Construction students from Weston College have been helping years 1 and 2 from Mead Vale School get to grips with brickwork.

As part of a partnership project, the young learners aged 4-6 have been learning about materials, and in order to gain a greater insight into the materials that help to build a house, each class attended a session led by Weston College learners looking at how to build a brick wall.

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The young builders had great fun creating different types of walls, and understanding the reasons behind each design.

Over the four sessions over 100 pupils had a go at laying bricks, under the watchful eye and guidance of the full time bricklayers.

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Dave LeFeuvre, the subject area manager for Construction at Weston College, said: “This was a really successful project. Our students got to demonstrate their skills and abilities through teaching and inspiring younger learners, and I hope that some of them will consider a future in construction based on the skill I saw displayed.

"I am really proud of how our learners and staff embraced these sessions, were great ambassadors for the trade and for the College.”

Weston College's hospitality and catering students recently had the opportunity to serve front of house and make a variety of impressive canapés with Istvan Ulmann, Head Chef at Hattusa Restaurant at Berwick Lodge.

Istvan performed a cookery demonstration of Venison loin with shallots, salsify and red cabbage before working with our students to produce an impressive spread of canapés including: Medjool dates wrapped in pancetta, Sausage rolls with raz el hanout, Pancetta and emmental toasties, and Filo tart with pear, stilton and pine nuts.

The students also baked brioche buns to cater for a BBQ event later in the day, and worked to produce a delicious afternoon tea with passion fruit marshmallows, chocolate brownies, and baked vanilla cheesecake.

Louise Underhay, who studies Professional Cookery at Level 2, said: “We do these trips a lot to get some work experience and learn from the professionals, and I really enjoy them. 

“I really love baking and am really enjoying my course – It has given me a new lease of life, it has given me an edge! Istvan was great and gave us lots of little tips and pep talks to increase our confidence. I found it really helpful and loved it.”

This opportunity was part of a chefs' forum partnership aimed at introducing Weston College students to top chefs.

Three prominent Bristol City Councillors, Helen Holland, Nicola Beech and Asher Craig, will unveil a Blue Plaque at HMP Bristol (Horfield Prison) on Friday 1st October.

The plaque is for Theresa Garnett, a Suffragette who was imprisoned in 1909 in Horfield after she attacked Winston Churchill with a whip at Temple Meads Station. The plaque is connected to an education project which is using art to explore this history.

The project has been led by Emma Lilwall, artist and fine art lecturer from Weston College’s prison-based Education Department. Emma has been working with male prisoners to explore suffrage and women’s rights. The arts project explored the history of the Suffragettes who were imprisoned in Horfield. This led to the creation of a mural on the wall leading to the prison wing in which the women were held, in collaboration with feminist Bristol based street artist Rozalita. Theresa Garnett’s story has also inspired creative writing workshops and a T shirt design competition. Their work, and more, will be published by Bristol Museum Service on their ‘Stories’ website.

Bristol Civic Society is putting the Blue Plaque on the old prison gate which is visible to the public from Cambridge Road. We believe this is the first Blue Plaque to be placed on a working prison.

Emma Lilwall said “it has been a privilege to create such a powerful educational project engaging with historical issues which are very relevant today. Equality for women remains a very pressing issue; and connecting male prisoners with this history has provoked transformative discussion and inspirational creative responses”.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive for Weston College said that “the project which Emma has created is a great example of how education can make a difference to these learners and support them in their rehabilitation back into the community and to equip them to find sustainable employment on release.”

Lori Streich from Bristol Civic Society said that “Bristol Civic Society is pleased to support the installation of this plaque, and the education project behind it. Blue Plaques aim to inspire curiosity and discussion, and this is exemplified by Theresa Garnett’s story, and the actions she took to achieve women’s right to vote.”

Find out more:

• Prison Education 
• Careers in prison education - find out about teaching and business support roles.

If you’ve visited our South West Skills Campus over the last few months, you may have seen the display engine, which now proudly sits in our reception, and wondered why it is there?

Well, it is all down to the hard work of our apprentices at GKN. 

GKN Aerospace is one of the world’s leading aircraft and aero-engine manufacturers. With each campus committed to reaching Net Zero by 2030, Weston College partners with high standard organisations that help to create brighter and greener futures. Read more about GKN's initiatives surrounding sustainability and their environmental protection practices here

Earlier this year, five of our Year 2 Aerospace Engineering Degree apprentices, Taylor, Jansen, Ethan, Harry and Chloe, decided to organise, manage and install the engine, as part of their Project Management module (work-based learning).

This is one of four modules they need to complete, on the second year of their degree apprenticeship. The module helps learners to develop new skills, as well as strengthening ones that they learnt in their first year.

The engine itself was donated by GKN, who we work very closely with to create exciting opportunities for our learners.

The learners showcased their communication and collaboration, as well as demonstrating their application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to get this project running – one which was completed to industry standard!

Every day I walk past the engine with immense pride, not just at the achievements of these learners, but also of the power of partnerships. I think about the skills and knowledge that these incredible young people possess, thanks to their hard work and dedication, as well as the opportunities presented to them, through the college.

We’re excited to be launching T Levels in Engineering next September too, which will give us further opportunity to work closely with employers and watch learners develop into skilled professionals. The T Level will support learners who are taking their first steps in engineering, and will prepare them both academically and practically through their 45-day placements, in industry.

If you’re an employer reading this, then I highly recommend getting in touch with the industry placement team at Weston College. Not only will this give you an opportunity to meet the learner and find out whether or not they will be a fit for your organisation, but they also possess skills which can fill skills gaps and support your business.

Andreas Papadopoulos, HE Curriculum Co-ordinator Engineering

Have you considered doing one of our blacksmith courses? Meet Luke Green, a Lecturer in Engineering in the Department of Advanced Engineering and Computing at Weston College and a Blacksmith.

What is a blacksmith?

A blacksmith is someone who creates objects from wrought iron or steel. Blacksmiths forge (change the shape by hammering) the metal after it’s been heated.

Blacksmiths make traditional objects – such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, agricultural implements, cooking utensils and weapons – but also create more intricate items, including ornamental flowers and wedding rings.

While many people work with metal – such as farriers, wheelwrights, and armorers – blacksmiths, traditionally, are able to make and repair a wider range of items, from the most complex of weapons and armour, to simple objects like nails or lengths of chain.

Because of this, blacksmithing is suited to people with a range of skills and interests, including those who are:

• Suited to hand-on work
• Artistic
• Engineering focused.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a fabulous example of where blacksmithing contributed to the creation of an impressive local structure. Blacksmiths have also made various gates, railings, sculptures and ornamental pieces around the South West.

Locally there are only three blacksmiths.

Blacksmiths are either commissioned to create one-off pieces for substantial sums of money (anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds), or produce a series of items in quantity.

How did you become a blacksmith?

I inherited a workshop full of old tools that had not been used for some years. Instead of throwing them out I began to work with those tools and gradually built my skill set up – from learning how to use a hammer, to building unique forges designed for custom pieces.

It has been a long journey, with many challenges and accomplishments, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable.

What training have you had?

Various courses for ‘smithing’ do exist in the UK, as well as the occasional apprenticeship, but these are few are far between. We offer a Blacksmiths short course which runs for 6 weeks on a Tuesday evening 5.30-8.00pm, it provides a rare opportunity to learn this fascinating craft!

I have been lucky enough to have worked with Mike and Steve Goldsmith in Somerset as well as Dean Aggett in Devon.

I have also had the opportunity to work with Hector Cole, who fabricated the gates at Buckingham Palace.

Tell us about some of your career highlights and achievements.

Since becoming a blacksmith in 2012, I have been invited to do archaeological demos at venues including Caerleon Roman Fortress and Cardiff University.

I have made pieces ranging from decorative and functional items (chandeliers, coat racks, hooks, boot holders, roses etc) to jewellery-based items such as wedding rings.

I have also produced tools and weaponry for re-enactment and bushcraft purposes – this has also extended into armoury fabrication.

One of the reason blacksmithing is so appealing, is that it harks back to older times – heating up metal in a fire and hammering it to shape it helps us connect with our ancestors.

What are the benefits of learning blacksmithing?

• You have the freedom to explore the metals
• It’s fun
• You can create anything - you’re only limited by your imagination
• It’s a great stress reliever
• It’s satisfying to create something unique.

What advice would you give to potential students?

• Don’t be afraid, but respect the fire and heat.
• Practice, practice, practice.

Tell us about the blacksmithing course.

The course is unique in the South West.

You will learn how to manipulate hot steel and produce your own metal masterpiece. You can also choose to make something from a range of small items.

After a simple demonstration, you will get straight into having a go. You will be guided to safely use the hand tools and incorporate design elements into practical work.

At the end of your day, you can expect to take away a couple of pieces of your own handcrafted work - your test piece and a finished piece.

Weston College runs Level 2 and 3 adult courses all year around. This course covers:

Week 1: Forged bottle opener (3 possible designs)
Week 2: Forged fire poker (3 possible designs)
Week 3: Forged tongs (3 possible designs)
Week 4: Forged bottled holder (3 designs)
Week 5: Forged garden basket holder (3 designs)
Week 6: Forged rose/flower (3 designs)

Find out more and register your interest at https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/art-and-design/blacksmiths

We’ve been successfully teaching British Sign Language for a number of years at Weston College. Here are a few of the most interesting facts that you probably don’t know about sign language…

It’s the fourth most used language in the UK

Over 125,000 adults in the UK use British Sign Language, and many more people know how to communicate using it. In fact, 15,000 people living in England and Wales use British Sign Language as their main language.

Different countries have their own versions of sign language

Just like spoken languages, sign language changes depending on the country you’re in. Even though Britain and the USA both speak in English, their sign languages are very different! Differences can also be found in regional sign language – similar to how accents and dialects are reflected in speech.

Sign language uses more than just hand gestures

As well as ‘signs’, British Sign Language includes facial expressions, gestures and body language to communicate. Sign language uses its own system of grammar, which involves different sentence structures to spoken English.

Many deaf people have ‘name signs’

Instead of signing out the individual letters of their name, many people who communicate through sign language use a single sign to represent it. This ‘name sign’ is unique to the individual and can be compared to a nickname.

Sign language isn’t as difficult to learn as it looks

Sign language looks like a complex method of communication, but there is a reason why it’s used by so many people around the world – learning it is relatively straightforward if you have the right teacher and are being taught in the right way.

Our sign language courses are developed with people who are deaf and have hearing loss, and give you the opportunity to develop your skills through practical sessions.

Find out about BSL courses for adults here >>

Weston College is to get a world-class skills boost after being selected to join an elite training programme.

Weston College is one 12 leading institutions (colleges and Independent Training Providers) to have been selected to join the skills revolution by becoming part of WorldSkills UK’s Centre of Excellence.

The Centre of Excellence – partnered and funded by educational charity and awarding body NCFE – will see more than 40,000 young students and apprentices, from all socio-economic groups across the UK, armed with world-class skills.

The Centre aims to supercharge the quality and delivery of technical and vocational training by transferring world-class expertise and knowledge to help develop educators and learners.

Weston College is one of 12 institutions entering the Centre this year to join the first wave of 20 colleges selected last September, when the three-year pilot project was launched. Educators at the colleges and training providers will receive exclusive train the trainer sessions and 60 hours of intensive continual professional development.

Those inducted this year are:

• Blackpool and the Fylde College
• City of Glasgow College
• Coleg Cambria
• Firebrand Training (London)
• Gower College (Swansea)
• JTL
• New College Durham
• Northern Ireland Consortium
• Oldham College
• Solihull College and University Centre
• Waltham Forest College
• Weston College

In its recent Skills for Jobs White Paper for England*, the Government cited the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, in partnership with NCFE, as a prime example of how it wanted organisations with the relevant expertise to provide high-quality training and development for teaching staff.

Dr Paul Philips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive for Weston College Group said: “Providing world class education is what we aim to do here at Weston College. With fantastic industry opportunities, taught by industry professionals, we're all about forging careers and not just courses.

This prestigious upskilling opportunity for staff to be part of the WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence pilot with its ethos of taking learners from competence to excellence (supported by NCFE) will mean learners can learn the very best practices in order to prepare them for success in the world of work.

The elite WorldSkills UK CPD pilot aligns perfectly with the College's brand-new Career Excellence Hubs, which allow students to benefit from a programme of study that has been co-developed and endorsed by industry partners making sure they’re taught what employers need in their businesses and making our learners highly employable. We are very excited to have been chosen.”

Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE, CEO of WorldSkills UK, said: “In order to deliver the world-class skills that employers demand to be internationally competitive, we need to invest in the educators that are training young people for the future.

“The Centre of Excellence is a radical new way of bringing global best practice to local economies. Mainstreaming excellence in training standards and delivering it directly to tens of thousands of young students and apprentices at their places of learning is key to levelling up the economy and attracting inward investment.

“This new phase of the project means that we are now supporting young people the length and breadth of the UK.”

The programme covers three strands:

• Train the trainer modules
• Harnessing of international industry best practice through current preparation for WorldSkills Shanghai 2022
• Influencing setters of training standards.

The effectiveness of the programme will be tested by measuring impact on learners, educators and institutions in order to continually develop and innovate. This level of insight will help the organisations involved to develop a programme which will give more young people, irrespective of background, better work and life opportunities, and help boost economic productivity.

The three-year partnership deal is the single largest investment ever made by the NCFE Group.

More than 12 employers will advertise approximately 60 Kickstart vacancies to people between 16 and 24 at a special event in Weston on October 6th.

Weston College in partnership with Jobcentre Plus will be welcoming an estimated 250 unemployed local people who are looking for roles through the Department for Work and Pensions’ £2 billion-pound Kickstart scheme.

The Jobs Fair style event is taking place at the Hans Price Conference Centre (next door to Weston College’s Knightstone Campus), between 10:00am and 3:00pm.

The Kickstart scheme, created in response to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic provides six-month paid job placements to young people currently in receipt of Universal Credit, giving them the opportunity to develop skills and work experience that will give them a better chance of moving into sustained employment.

The event will provide unemployed young people with opportunity to meet employers, and gain support with applications – with employers looking to fill job positions on the day.

Tracey Gardener, North Somerset Customer Service Leader for the Department for Work and Pensions, said:

“Kickstart is a fantastic initiative and a great way for young people to gain invaluable experience.

“This event at the Hans Price Conference Centre will provide our young customers with an opportunity to speak directly to a wide range of employers who have vacancies with immediate starts.

“Young people will have the chance to have face-to-face time with employers and to learn more about the roles available.”

If you’re an employer looking to get involved in Kickstart, there is still time. Weston College is a Kickstart Gateway, meaning that they can help you apply for the Kickstart Scheme, as well as offering training and support to your participants, at no cost to your business.

Employers engaging with the scheme can benefit from:

• A great opportunity for you to discover new talent, and train up young people to develop skills that can be used to support your workforce
• Funding to cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage of the participant for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
• As well as wage funding, the scheme will also cover the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic pension contribution
• £1,500 funding per job placement to help with set up costs and supporting the young person.

Please contact kickstart@weston.ac.uk for more information, or click here.

Term has only just begun, and Weston College Animal Management students have already had the chance to meet and learn from industry guest speakers about various careers within the sector, such as a Dog Groomers, Zookeepers, RSPCA Inspectors, Animal Keepers and Pet Shop Managers.

The industry guest speakers explained their own personal journeys into the animal management industry, the opportunities available, what a day in the life in their role is like and their favourite highlights too. The session was designed to inspire learners and provide them with an insight to what they might want to do in the future. This valuable experience for students is just one of the fantastic career enhancing opportunities available at the College, through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs; each subject area has its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits; industry guest speakers is one of these benefits, enabling students to learn from people already in the industry and understand the requirements and career possibilities.

The day started off with Mac, Puxton Park Animal Team Supervisor and Weston College alumni. Mac began he journey as a BTEC student at the College, he then went on to study the Animal Management FdSc at University Centre Weston, before landing a job at the Park.

Mac commented: “I’ve been a keeper here for 4 years and the advice I would give students is to try as early as possible to get some broad experience of the multiple areas within the animal industry. This will ensure they enter the part of the industry that will suit them best and will provide them with diverse experiences that will look good and help with future employment.”

Mac’s session was followed by Jollyes Pet Shop Manager, Cat, based in Cadbury Garden Centre.

Cat advised students: “To be in a career within Animal Management, I’d recommend going to college and gaining a qualification, you then have the option to progress even higher and go to university. Many of the staff I work alongside have a degree in either Animal Care or Animal Management, this stands you in good stead to work in a Pet Shop or be a Veterinary Nurse for example. It can be a very competitive industry.”

Next the students were introduced to Alan, an inspector for the RSPCA since 1999, he gave students an interesting insight into how he landed his role, a day in the life and some of the dangerous situations you may encounter as an RSPCA inspector.

The audience of inspired students listened as Alan described how he rescued a horse from a cliff edge, by abseiling down to the beach below to guide him, and how even the royal marines had to intervene to save the horse’s life.

Following on was Georgia, Bow Wow Dog Groomers in Clevedon. George explained the process of how she became a dog groomer, starting at Pets At Home and working her way up to a stylist position before starting her own business.

Georgia expressed how impressed she had been with multiple Weston College students who had visited her groomers for work experience, she was so happy with one student’s hard work and skill, that she employed her on a full-time basis.

Maxine Park, Subject Area Manager commented: “The teaching team would like to thank the industry guest speakers who gave up their time to impart their knowledge on the sector and inspire the next generation. The launch of the Animal Management Career Excellence Hub has brought a variety of new opportunities to our Animal Management students, and this paired with their campus being in the heart of Puxton, has given the students a chance to gain valuable hands on experience, preparing them with all of the tools they'll need to succeed in their educational journey to their chosen careers.”

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