The Principal, Governing Body, staff and students of Weston College are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Luke Wheaton. We have extended our deepest condolences to Luke’s family at this incredibly sad time and are providing support to students and staff here at the College in Weston-super-Mare.

Luke had been recruited and employed as an apprentice by Wessex Water starting in September this year, with Weston College providing the education element of the programme.

We also offer our heartfelt condolences to the other families and friends who have lost their loved ones and they are also in our thoughts.

The College will be holding a minute’s silence during this week in honour of Luke and the other victims of the Avonmouth tragedy, Michael James, Brian Vickery and Raymond White.

Weston College Motor Vehicle Apprentice, Luke Merchant, has been recognised as one of the top learners for his trade in the UK as he was awarded the silver medal at this year's WorldSkills UK finals.

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’.

Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021 and Jack was just one of four hundred who made it into the finals, which was split into 64 disciplines. 

After a challenging selections process Luke, who studies an Advanced Apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle with Carbase, was selected for the Automotive Technology WorldSkills finals that took place at Cardiff & Vale College.

For the finals, competitors had to complete six tasks all relating to auto mechanics including engine mechanical faults, engine electrical faults, body electrical faults, chassis faults & 4 wheel alignment, braking system faults and gearbox faults.

Luke commented: "It feels great and is good to know that my hard work has paid off. WorldSkills was a great experience. It was good to push myself and working under the pressure of the competition has helped developed my confidence and timekeeping skills.

"It was good to go and meet minded apprentices too, and overall an experience I won’t forget."

After the challenging finals were completed, the winners were announced at a virtual ceremony hosted by TV presenter Steph McGovern from her Channel 4 “Packed Lunch” studio on Friday 26 November. It was here that Luke was announced as the national runner up. 

Chris Priest, Lecturer in Motor Vehicle, added: Luke did brilliantly and really showed that the training we provide at the Automotive Training Centre are up there, competing with the best of the UK.

Luke continued: "It has been really enjoyable studying for my apprenticeship at Weston College, with tutors that care and take the time to answer questions. The workshop and classroom time was divided well and Steve Powell really helped."

Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through the newly launched Career Excellence Hubs.  

At the College each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, including WorldSkills competing opportunities. 

With national recognition now on his CV, Luke is progressing to work as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes.

Congratulations and best of luck Luke!

Click here to learn more about our full-time courses and apprenticeships in Motor Vehicle

Click here to view out current apprenticeship vacancies

Click here to learn more about WorldSkills

Weston College Principal given The UK Award for Lifetime Achievement in BBC appearance

Selected from thousands of nominations, Dr Paul Phillips has been named as one of the nation’s most inspirational college leaders, winning a Pearson National Teaching Gold Award.

Dr Phillips was presented with his Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement, supported by the Department for Education, on BBC’s The One Show. This focus on celebrating teaching comes at a time when the country has truly recognised the vital work that schools and colleges do on a daily basis.

Dr Paul Philips has transformed Weston College into one of finest colleges in the country; in 2017 he was recognised as one of seven National Leaders of Further Education, in 2019 he was named TES Further Education Leader of the Year and in 2015, the College was named TES Further Education College/Overall Provider of the Year 2015. Aside from his own students, he leads prisoner education in 19 prisons across the country involving 11,000 learners, with a positive impact on re-offending with those involved, and has built positive mental health partnerships with the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Trusts. Under Dr Phillips leadership the College has also been recognised for its transformational approach to creating outstanding progression results for students with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), and creating an ethos which celebrates inclusive practice which has driven the College’s mission, strategic plan and ambitions for all its students, regardless of their starting point in life.

The Pearson National Teaching Awards, which are now in their 22nd year, are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they teach.

Dr Paul Phillips said: “I was thrilled to receive the Pearson Gold Award for Lifetime Achievement on Friday evening. My career has spanned business, industry and every phase of education.

Further Education has dominated my career and it is an absolute privilege to work with so many talented staff and governors in order to transform the lives of so many learners. This award is for Weston College and the inspirational teaching and learning that takes place every day creating brighter futures for all who cross our many doorsteps. It’s our inclusivity, diversity and agility with SEND at the heart of all we do, with that added "sparkle" that sets us apart.”

Alex Jones, Presenter of the One Show, said: “We are so thrilled to feature Paul on the show and to thank him for his incredible work! We all know the value of a great teacher, and Paul has proven to be both outstanding and inspirational. There has never been a more important time to celebrate the hard work that happens in our schools and colleges across the country, and we are delighted to do our bit to thank them.”

Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “We have long known the impact that one superb teacher can have, the young people they can inspire and the lives they can change. But this past year has shown us all, more than perhaps ever before, the true value of teachers.

Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “Congratulations to Dr Paul Phillips and all of our wonderful Gold Award winners on their success. They have all displayed the most fantastic dedication to this superb profession and truly deserve to have their hard work recognised in this way.”

A major new skills programme has been launched by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) to help businesses understand, plan and respond to their workforce needs, particularly as they face new pressures in light of Covid-19. Workforce for the Future is a free service that helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to identify and address their skills needs, by upskilling and retraining employees, in areas such as digital, or support them to source and bring in new staff, including apprentices or work placements to drive their business forwards.

Weston College is one of the Further Education providers to take part in the programme. The college will use their skills and expertise to work with SMEs, ensuring businesses have access to the full range of support available including bespoke training, apprenticeships, work placements, and student projects, supporting employers across the region in developing their workforce and meeting current and future needs.

Workforce for the Future is part of a package of measures that WECA has put in place to help kick-start the regional economy following the coronavirus outbreak. This includes a range of business support, skills and employment initiatives.

Weston College Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE, said: “Weston College has a track record of supporting SMEs across the West of England, and we are delighted to be a part of this initiative, which seeks to support local people, and employers to drive their business forward during and following Covid-19.

“The skills that employers are looking for are evolving, and this programme will allow us to deliver bespoke training to meet their needs, whilst providing opportunities for our learners – delivering our mission of creating brighter futures.”

West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “Backing our businesses with the skills they need to emerge strongly from the pandemic and protecting and securing decent jobs is at the heart of my plan for our economic recovery. Our Workforce for the Future programme is a flagship part of that plan.

“Workforce for the future will help us adapt and evolve to the changing world and seize the opportunities that digitalisation and new technology present, supporting our businesses and shaping our talent pool to meet the needs of tomorrow.”

Workforce for the Future can help businesses to:

• Develop a more motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
• Increase digital skills and expertise, and foster innovation.
• Capture the financial benefits of improved performance and elevated productivity.
• Attract new talent, improve staff retention and develop future leaders.
• Boost business resilience and flexibility to overcome future challenges.
• Increase diversity and inclusivity in the workforce
• Safeguard jobs and support employees through change.

If you would like to find out more about Workforce for the Future, and how we can help, please contact employers@weston.ac.uk.

Weston College is a UK finalist for creating outstanding results for students with SEND Weston College has been announced as a finalist for the Association of College’s Beacon Awards - Inclusive Learning Leadership Award supported by the National Centre of Diversity.

The College has been recognised for its transformational approach to creating outstanding progression results for students with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), and creating an ethos which celebrates inclusive practice which has driven the College’s mission, strategic plan and ambitions for all its students, regardless of their starting point in life.

Since 2001, the College has completely transformed its ethos, to create a culture change from being an ‘FE provider with pockets of inclusion’ to a ‘fully inclusive organisation delivering FE’.

The organisational wide change to empower students from all backgrounds to achieve, has been driven by its Principal, Dr Paul Phillips who has created a visible and highly celebrated culture of inclusion with an ‘person centred’ approach to progression.

The whole college approach to ‘inclusive practice’ has ensured that SEND students achieve comparable outcomes to those who do not – leading to the College being recognised as one of three UK National SEND Centres of Excellence.

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE, commented: “It’s been quite a journey, if we rewind to 1981, the College had just eight learners with additional needs.

"Today, we are proud to have 1,316 SEND students, 511 of those with high needs undertaking a wide range of FE/HE courses, apprenticeships, and supported internships with 33% into employment, which compares to just. 6% nationally.”

"The aspirational place that inclusive practice holds within the College’s strategic plan, was even more evident in lockdown, with the Inclusive Practice team, having co-designed the College’s EdTech strategy – seeing its aspiration for ‘digital inclusion’ realised with 91% SEND pandemic attendance as a result of the hugely successful #MyVirtualCollege roll out.”

The Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice among UK colleges each year.

This award supported by the National Centre of Diversity and AoC seeks to celebrate outstanding examples of colleges who champion and practice inclusive leadership and demonstrate the values of respectfulness, inclusion and a sense of belonging.

Those who demonstrate innovative and excellent teaching and learning in one or more subject areas to enable students to develop excellent knowledge of inclusion- (FREDIE) fairness, respect, equality, diversity, inclusion and engagement.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges said: “This award showcases how colleges are centering inclusion in everything they do.

"Colleges are inspirational because inclusive teaching and leadership filters down to every area of college life and students have the opportunity to develop these behaviours. Colleges whose mission and vision reflects the society they serve is hugely important and gives students and staff a sense of belonging.”

The AoC Beacon Awards finalists were announced at the AoC FE Summit on Tuesday 17 November. Winners will be announced in Spring 2021.

Jess studied a level 3 early years and education course at Weston College before progressing to higher education at UCW and is now employed in a managerial position at a specialist independent education organisation.

Jess said: "My time at Weston College helped me decide that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping people.”

The level 3 course included subjects such as child development; theories of development, learning and behaviour; health and safety and safeguarding; observation, assessment and planning, special educational needs and disability; legislations, policy and procedure; children’s health and care; early years foundation stage and key stage one, first aid and food hygiene training.

In 2021 the level 3 course will also include 750 hours of work placements to ensure you develop your workplace skills ready for employment. Giving you a blend of classroom learning and on-the-job experience.

Although Jess initially took time away from her studies to teach English in Cambodia after finishing College, she returned to UCW in 2016 and has now achieved an upper second-class honours degree in early years education at UCW.

“I was in UCW three days a week for the degree in early years education, which meant I had plenty of time to for my work placement and to study. I’m so grateful to my family, friends, my lecturers and everyone else at UCW who helped me. My studies at UCW set me up for success in lots of roles"

Sandra, Dean of Faculty said: “It’s great to see Jess’s journey through College, a gap year, UCW and now into employment. The early years courses really do open many doors and in particular the new T level will get you a nationally recognised certificate, giving you opportunities to enter the industry but also gain UCAS points towards further education.”

Join us:

• Early years and education courses for 16-19 year olds (including the new T Level)
• Early years education degree at UCW
• Forthcoming events

The iconic Winter Gardens set to open newly refurbished eatery.

The Weston College Group is delighted to announce the imminent opening of The Green House in Weston-super-Mare, in partnership with prestigious South West catering and events company, Fosters Events.

The Green House will serve as one of two eateries offered by the Winter Gardens complex; itself, and Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen; both distinct in offering and curated with the local community at the heart of their operation.

The College Group has signed a management partnership agreement with Fosters Events, commencing in November 2020, which will lead the way for the new Winter Gardens Complex offering.

Acting as the first step in the re-launch, The Green House will offer a café style service with views across the Italian Gardens, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas, takeaway coffee, and treats.

The opening of The Green House is just one element of the ambitious plan to breathe new life into the iconic Winter Gardens complex, following the forced closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic earlier this year.

In 2021, the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen will see phase two of the relaunch take place, inviting diners to enjoy a second food and drink venue offering a casual restaurant and bar experience, with a cocktail style bar, lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts.

With over 65 years’ experience in bringing the most prestigious events and catering services to the South West, Fosters Events will not only relaunch both dining venues onsite, but they will also take on the management of the Winter Gardens sought-after events space and conference facilities.

Fosters Events long-standing history in the South West has seen them at the forefront of some of the region’s most impressive venues, including exclusive catering contracts with venues such as The Box Kitchen & Bar at The Box Museum & Gallery in Plymouth, The Bristol Pavilion at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bath Rugby Club, The Passenger Shed at Bristol Temple Meads, and The Orangery at Goldney Hall, to name a few.

Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group who own the Winter Gardens, Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “We conducted an in-depth selection process as we looked at a new catering and events partnership, and it was Fosters Events that emerged as the standout choice for us. Their reputation for providing a first-rate service and excellent food was very appealing.”

“We have been busy planning how we can safely re-open considering the health and safety of both customers and staff, and due to the ongoing situation we will be approaching this in phases – The Green House is the first stage in this revival, with more exciting developments planned for when it is safe to do so.”

“I do not underestimate the importance of the Winter Gardens to the town and our community, it’s a hugely important feature of Weston-super-Mare’s history and landscape, and we’re determined to keep it that way.”

Fosters CEO Neil Lodge adds: “For nearly 100 years the Winter Gardens has been a building and venue much loved, not only by those living in the town but the numerous visitors coming to the town annually.”

“Fosters are so very excited about the prospect of breathing new life into the Winter Gardens starting with the newly refurbished and named ‘The Green House’, which we cannot wait to open as soon as we are able to, following the second lockdown, and we thoroughly look forward to welcoming our first guests in December.”

“This will be followed by the re-opening of Lasseter’s Bar & Kitchen in 2021, with a more relaxed casual dining and bar offer, taking advantage of the incredible views across Weston Bay, and also the relaunch of corporate, private and community events in the stunning Ballroom. Our seasonal changing menus will celebrate the very best local food and beverage suppliers and produce, and we cannot wait to start showcasing these to our guests at the Winter Gardens.”

“As you may be able to tell by the name ‘The Green House’, we have spent a lot of time creating a fresh and inviting dining space that mirrors the Italian Gardens, bringing the outside in and installing a completely new look to the space.”

“The team is extremely excited to bring the local community something new, and we can’t wait to welcome you and for you to try something delicious from our menus."

The Green House entrance is on the Italian Gardens side of the complex and is set to launch in December, with the team continually reviewing plans in line with the latest Government guidelines.

There will be a special launch day offer, details of which will be shared with the public in due course, with the team opening the doors to the community and inviting them in to enjoy the brand-new space.

Visit:

• The website
• Facebook
• Instagram

University Centre Weston (UCW) graduate Anna Palmer, a 30-year-old, who lives in Clevedon was a finalist for the Return to Learning Award at yesterday's national Festival of Learning Awards 2020. The awards celebrate learning and showcase the wide-ranging impacts adult learning has on individuals and their families.

Anna was nominated for this award as she turned her life around following her marriage breakdown, when she decided to return to learning at Weston College.

Anna commented; “I’ve always had a love for creativity and being able to make someone feel good about themselves but following unhealthy relationships and a lack of support with my son who has additional needs, I suffered from low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

“After my marriage separation I found the strength, with the help of my friends, to enrol on an adult course. The Level 2 Hair and Media course was an adult course at Weston College. It consisted of 3-days a week in college, so I could comfortably work part-time and be a hands-on mum with my 2 children. I absolutely loved this course and after completing it I immediately enrolled on a Level 3 Theatrical Hair and Make-up course which was also timetabled over 3-days a week so worked well for me.

“With the support of Weston College and my tutors believing that I had the potential to complete a university course, I decided to start the BA (Hons) degree in Hair, Make-up and Prosthetics for Production at UCW, and alongside this I started my own hair and make-up business called Anna Palmer's Hair/ SFX Make-up & Prosthetics.

“The thought of going to university had never crossed my mind before my journey at the College, however I have now completed a BA Honours degree! “My friends and family are so proud of me. They’ve seen me in my darkest place and have watched me grow in determination, confidence and maturity.

“My studies at Weston College and UCW have helped me to show my children you really can achieve anything you want even when you feel you're not good enough and just want to give up. Even though it’s been hard for us all, to me this is one of the greatest things I could have ever proved to them.

“I finally feel happy and excited for the future. I’ve always wanted to have a qualification and career that I enjoy and take pride in. I am now in an industry I am passionate about, earning my own money and enjoying life to the full, with my children and the people I love.

“I really do want to thank all my friends, family and my tutors at Weston College and UCW for believing in me”.

Sandy Day, UCW's Programme Coordinator for Hair Make-up and Prosthetics for Production, said: "The Festival of Learning Awards is such a great initiative and as soon as I found out about it I thought of Anna and started writing her nomination right there and then! I've taught Anna throughout her time at Weston College and UCW, and I'm so proud of the professional and personal journey she's been on and all of her wonderful achievements along the way."

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Paul Phillips CBE said, “Anna is a phoenix rising from the ashes. She is determined to have a brighter future for herself and her children and her level of commitment has been a shining example to her family, friends, and other students. Congratulations Anna, you’re a true inspiration.”

If Anna’s story inspires you to take the next step:

• Browse our range of part-time adult course
• See UCW higher education courses
• Find out about forthcoming events

We continue to work closely with out transport partners to ensure we can put on safe travel for learners and staff.

Following a review of customer data including seasonal demand, we can confirm the following updates to our First Bus network that will come into play from 8th November (timetables will be released a few days prior for information via the First website).

• First are still having to operate at 50% capacity on all services
• Face coverings must be worn on all public transport and the First app allows you to view live journey data including the number of seats still available on a service at any given time.