News and events

Last year Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, which honours the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water. 

The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College. 

Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer. 

This year, Weston College and UCW announced that Heather, an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence, would be the recipient of the scholarship. 

Heather’s achievement marks not only her commitment to academic excellence but also her passion for expanding her horizons within the field. 

We caught up with Heather, to hear her thoughts on the scholarship, her experiences at UCW, and her aspirations for the future. 

When asked about the benefits she hopes to gain from the scholarship, Heather expressed her excitement about exploring various activities related to marine engineering. She plans to undertake a diving course and weld coding, recognising their significance in marine maintenance, investigation, and salvage operations. 

Heather credits UCW for fostering her growth both academically and personally. The university provided a supportive environment for her to acclimate to student life away from home and encouraged collaborative learning among apprentices. Utilising tools like Blackboard to organise her coursework, Heather found the practical labs and workshops to be particularly engaging, allowing her to expand her theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills. 

Regarding the support from lecturers, Heather highlighted the invaluable assistance she received from workshop technicians in her first year. As she progresses into her second year, Heather has found her lecturers to be supportive and helpful, further enhancing her learning experience at UCW. 

Heather commended UCW’s state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, which have greatly facilitated her studies. From well-resourced workshop facilities for machining, welding, and CNC to comprehensive laboratory setups, UCW’s resources have enriched Heather’s understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications. 

Looking ahead, Heather expressed her anticipation for future modules, particularly highlighting her enjoyment of thermodynamics thus far. She looks forward to delving deeper into her studies and completing performance packs for her NVQ4, which validate the practical aspects of her apprenticeship, including problem-solving and quality assurance. 

As for her ambitions, Heather remains steadfast in her goal to pursue a career in marine engineering, acknowledging its diverse nature and the myriad opportunities it presents. While the specifics of her future role are yet to be determined, Heather’s unwavering dedication and enthusiasm ensure a promising journey ahead. 

Heather’s journey exemplifies the spirit of excellence and determination fostered at UCW, and her receipt of the scholarship serves as a testament to her dedication to the field of marine engineering. As she continues to embark on her academic and professional endeavours, Heather stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring engineers everywhere. 

Well done Heather! 

You can find out about engineering at Weston College by clicking here, and find out about apprenticeships by clicking here.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week! To celebrate, we want to showcase some information regarding inclusion awareness training.

Weston College has seen increasing demand from our employer network for neurodiversity and inclusion awareness training. Business demand, alongside only 1 in 5 autistic adults being in employment, resulted in the College creating training for employers to access, supporting businesses to make inclusive adjustments in hiring and employment processes. Supporting existing staff has also been a theme given that 65% of neurodivergent employees do not disclose their conditions due to fear of discrimination improving inclusion strategies and policies will foster a more inclusive workplace.  

During the past 18 months, over 450 people from 40+ businesses have been trained; sharing key knowledge on recruiting, retaining, and supporting staff and customers. Workshops cover autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia along with racism, LGBTQ+ issues, sensory differences, and trauma-informed response.  

The initiative has generated promising results, with businesses like Mendip Activity Centre, Puxton Park, and The Grand Pier implementing changes to become more neurodiversity friendly. Puxton Park has made its facilities more inclusive and accessible, diversified its workforce, and created tailored roles for applicants.  

Similarly, Mendip Activity Centre, known for its outdoor activities, underwent dedicated training, fostering empathy and understanding among staff members. The Grand Pier now provides sensory-sensitive equipment and a quiet room for visitors with sensory sensitivities.  

Mendip Activity Centre, known for its adventurous outdoor activities’ welcome individuals and groups of all ages and abilities took part in dedicated training. One staff member remarked that, "Just by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes who is neurodivergent was hugely impactful and we don’t have the ability to understand unless we ask".   

Lynsey McKinstry, Business Partnership Manager for SEND provision, has continued to support businesses in their goals to understand and value individual needs. The initiative aims to create a genuinely inclusive society where everyone can thrive. " Instilling Inclusion at every level and opening employment routes for neurodivergent employees; the journey into inclusive practice is not just about ticking a box, but about creating a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive utilising incredible skills that are often overlooked."  

Employers interested in the training can contact Lynsey at employers@weston.ac.uk or visit our Inclusive Practice page.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.

As part of Futures Month, Weston College had the privilege of hosting a transformative workshop led by renowned Sports Psychologist Marcus Nel. This workshop left a lasting impact on L3 and L4 learners, providing valuable insights into the world of sports psychology and performance optimisation. 

Marcus Nel, a highly qualified and respected figure in the field of sports psychology, brings a wealth of experience working with elite athletes, including his contributions to the success of Bristol Bears and Gloucestershire Cricket. His expertise and proven track record in enhancing mental resilience and performance have made him a sought-after professional in the sporting world.

The workshop aimed to empower learners with practical strategies and psychological tools to maximise their potential both in and out of the sporting arena. Marcus Nel delved into key aspects of mental toughness, stress management, and goal setting, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. 

The workshop was structured to engage participants in interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, providing them with a hands-on understanding of the principles Marcus Nel advocates for peak performance. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on the psychological aspects of athletic achievement, fostering a holistic approach to their personal and professional development. 

"We are thrilled to have had Marcus Nel join us for this enriching workshop. His expertise and engaging presentation style captivated our learners, and the knowledge shared will contribute to their growth and success," remarked Dan Lomax, FE Curriculum Coordinator in Sport and Health. 

This workshop forms part of the Sport and Fitness Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

Interested in finding out more about our Sport and Fitness courses? Click here. 

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.