Four Weston College apprentices have been recruited by a high-growth local company which launched with three staff in 2007 and now employs over 40 people.

Purplex Marketing, based on Oldmixon Crescent, has taken on four IT apprentices as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

College Apprenticeships Recruitment Coordinator James Wilmot said: “Apprenticeship applications have risen considerably because businesses like Purplex are seeing benefits.

“They can mould someone to the company's needs and put them at the heart of their business. More than 90 per cent of our apprentices are offered permanent jobs by their employers at the end of their training programme.”

Purplex Marketing, part of the Ascot Group, was founded by Andrew Scott and is one of the fastest growing marketing technology companies in the UK.

 It plans to double its 40-strong staff by 2017 in areas such as web design, search engine marketing, app development and social media.

Andrew said: “I am delighted to welcome the four new apprentices from Weston College.

“Our digital marketing division continues to grow rapidly as we attract clients locally and from across the UK and Europe.

“It is essential we develop our team to keep pace with growth and new technologies, and introducing Apprenticeships will help train the next generation of digital marketing experts.”

More than 90 per cent of Weston College apprentices were offered permanent jobs by their employers at the end of their training programmes – a 46 per cent increase in filled jobs compared to last year.

The College currently supports 1,200 Apprentices and works with 1,400 employers. It is the biggest facilitator of Apprenticeship programmes in the region.

Its new Training Solutions, based at the South West Skills Campus on Locking Road provide businesses with relevant and flexible training programmes.

The College offers a wide programme of Apprenticeships to people aged 16 and over with adults looking for a new career via training or an alternative to A Levels.

The College's Apprenticeship programme can be studied at Levels 2, 3 and 4 and learners can progress through these levels while continuing to work alongside experienced and skilled staff.

The 50-strong team of work based learning Assessors work with more than 1400 organisations in the South West.

The College was also the first in the South West to launch the Higher Apprenticeship Scheme enabling employees to gain university level qualifications while working in areas such as accountancy, care and business.

Although apprentices receive workplace training, they access the same College benefits as students including bus passes, gym sessions, discounted driving lessons plus hair and beauty treatments.

For more information about taking on an Apprentice contact the Training Solutions Team on 01934 411 594.

A Weston College student has beaten over 3,000 competitors to represent the South West at the National Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition to be held in Stafford in June.

Ben Vanstone, who is currently studying a Level 3 Electrical Installation course, competed against students and apprentices from across the region and came first in the regional competition, overcoming three previous rounds of competition prior to the regional final, winning an iPad in the process.

Ben will now go head-to-head against seven other students/apprentices from across the UK for a chance to be named National Electrical Apprentice of the Year 2016 and win a £2,000 prize.

The results will be announced at an awards ceremony for the finalists and their friends and families in June.

Ben said: “The College has been fantastic, supporting me and helping me every step of the way. I can’t thank the lecturers enough.

“I have learnt so much and have a great, well paid career ahead of me “.

Chris Simpson, Weston College’s Building Engineering Services and Environmental Technology Manager, said: “It is excellent to see the hard work, effort and commitment Ben has shown to his studies is reflected in this national achievement, both ourselves and his employer are really proud as it is such a prestigious accolade within the electrical industry “ 

The Electrical Apprentice of the Year competition is an annual contest organised by the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and the electrical self-assessment organisation, ELECSA.

The competition’s aim is to recognise the talents of the brightest electrical students in the UK.

As Weston College nears the half-way point in its Winter Gardens development, we take a look at how the project will have a lasting impact on Weston-super-Mare…

Brand new facilities for residents

Weston College has committed to ensuring that the historic portion of the building is available for community use, and is investing money into refurbishing and restoring this historic venue. The public will benefit from a ballroom enhanced with modern technology, a new bar and restaurant with improved catering facilities, as well a café which will open onto the Italian Gardens and fish pond area.

Investing in Weston

The development is seeing over £11 million being invested into the town centre, with Bristol-based contractors Midas Group employing people from the local area, and using supplies from local traders and merchants.

Changing demographics

Creating an educational facility in rear portion of the Winter Gardens means that the College is able to expand its provision and draw young people into the town centre. It will allow University Centre Weston to accept 250 more higher education students, create 35 more teaching positions, and inject an extra £2.75 million per year into the local economy.

Training for the future

Weston College has to react to skills shortages to make sure it’s delivering the qualifications that local employers require. The creation of a Law and Professional Services Academy means that people in Weston-super-Mare can get the skills they need to apply for jobs in Bristol’s booming financial and legal services industries.

Protecting an asset

The Winter Gardens Pavilion will be protected for future generations to enjoy and brought into the 21st century. Weston College will invest in the building, ensure it is maintained, and will transform it into a venue which meets the needs of the local community.

What is anxiety? It's a word so commonly used within the student population and yet most people can't pinpoint exactly what anxiety is.

We all feel anxious from time to time and, surprisingly, this can actually be a good thing, depending on how you respond to it. Anxiety is the mind's way of telling us the stuff that we aren't aware of knowing - your gut instinct if you like. It's the message that tells you not to laugh in a situation where it wouldn't be appropriate. The voice that says "Change that and do this instead!"

Anxiety can also heighten our focus, more than ever throughout exam season; it's your body's way of raising your arousal, by means of adrenaline, thus sending all of your fighting power to attaining your goals and focusing your sights on success.

Did you know that the physiological and biochemical responses to an event that is incredibly scary are the exact same responses to those you feel when you are loved up and happy? So, the next time you feel anxious about an exam, or a social situation, focus on the way you are responding to the anxiety. Try to use it to your advantage and tell yourself that it is only your body behaving in the right way because you are excited, or you want to achieve your very best in the upcoming test. Turn it on it's head and find the ways that anxiety could benefit you!

Try going for a short run or doing some exercise - you'll be surprised at the positive benefits it can provide.

We are going to spend the next few weeks focusing on Anxiety and the "Mind Matters" sessions that take place every Monday in the LibraryPlus and Bistro at Knightstone and Loxton Campus will be tailored specifically towards anxiety - come along and find out more.

Our Welfare Team is at each campus and can offer confidential and unjudgemental advice, support and guidance, or if you want to talk to someone outside of term time, you can visit www.bigwhitewall.com. The service is free to all students at the College using your @weston.ac.uk email address. Here you can explore a whole toolbox of ways to deal with anxiety and many other issues.

Eight new apprentices have started Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) apprenticeships through Somax at Weston College with a company in Swindon.

Barnes Coaches have taken on eight new apprentices, who will learn how to drive buses and coaches and gain their licences, along with valuable experience in the industry thanks to Somax’s driver training apprenticeships. 

The company, which is the largest and most modern operator in the area, currently have 40 vehicles and specialise in coach hire, holidays and day trips. They have previously employed apprentices in other areas of the business, but these will be their first driver apprentices and they are keen to continue employing drivers through apprenticeships in the future.

Matt Barnes, Managing Director of Barnes Coaches, said: “I have been looking for ages for apprenticeships for drivers. When I found Somax at Weston offering PCV apprenticeships I organised a meeting. As soon as I met up with Simon [Werkshagen, Somax at Weston], I knew it was the right way forward for us!

“All our new apprentices are really keen to get started, and hopefully they’ll really hit the ground running when they pass their tests.”

Simon Werkshagen, Head of Operations and Business Development at Somax, said: “We’re thrilled to have built a new partnership with Barnes Coaches, and for our first PCV apprentices to have officially started.

“Apprenticeships can offer a lot for businesses who don’t want to go down the traditional driver training route and are a great way for employees to gain new qualifications and skills while getting valuable experience with a business.”
 

Students at Weston College will be among the first in the country to study the new T Level qualification.

The College is one of just 54 providers selected to launch the new technical equivalent to A Levels.

T Levels will be available in 15 industry-related subjects, known as ‘pathways’. Weston College will deliver the Digital (software applications design and development) programme from September 2020 – two years before the full roll-out.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said: “T Levels have been described as the biggest overhaul in post-school education for 70 years.

“For Weston College to be at the forefront of this revolution is an honour and an exciting challenge. We’ve built a national reputation for the quality of our sixth form and helping to launch this pioneering programme only enhances that standing.

“It also represents a tremendous opportunity for school leavers in Weston-super-Mare and beyond.

“T levels are shaped by employers and benefit from the unique insights of industry leaders. This means learners will be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”

Delivered over a two-year period, T Levels provide an alternative to A Levels and are aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds who would rather study work-related courses than traditional academic subjects. They have been launched to counter the long-held assumption that only A Levels and a degree can lead to a fulfilling job. Though, T Level students will still be able to progress to university or higher-level technical qualifications.

T Levels have been created by expert panels of employers, are also designed to deliver the necessary skills required to strengthen and grow the UK economy. They will provide a mix of industry-specific technical knowledge and practical skills; relevant maths, English and digital skills; and a work placement of at least 45 days.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m the real deal – a chef who wears many hats. I’m a husband, a father and a grandfather, as well as the singer in a band called The Leylines, and an ex-student of Weston College.

I love, love, love cooking with learners. Not only cooking for them, but inspiring them – teaching them and igniting their passion for food and new flavours. I have great fun teaching learners how to cook and what it means to eat healthily.

When and what did you study at Weston College?

I was here in 1992 and studied a 706 1 and 2 in Catering (now a City and Guilds Level 1 and 2 Professional Cookery)

I came back in 2012 to do an NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Professional and Advanced Cookery.

Do you have any fun stories or fond memories of your time here?

It involves a dark night, Jack Daniels, bambi and a security guard. If you want to know more, you’ll have to find me and ask! I also remember one of the first dishes we created which was a chicken ballotine in a white wine and mushroom sauce, I have since adapted this recipe and it is still my signature dish.

How did Weston College help you get where you are today?

The College gave me the skills, connections and knowledge I needed to enter the workplace and to run my own businesses. It’s given me a solid base. My tutor, Tony Rawlins, was fun and seemed to be able to relate to us, which meant coming to College was easy.

What other jobs have you done?

Where do I start? I’ve owned my own restaurant, burger van and private catering company for events – including weddings.

I’ve also worked in restaurants, school kitchens, hotels and cafés.

How did you get into the catering industry, and why did you choose it?

When I was 16 I wasn’t sure what to do, as I didn’t excel in anything academic. I had a part-time job delivering Chinese takeaways and I was always intrigued about the smells, the colours and of course the taste of the food. Before that, I’d never considered a career in food.

I later joined a YTS course and one of my first placements was the Italian restaurant at Cadbury House Country Club and Hotel in Congresbury. I then got a part-time job at the Anchor Head Hotel, where I did the breakfast and lunch service, and, at weekends, I worked at the Orange Tree Café. The hours were long and hard work, but it taught me how varied and interesting a career in catering could be.

Tell us about today and your role here

The Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACA) South West School Chef of the Year competition was at Weston College at the end of January 2019.

5 south west finalists including Robert Doble of Sandroyd School, and Tollard Royal and Dave Leeper of The Trafalgar School in Downton, competed in the regional final, demonstrating creative dishes that are suitable for 11-year-olds.

The contestants had up to £5.20 to spend and 90 minutes to prepare, cook and serve four identical two-course menus to judges.

The meals were judged by three people, Mark Rigby, executive head chef at the event main sponsors Premier Foods, Stuart Brereton from event sponsors MKN Catering Equipment and Carol Horwood who is the National organiser for LACA SCOTY.

As a committee member for LACA and a former winner of the regional School Chef of The Year title, I was humble to be asked to be the regional organiser and present the awards.

The winner Dave Leeper was named LACA South West School Chef of the Year 2019 and will go through to the national final in March.

You can see photos, video clips and more at https://twitter.com/LACA_UK

It’s been widely publicised that that there is a shortage of skills in the catering and hospitality industry. Why do you think more people should join the industry?

Because everyone loves someone who can cook. If you want to treat someone you take them out for dinner, but if you can do this yourself, it opens up so many possibilities.

If you’re at uni – the best way to make friends in the first week is to be able to help others cook.

If you’re in a band and on the road – the band needs someone who can cook for them (always me).

If you get home late and there are only three ingredients are in the fridge, and a potential girlfriend or boyfriend is coming over, you want to be able to throw something together.

There’s no better feeling than cooking something on the course and taking it home to friends and family – or cooking it at home. You get such a buzz and satisfaction from it.

There are so many potential avenues to follow after catering courses at Weston College, as there are so many opportunities to work locally in one of the many great local restaurants or hotels.

If you have the drive, passion and determination, and want to make money, you can set up your own business. Or, you can move to London and work in a Michelin stared restaurant, work on a cruise ship, take charge of the catering for an F1 team or on a private yacht of VIPs. The opportunities are out there, and Weston College helps set you on your journey with the best skills.

Do you have any advice to future students?

Catering doesn’t have to just be a job, it can be vocation, a lifestyle – don’t be mundane be ‘mazing!

Tell us about your book.

I think there are two key stages in life when it comes to cooking. First, from the age of 3 to 13, when kids enjoy spending time with significant others, whether that’s baking a cake for the family or helping to make dinner. Then, at 16, when you realise you can do exciting things in the kitchen – like flipping pancakes or flambéing (when alcohol is added to a hot pan to create a burst of flame).

‘Family Cooking with The School Chef’ is aimed at the first age group. You don’t have to be a top chef to cook lovely, healthy – and sometimes naughty – nutritious, flavoursome and colourful food. It’s about creating fun, sharing but most of all spending time as a family cooking food.

Most of my recipes are simple, delicious and classic recipes that will bring families together in the kitchen to have fun preparing a meal. The book is also a reference to my family and how we cook together but also has buying guides and top tips.

Visit www.theschoolchef.co.uk for some free videos and easy-to-follow recipe downloads to get you started.

Anything else you would like to add?

I hope by reading this I have inspired you to find out what courses are available.

You can find out more by visiting www.weston.ac.uk today.

Date for your diary - Hospitality Event Taster Day at the Winter Gardens on the 20th March, 11.00 am until 13.00pm. Contact your school to see if they are attending or email Sandra.bull@weston.ac.uk to find out more!

Apprentice chefs and hospitality students at Weston College have showcased their skills at a prestigious awards dinner.

The talented students prepared dinner and served at the front of house at the Bristol Life Awards winners’ dinner at The Chocolate Quarter in the city.

Apprentices from The School of Food, an innovative chef training programme jointly run by Weston College, treated guests to a delicious meal of flat breads and dips; asparagus, nudi, puree salsa verdi; pressed lamb shoulder, lamb rump, potato terrine, sprouting broccoli; and lemon, lavender, raspberry delice and raspberry sorbet.

The Level 1 and 2 hospitality students, who train in the College’s Grove restaurant, served drinks, canapés and hosted tables. All of these skills are reflective of the work the learners need to complete to become competent in their sector.

The Grove training kitchen and restaurant, is a commercial eatery that is open to the public and run solely by students. You can check out its menus and events at www.weston.ac.uk/grove.

The Bristol Life Awards celebrate the very best Bristol businesses at a highly prestigious evening that’s become a highlight of the city’s social calendar. The awards are organised by MediaClash, publishers of Bristol Life, Bath Life and magazines for Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury, and award-winning foodie mag Crumbs.

The award categories included: Arts, Bar, Business Services, Café / Coffee Shop, Charity, Civic, Creative, Education, Event, Financial, Food / Drink Producer, Gastropub, Hair and Beauty, Health and Wellbeing, Homes and Interiors, Legal, Leisure and Tourism, New Business, Restaurant, Retailer, Technology and Innovation. Award winners have been invited to a special dinner, also at The Chocolate Quarter.

Find out more:

• The School of Food Commis Chef Apprenticeship
• Hospitality and Catering courses at Weston College and the Grove Training Kitchen and Restaurant

Weston College has smashed through its target of creating 600 work-related learning opportunities in six months.

The ambitious ‘600 in 6’ campaign aimed to persuade businesses to ‘pledge’ a range of opportunities to help learners gain the knowledge and they skills they need in workplace. These include apprenticeship, traineeship and work experience places.

It expanded on last year’s successful drive to create 200 apprenticeship vacancies in 100 days by including the College’s full range of work-based training services.

The campaign far exceeded expectations, securing 697 pledges in five months from business such as Wookey Hole Caves, Sedgemoor Council, Smurfit Kappa, Wessex Water and Carbase.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “It is highly impressive that we have managed to create opportunities for over 600 learners to gain experience with some of the best companies in the region.

“This year we wanted to showcase our full employer offer – to see businesses get behind this has been particularly exciting.

“Many organisations feel that they are suffering from a skills gap, and this campaign shows that we are actively supporting the community and matching enthusiastic learners with forward-thinking employers.

“Throughout this campaign we have built new relationships with employers, and I look forward to these progressing further in the future. Thank you to all of our employers and regional partners for supporting such a valuable initiative.”

If you’d still like to pledge an opportunity to the ‘600 in 6’ campaign, there’s still time. Find out more by speaking to our award-winning Training Solutions team on 01934 411 594.