The Knightstone Campus and have started selling them at the “Pop Up Shop” at the Sovereign Centre.

They have exceeded their goal of £100 and have raised £115.75 so far! A HUGE well done to everyone involved!

Weston College has been crowned as the Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2022 – this is the fourth time the College has been presented with this accolade.

The winners of the 2022 Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards were announced at a special event at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.

The ceremony, held at the home of Bristol City FC and the Bristol Bears rugby side on Tuesday, May 17, celebrated the best and brightest learners in the region and the companies helping them succeed.

The event was hosted by radio presenter Paris Troy. Winners included individuals and organisations from a wide variety of sectors - from construction to hospitality - who have managed to succeed despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Weston College learners also picked up prestigious awards, with Vijay Rajacholan a Wessex Water apprentice winning the Outstanding Apprentice of the Year - Young Recruit; Vijay is on the Water Process Technician Apprenticeship, delivered jointly by Weston College and Wessex Water.

Another deserving winner was Keely Marsland who is an apprentice at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust. Keely was presented with Outstanding Apprentice of the Year - Health, Wellbeing and Care.

This year also saw a Weston College employer partner win - Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust won the Large Employer of the Year (250 +) category in recognition of their apprenticeship pathways which they have in place for their Health Apprentices, enabling them to progress within the health care sector, they were also recognised for being great apprenticeship ambassadors, through the support and recognition they give their learners and the importance they show apprenticeships within the Trust.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:

“I am delighted that the College has won this award, and that Vijay and Keely’s apprenticeship were recognised individually for their great determination, achievements and the impact they are providing for their employers. I was also thrilled that the terrific work that’s going on at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust was recognised, they are an absolute pleasure to partner with and share our ethos of creating brighter futures for learners.

“These accolades really do showcase the amazing work that goes on in this College on a daily basis. Weston College delivers a range of apprenticeships from Level 2 to degree-level and works with many high-profile employers and SMEs across the region and our team are once again bucking the national trend, creating new opportunities for our learners.”

Whether it’s going into the world of work or continuing their study, we love seeing learners progress to achieve towards successful careers!

Jack, who currently studies BSc Applied Computing (Hons), has just been accepted into a Masters degree in Health Data Science with the University of Exeter!

We caught up with Jack to tell us more about his progression journey from Level 3 through his degree…

Today (Thursday 12th May) Weston-super-Mare hosted the third leg of the Somerset Jubilee Jaunt; the Jaunt sees the Lord Lieutenant (the Queen’s representative in Somerset Mrs Annie Maw) take part in a 70-mile trek from Clevedon to Exmoor split into seven, ten-mile sections to celebrate the region as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, in partnership with Duke of Edinburgh leaders and students.

Whilst the other sections of the Jaunt are more rural in their approach, the Weston-super-Mare section, hosted by Weston College, saw their Duke of Edinburgh students and wider college students escort the Lord Lieutenant across a vibrant and diverse urban leg – which was designed to ensure it weaved its way through the heart of the town’s community.

The College’s Musical Theatre students sang their way around the town, with songs from the decades, the musicals and Abba on the 10-mile stretch, all with the aim of giving residents of the town a much-needed pick me up just in time for the Jubilee. 

The route was also crafted to ensure the Lord Lieutenant could stop enroute to meet key organisations and their staff such as Weston Hospital, Weston Hospice Care, For All Active Living Centre, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the Community Policing Teams, so she could pay a personal thank you in recognition of going above and beyond during the pandemic.

The Lord Lieutenant also visited teaching staff at several primary schools including Uphill, Westhaven, Windwhistle, Bournville and Ashcombe Schools as the jaunt passed by, giving children a chance to learn more about the Platinum Jubilee, ahead of the main celebrations.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, the College Principal said, ‘We were delighted to host this walk for the Lord Lieutenant, who was really keen for this part of the Jaunt to be a chance to celebrate Weston and engage with its community’.

Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Annie Maw commented: “My ambition is to celebrate the Queen’s 70 glorious years as our monarch and to dedicate this as a Somerset tribute to her on her Platinum Jubilee.

“It was so exciting to do the third leg of this jaunt in Weston-super-Mare’s the young people who joined me, were full of enthusiasm and a delight to have accompany me. It was also great to see some of whom are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme which was so close to the heart of Her Majesty’ dear late husband.”

On May 12th Weston College hosted its first Sustainability and Social Action Business Breakfast for regional employers and stakeholders. The event reflected on actions being taken by the College, in response to the Government asking the education sector to bridge the skills gaps in order to progress the key national sustainability and social action agendas.

During the breakfast guests heard from number of speakers illustrating activities relevant to the College, Careers and the Community, and discussing the College’s journey as an employer, as they put strategies in place to work towards Net Zero - adopting the College’s ethos of being green, lean and socially responsible.

The morning started with a welcome and introduction from the College’s Principal Dr Paul Phillips CBE, who then introduced Ben Knocks, Assistant Principal who highlighted how the College is supporting green careers and creating an ethos for action amongst its students and staff.

Nicola Lace, the Faculty of Inclusive Practice Lead Operations Manager then showed the room how the faculty has embraced ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ approach, providing positive role models to its 264 learners, showing them how to embrace a greener future through projects such as bike rentals, food for thought, a new upcycle campus shop and online venture.

Guests also benefitted from an inspirational perspective from keynote speaker, Chris Hines MBE Hon.D.Sc. Chris’s passion came across as he told the audience about his experience of working and campaigning for the environment for last 30 years, and it was clear to see he revels in inspiring positive change.

Chris was a co-founder and then Director of Surfers Against Sewage and then Sustainability Director at the Eden Project and was awarded an MBE for “services to the environment”.

Chris works on strategic planning, communications, leadership and embedding sustainability principles as part of a profitable business and strongly believes that business can be a force for good in a challenging world. He sent a message of slowing down consumption, making a conscious and positive contribution to our environment and together we will make the world a better place.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “Weston College are proud to be playing a key role in this agenda, working in partnership with North Somerset Council and other key organisations, on this important issue of progressing sustainability and social action for the region. This morning enabled us to share our direction and work in partnership with our business community to make a difference. The College will also shortly be hosting a Sustainability Conference for its learners to bring together their thoughts and to share a direction for a greener, leaner and more socially responsible future.”

The Breakfast was supported by the Accelerate Programme, funded by the UK Government Community Renewal Fund which is a unique initiative that provides sector support and workshops to individuals and businesses in North Somerset.

The second cohort of trainee have started their journey with Avon Fire and Rescue, to become firefighters.

The fire and rescue services' joint training centre at Severn Park, Avonmouth will be home to the new recruits as they move through an intensive 14-week training course.

Training will cover important firefighting skills and knowledge such as pumps and ladders, breathing apparatus and road traffic collisions.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “We are very pleased to welcome these 24 new recruits into our fantastic service, marking the start of what I hope will be a long and prosperous fire service career for each of them.

“Whilst the recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, this stage of training will now see them put through their paces to prepare for life as firefighters. As modern firefighters, the recruits are being prepared for a varied role encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement.

“As they move through this exciting process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and offer them my assurance that this is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

Tracie Leahy, Head of Apprenticeship and Traineeship Hub at Weston College, added: “It is a really exciting time for these apprentices, who are starting their journey into such a fantastic career.

“We are delighted to be supporting Avon Fire and Rescue with this initiative, and help them deliver training for our future firefighters.

“This is a really popular opportunity, so if you’d like to apply for the next cohort, then please feel free to contact my team: apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk, and we will be able to help you.”

In February, Weston College in partnership with local project partners, including: North Somerset Council, The Food and Drink Forum and North Somerset Enterprise Agency, launched Accelerate - which is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

Three months later, and with over 35 sessions already completed, Accelerate is having a really positive impact in the county.

The sessions are delivered by industry experts and trainers focussing on key themes, such as business planning, digital support, sustainability, green agenda, mental health and wellbeing.

The Head of UK Sales and Procurement, for Probo Medical, Dani Langson, has attended four sessions to date, and has found them hugely beneficial. North Somerset based Dani, said: “The sessions have been really informative, I have found those delivering them very knowledgeable as well, which has certainly helped me with my own personal development.

“As a National Sales Manager, remotely managing a team in a very busy industry, I struggle to find time for my own development. I am keen to be a good manager, leader and a positive influence to my team and the wider business – something which I feel that the Accelerate sessions have helped me to achieve.

“The sessions have been easy to sign up to, with a few simple clicks a digital invite was sent to my diary. The sessions I attended were only 2 hours long, making them easy to accommodate, but a lot of content was packed into this.

“Training and Upskilling is so important, no matter how long you have been in a position, business or industry. It is easy to fall into habits or set ways of working without realising. I cannot recommended the Accelerate Programme enough and only hope they continue to offer these sessions to the local community.”

Sessions are only running until the end of June. Click to hear avoid missing out, and to discover our full Accelerate offer.