News and events

On the last day of term, the Sixth Form Social Action Group organised a heartfelt and creative fundraising event to support the local homeless charity, 'Somewhere To Go' in Weston-Super-Mare. This dedicated group of Sixth Form students, known for their commitment to social action activities, transformed a classroom into a cozy cinema for a special screening of the holiday classic 'Home Alone.' The event was open to all learners, with tickets priced at £2 for entry and £2 for raffle tickets. By the end of the day, the group had successfully raised £55 for the charity.

The students didn’t stop at fundraising though! They have also been collecting donations of essentials and necessities for the 'Somewhere To Go' charity, including items such as toothpaste, wet wipes, canned foods, warm socks, and much more to help people in need. 

This initiative demonstrates the learners’ dedication to making a difference and follows on from their earlier efforts to raise awareness for Suicide Prevention Week by designing and sharing their own posters. Through these actions, the Social Action Group continues to promote compassion and creativity within the college and encourage a positive change in the community.

The cinema event was held at Loxton Campus and was a stepping stone toward more ambitious projects including the hopes to host an outdoor cinema event in the future to further expand the reach and impact of the Social Action Group. In addition to this, they are already planning a pop-up shop to raise more funds and awareness for the 'Somewhere To Go' charity at the end of January.

Nicola Stent and Anne Draper, two of our lecturers at Weston College, have worked hard in assisting our learners in the group to help make their ideas a reality and put their plans in motion. Nichola expressed her admiration for the group’s efforts, saying, “I have been very proud of their tenacity and determination to plan these creative events for our local community! I look forward to seeing what other plans they come up with soon.”

This inspiring initiative highlights how a small group of determined students can create a meaningful change in their community. Their ongoing efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration, creativity, and compassion in addressing critical issues like homelessness.

We would like to congratulate the Social Action Group for going above and beyond to help people in need, but also to all the learners that donated and went along to support this amazing cause!

If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form in September, click here.

Ewan, a Hospitality and Catering Apprentice, has been working hard during his placement at COR Restaurant, where his dedication and growth have not gone unnoticed. Over the past six months, Ewan’s efforts and professionalism have impressed the team at COR so much that they took to social media to celebrate his achievements.

In a glowing post, the restaurant described Ewan as a polite professional and highlighted his enthusiasm, team spirit, and hunger to learn. They praised his initiative, noting his ability to create a delicious tiramisu and expressing excitement for his continued development in 2025.

Ewan is in his second year of a Level 2 Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeship with Weston College and shared insights about his journey so far. He described his apprenticeship as highly educational and credited COR Restaurant for providing a welcoming environment where the team’s kindness and support have helped him grow. One of his favourite aspects of the experience has been learning from the talented chefs he works alongside, an opportunity he believes has significantly boosted his skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Ewan chose his apprenticeship because it offered the practical, hands-on experience he needed to thrive in the catering industry. He values the supportive nature of his workplace and colleagues, who have helped him navigate any challenges that arise. Reflecting on his time at Weston College, he commended the staff and praised the excellent kitchen facilities, which have further enriched his learning experience.

For those considering an apprenticeship, Ewan emphasised the importance of having a genuine passion for the field. He encouraged future learners to pursue apprenticeships if they are clear about their interests and career aspirations, as the experience provides invaluable real-world learning and growth opportunities.

Ewan’s journey so far stands as a testament to how dedication, curiosity, and the right support can set the stage for a bright future in the hospitality industry.

Thank you to COR Restaurant for giving Ewan this opportunity and providing him with a supportive, hands-on environment that is encouraging his growth and building confidence in his ability.

If you are interested in applying for a Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeship, click here.

UCW is excited to announce the addition of a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited diploma as part of its Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship. This new addition aims to provide learners with essential leadership and management skills, empowering them to excel in their careers and achieve chartered manager status through the CMI. 

UCW is also making this high-quality course available as a standalone Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) option for those looking to upskill independently. This flexible online course, supported by CMI’s state-of-the-art virtual suite, allows learners to tailor their learning experience to suit their schedules, making it accessible for busy professionals who need to balance study with other commitments. 

Learners enrolled in the CMI module will benefit from the latest in digital education, with a full online suite offered by the CMI. The course structure includes four group workshops each year (these may be on site), designed to reinforce online learning with interactive, real-world applications. 

The CMI is the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards of Management and Leadership excellence. CMI gives managers and leaders, and their organisations, the skills they need to improve their performance and create an impact. Chartered Manager is the highest accolade in the management profession. Awarded only by CMI, it is recognised throughout the public, private and third sectors across all managerial disciplines. Becoming a Chartered Manager means that you’ll join an elite group who prove they have the skills and knowledge to deliver results. 

To enquire about the CMI-accredited Operations / Departmental Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship or the standalone HTQ course, please contact UCW's Apprenticeships Team at apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk