News and events

In just 25 working days, we are already over halfway to reaching our goal of enrolling 300 people onto an apprenticeship!

We set ourselves the ambitious goal to achieve 300 sign-ups for apprenticeships, in just 50 working days. We're half way through our time, at 25 days, but well over the number of enrolments, at 167 already!

We decided to set this goal, as at Weston College, we love creating opportunities for people to access their brighter future, and we believe an apprenticeship is one of the most effective ways of achieving your dream career. Whether this involves beginning your journey into an industry, upskilling, or embarking on a career change, we want to see you succeed!

Jack, who completed a degree apprenticeship with Weston College and the Ministry of Defence, says: “Apprenticeships have the power to unlock doors, provide opportunities and prepare you for the workplace in ways that universities don’t.

“If there is an opportunity to pursue your aspirations through an apprenticeship, then I cannot stress enough how seriously you should consider going down the apprenticeship route.”

Weston College is an award-winning apprenticeship provider, being named Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Provider of the Year four times. We offer apprenticeships across the south west, from Bridgwater to Bristol and beyond, in multiple industries.

We would not have been able to reach over this amazing achievement without the help of some incredible businesses which have been taking on, and discovering the benefits, of having an apprentice.

If you and your business would like to pledge to discover the benefits of having an apprentice, follow this link to find out more!

Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and CEO of the college, commented on this achievement: “We are thrilled that 167 apprentices have already been enrolled. Throughout the campaign we have worked closely with our employer network, and it has been fantastic to offer apprenticeships with new companies as well. Apprenticeships are equally as beneficial for the employer as they are for the learner, and we want to be able to showcase this through this campaign. We cannot wait to watch the development of their workplace skills, and we’re honoured to give them the opportunity to create their brighter futures with us.”

Two Weston College Engineering Apprentices, Anisha and Owen, have been shortlisted for Insider Media’s, Made in the South West Awards 2022.

The event, which is taking place on the 3rd November at Bristol Harbour Hotel and Spa, showcases manufacturing from across the South West and gives the region's companies the opportunity to celebrate their commitment to world class quality and excellence.

Anisha and Owen are both apprentices with Airbus, and are shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year category.

Owen, who moved from Pembrokeshire to complete this specific apprenticeship, said: “I’m feeling really proud to be nominated, and I’m not sure how I managed it, but I’m really looking forward to the evening.

“This apprenticeship with Airbus is something that I have always wanted to do – I even moved from Pembrokeshire at 17 years old, just for this specific role; so to be shortlisted for this award really means a lot to me.

“So far I’ve had many highlights but what stands out to me is being involved in an economic impact event. This meant I was speaking to MPs, heads of companies, senior management at Airbus. It really was a good experience.

“To be shortlisted itself is a massive honour, so win or lose I’m happy.”

Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “I’d like to offer my congratulations to Anisha and Owen, who have both been superb apprentices.

“They have both shown fantastic commitment on their apprenticeship, and we have been really impressed with the progress that they are making.

“Apprenticeships are a fantastic vehicle for people to develop their skills, grow their knowledge, and earn while they learn. Both Anisha and Owen have been the perfect examples of apprenticeships working in action, and would be very worthy winners of this award.”

Find out more about our apprenticeships, by clicking here.

If you’re an employer that would like to offer apprenticeships, you can get involved with our 300 in 50 campaign, by clicking here.

We welcomed year 11 students into the Weston Digital Hub for a Digital taster day. Being one of the leading colleges in the UK for computing and digital studies, we want to give as many students as possible, the opportunity to study with us and reach their individual ambitions. Through the taster day, we showcased our exceptional lecturers and facilities that assist our learners in becoming successful in the IT industry.

9 students from Hans Price Academy and 2 from Churchill Academy attended the taster day, to decide if Computing and Digital Technologies was the career route for them; every student that was asked said they enjoyed themselves, and 9 out of 10 said they would attend a Digital taster session again, with the 10th saying maybe.

One of the attendees stated: “This day was amazing! I wasn’t sure this subject area would be for me, but I was wrong, and now my aim is to do as well as I can in my GCSEs to get onto the Digital course!”

They continued: “I loved working as a team and learning to play different games I’ve never played before!”

As a result of attending the taster day, and having the opportunity to join the Esports Academy, all but one said of the students asked, said that they’d want to apply for Weston College.

Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, said: “Here at Weston College, it’s crucial to us that every potential student is given the opportunity to explore every pathway that could lead them to their dream career. The taster day was incredible, and the engagement, passion at positive feedback from the attendees is the reason we continue doing the work we do. We can’t wait to welcome our next group of year 11s to have their taster day with the college.”

Find out more about upcoming taster days, and other events, via the links!