Weston College is to open officially its bespoke £2.5 million engineering training centre with a ceremony attended by leading local and national businesses.

The College has invested £1.5 million in machinery and equipment and £1 million in building works at its South West Skills Campus, which now offers a full engineering and manufacturing curriculum.

Among those attending the launch event on November 2 will be representatives from major companies including Serco (one of the largest employers in the country), GKN (whose apprentices are currently undergoing training at the College), Thatchers, Midas and SKF Clevedon.

Dr Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “Weston College is committed to helping businesses in the engineering, aerospace and manufacturing sectors grow and develop the talent of the future by supporting the development of a highly skilled, innovative and valuable workforce.

“To achieve this aim, the College has invested in facilities including bespoke engineering and advanced technology workshops, composite manufacturing workshops, 3D printing suites and classrooms, IT suites and learning spaces.”

The new facilities have enabled the College, which has been rating ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, to expand its engineering courses. It now offers qualifications in a wide range of engineering skills including mechanical, fabrication and welding, aeronautical, manufacturing, digital technologies and maintenance.

The College has also become one of the first in the UK to offer a new Trailblazer Apprenticeship for the aerospace industry, and is one of the few colleges in the country to offer an apprenticeship pathway in advanced composites.

Andy Davidson, Weston College’s Executive Director of Professional and Technical Curriculum, said that engineering graduates can expect to earn 20% more per year than graduates from most other subjects and it is expected that there will be 1.86 million jobs in the sector available over the next five years.

“Engineering is an incredibly important part of both the local and national economy, and is responsible for £280 billion of the country’s gross added value.

“It’s a fast growing industry in the UK and there is an enormous amount of demand for qualified engineers. Weston College’s brand-new facilities will enable us to provide students with training on the most current and up-to-date machines, and properly prepare them for jobs in the engineering industry.”

The College - which was named ‘College of the Year’ and ‘Overall FE Provider of the Year’ at the national TES Awards – has installed cutting-edge technology including fully equipped machining workshops, materials labs, hydraulics and pneumatics labs, PLC and control systems labs, electronics workshop, CAD suites, composites workshops, 3D printing facilities and maintenance and fabrication workshops.

Many of these facilities will be demonstrated during a tour that will take place as part of the launch of the new £2.5 million engineering workshops, in addition to presentations that will be made by representatives from the University of the West of England.

A former Weston College student is to become one of the youngest people in the country to be awarded a doctorate, after her work with local charity Integrate Bristol successfully raised the awareness of Muslim women’s rights issues.

Fahma Mohamed, 19, who studied Access to Higher Education at Weston College, is to be awarded an honorary Doctorate in Laws by the University of Bristol on Friday (15th July).

She gained prominence after her successful campaign to raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) gained the attention of the former Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove.

The petition led to training to help teachers, doctors and social workers identify and assist girls at risk of FGM.

Sarah McLaughlin, Lecturer and Study Skills Tutor for Access to HE, congratulated her by saying: “We are extremely proud of Fahma and are delighted that her dedication to raise awareness of such an important issue has been recognised.

“She has worked diligently to achieve her Access to Higher Education diploma and her commitment to her charity work prior to and during her studies, is commendable.”

Access to Higher Education is a course designed to give adult learners the qualifications they need to get into university.

Fahma studied the Medical Sciences pathway, successfully completing the course in June this year. She will progress to study Biomedical Science at Kings College London this September.

Weston College has announced a partnership with Uphill Cricket Club which will see the two organisations share facilities and work closely in developing cricketing in the local community.

Weston College’s Academy of Sport will be given access to Uphill Cricket Club and Uphill Football Club, and, in turn, the cricket club will be able to use the indoor sports hall at Weston College Academy on Sunday afternoons.

The Academy of Sport will also support Uphill Cricket Club to recruit junior players in primary and secondary schools, and enable the club to access College courses such as first aid and safeguarding.

Paul Taylor, Sports Development and Performance Manager at Weston College, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and Uphill Cricket Club.

“Uphill is a brilliant community partner. We are both really focused on engaging the wider community and are looking to encourage both male and female players with our programmes as well as those who may never have played.”

Weston College’s Academy of Sport offers aspiring sportsmen and women an opportunity to further develop their potential. It provides students outstanding coaching, training and support both individually and as a team, enabling students on all courses access to sporting activities outside of their academic studies.

You can find out more at www.sportweston.co.uk

Rugby

Opposition: Richard Huish

Score: Weston 10-22 Huish

MOM: Tommy Bailey

Weston College first XV hosted Richard Huish first XV on Wednesday the 17th of January at Weston- Super- Mare RFC. Conditions for the fixture were exceptional with a cool but dry atmosphere throughout the event making conditions perfect for running rugby. After a confrontational opening 20 minutes Weston College scored their first try. An exceptionally well finished try by Harrison Lyon who burst through a tackle and scored a 15-meter run in. The try was the result of sustained phase play attack by the Weston side, which was just reward from their dominant opening play. From the kick-off Richard Huish scored a clinical try, punishing the Weston defence for not clearing their lines within their own 22.  

The extremely close affair continued long into the second half with both teams scoring a further two tries' making it a 12-10 lead to Richard Huish. After scoring their second try to keep the contest competitive Weston conceded their third try directly from the kick-off. With Richard Huish demonstrating consistency and organisation within their attack. With the score at 17-10 the away side changed their phase play attack into a more elusive style, catching the home side off guard. The commitment and effort levels from Weston were to be admired demonstrating a unity and collective approach which will see the benefit in the future during close fixtures.  

Richard Huish continued playing, elusive rugby to score their final try making the end result 22-10. Honourable mentions include Josh Gardner, who lead with exceptional passion and determination on his debut as Captain. Tommy Bailey worked relentlessly in defence with continued support in attack. Ethan Thomas controlled the backline and directed the team with some outstanding kicking from hand.  

Football 1st

Opposition: Richard Huish

Score: 5-2

MOM: Cory Thomas Barker

Richard Huish welcomed Weston College Mens 1 to play a league fixture in ECFA Mens category 2 south west (south). As the game started Weston controlled possession and moved the ball around on a difficult pitch. They created a good number of early chances which we were able to convert and went into a 2 goal lead thanks to Tom Llewellyn and Lucas Vowles. With the game in Weston’s control we created more chances with good play down the wide areas and holding good possession through-out the half. Just before the break with a lack of concentration from Weston’s part Richard Huish were back into the game 2-1 at half time. After the break both teams were going forwards looking to either get back into the game or run away with it. With Weston still having more of the ball they raced into a 4-1 lead with both Tom and Lucas sharing the spoils once again. Again through a mistake from Weston Richard Huish were allowed them back into the game at 4-2. With the game entering the last 20 minutes Weston took control and slowed the game. Weston Still had chances to further the lead and Cory Thomas-Baker was able to score a goal to remember from 35 yards. Weston ran out winners 5-2. We wish Richard Huish all the best with their remaining fixtures.

Netball

Opposition: Bridgwater

Score: Weston 30-19 Bridgwater

POM: Chloe

A great start to Weston Colleges first match back since Christmas. All the girls were enthusiastic to get on and start the match . The match started very quick with great movement especially by Chloe and Lucy around the attacking circle edge . Court defence was hard for Bridgewater to play through with some great opportunities for Jodi to intercept a lot of the attacking play . 1st quarter ended 12-6 to Weston .

Going into the 2nd quarter the girls settled and slowed play down to allow for a more controlled attack and to limit some mistakes made in the first quarter . Weston pulled ahead with some fantastic shooting and rebounds by Erin and Megan finishing the second quarter 20-10 .

The 3rd quarter both teams made changes, Bridgewater came on with a confident start which made Weston have to dig deep . The whole squad pulled together while they settled with new players on showing great interceptions and marking by Beth and excellent man on man marking and back up play by Ella finishing the third quarter 24-16.

Going into the 4 th quarter Weston showcased their talent by continuing to back each other up and create lots of opportunities for each other to intercept and get turn over ball by Chloe and Beth Playing GD.

A great first match with lots of amazing match play  and attitude. 

Easter's the perfect time for baking, and traditional Easter snacks are easy and fun to make, as well as being delicious to eat...

Hot Cross Buns are the second most common Easter treat (after chocolate eggs, of course!) and are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. The tradition dates back as far as the 14th century.

Here's our catering students' recipe for the Perfect Hot Cross Buns!

Weston College recently welcomed 400 GCSE students from local schools for a hospitality industry taster say with The Chefs’ Forum Academy, designed to get them interested in a career in the industry.

The event, held at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, saw students from Worle School, Hans Price Academy, Backwell School, Voyage Learning Campus, Robert Blake Science College and NSETC welcomed with ‘mocktails’ and canapés made by the College’s Level 2 hospitality students.

The students were then treated to demonstrations from some top chefs on The Chefs’ Forum demo stage, including a fish demonstration from Professional Master Chef Finalist Elly Wentworth (Lucknam Park), and a lesson in pricing from UK Curry Chef of the Year Stephen Gomes (Moksh) and Istvan Ulmann (Berwick Lodge).

Demo chefs were also joined by the College’s level 2 hospitality students, and Istvan Ulmann was joined by his new apprentice, Lillianna Young, who has recently completed her level 3 qualification with the College.

The school students also got some hands-on experience during Gavin Roberts’s butchery demo, learning how he makes sausages for the Kernow Sausage company, and were given free hotdogs made with Kernow Sausages to try.

Sandra Bull, Area Manager for Hair, Beauty, Hospitality and Catering at Weston College, said: “The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and it was fantastic to see so many young faces inspired to consider careers in catering and hospitality, with demonstrations by talented local chefs and industry experts.”

Catherine Farinha, Founder of The Chefs’ Forum Academy, said: ““It was a real honour to be asked to stage this event by the College. The Chefs’ Forum Academy is going from strength to strength and feedback from teaching staff and students is fantastic.

The Chefs’ Forum Academy work in partnership with the College to provide classroom-based hospitality and catering students with guest lectures and opportunities to attend industry events.

Weston College is set to play a lead role in tackling the construction industry skills shortage by opening a state-of-the-art industry focused training centre.

The Weston College Construction Training Centre, based just off Junction 21 of the M5, will open in spring 2019 and represents a £3.8 million investment.

It will offer training in three key construction areas – plant operations, scaffolding, and groundworks.

Courses have been selected and designed with employers’ needs in mind and in response to the growing demand for a trained and skilled construction workforce in the region.

Training will be available as required by employers and individuals, rather than fitting into the traditional academic year.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group said: “The Construction Training Centre is a natural step into commercial training and starts an exciting chapter for us.

“Over the last ten years, we’ve built strong relationships with employers to develop our apprenticeship provision.

“But we’ve recognised, more and more, the need to deliver training at the point of need – not only for school leavers during the academic year.

“The Construction Training Centre means employers can come to us at any time for short courses, top-up courses, and to up-skill staff who are taking on new roles. We’ll also provide apprenticeships in these new areas to train the next generation of this industry’s workforce.”

The new centre has been designed to equip industry with the workforce it needs now and into the future.

Dr Paul Phillips said: “It’s a direct response to the skills shortage in the three areas.

The ability for the centre to offer plant training for all major site plant will be a significant development for the South West, whether that is with 360 excavators, dumper trucks or telehandlers, the centre will offer easily accessible training, key to meeting industry demand.

The College has commissioned Midas Construction to build the centre.

Dr Paul Phillips said: “We have a long-running relationship with Midas. They understand the College, our priorities and how to provide the learning environment that students need.”

Weston College will team up with national leader for scaffolding, safety experts Simian, to provide outstanding scaffolding training.

This training centre has been made possible through the efforts of Weston College in partnership with the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and North Somerset Council.

The financial investment has been provided by the College match-funding a successful bid for funding from the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the Local Growth Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

Chair of the West of England LEP, Prof Steve West, said: “We’re really pleased to support the fantastic new Construction Training Centre at Weston College. This will help to equip our current and future construction workforce with the skills they need to drive forward the building of new homes, business premises and infrastructure as our region grows. It will also help them to secure better career prospects and make the most of the opportunities available right here in the West of England.”

Derek Quinn, Executive Director for Midas Construction, said: “We are delighted to be continuing the strong framework partnership between Weston College and Midas. As a regionally-based business we are active in promoting opportunities for careers within construction and so we are particularly proud to be involved in bringing forward this new facility which will help develop a skilled and highly-trained workforce for the future.”

Find out more about the Construction Training Centre here.

Hello, I’m Sharna. I’m a Business Administration apprentice, in the Traineeship team at Weston College.

For National Apprenticeship Week, I am going to be telling you about my experience as an apprentice, here at Weston College.

I started my apprenticeship in March 2018 and it has been a really exciting journey. I was very anxious to start my new job as I had never worked in an office environment before and I wasn’t familiar with this sort of work. As soon as I started everyone was so nice to me, and always willing to help which allowed me to settle in quickly.

Being a part of the Weston College team has allowed me to develop my skills and knowledge within the business admin sector. I was very fortunate to be invited to attend the 2018 Business Awards, which gave me a chance to witness the hard work and dedication it takes to be a Weston College employee. I was also given the opportunity to work on social media throughout the night, which was a great experience.

Throughout my time working in the Training Solutions team, I have been given multiple opportunities to support the staff as well as the learners - providing administration and recruitment support. This is something which I have really enjoyed, as I have been able to influence learner outcomes and development.

I would recommend an apprenticeship to anyone who is looking for experience and to try something new. It is the perfect way to get the work experience you need to kick off your career. I haven’t looked back since starting my apprenticeship, it was definitely the right route for me to take, and it has allowed me to get my foot in the door at Weston College.

For more information on apprenticeships, click here. 

With Brexit around the corner, many organisations are looking for new ways of bringing talent into their business. One approach that is often overlooked, is employing an ex-offender.

By giving an ex-offender the opportunity to get back into work, you’ll have access to this pool of work-ready talent.

Our work providing education in 19 prisons has revealed the untapped potential that’s available. There have been numerous success stories, including ‘Billy’.

‘Billy’ struggled to find a job after being released from prison. He had many skills to offer, having previously worked in retail and managerial roles, but, having been out of work for a while, lacked confidence.

‘Billy’ was knocked back for roles he was more than capable of doing, and set out to change the perception employers have of people with criminal convictions.

‘Billy’ decided that to find employment he would have to get some ‘work experience’, so he completed an extended placement with a well-known high-street store. His confidence soon grew, as he received excellent feedback from customers and his employer. He also had a hugely positive effect on the store and showed he was capable of more responsibility.

‘Billy’, whose skills had not gone unnoticed, soon outgrew his placement and landed a role as an assistant manager. He is now going from strength to strength in his new role, and his employer was thrilled to find such a high-calibre candidate. ‘Billy’ has certainly helped change the perception of those within his business of ex-offenders, and the store has definitely benefited from his expertise.

If you are interested in discovering the opportunities that ex-offenders can offer your business, get in touch today through the 600 in 6 page of our website.