News and events

Our What Next event is back this week (on Wednesday), with a whole host of employers attending. Employers will be sharing career opportunities within their industry and offering guidance on how our attendees can launch their careers.

This event allows attendees to ask questions, build networks, and start discovering career paths that resonate with their aspirations.

This initiative aligns with our Careers Excellence Hubs, which offers learners valuable career-enhancing benefits such as work experience opportunities, direct engagement with employers, and access to career-focused events.

Here’s what some of the employers attending What Next are looking forward to, along with their advice for Weston College students:

Puxton Park: “We are looking forward to having exposure to potential employees for peak seasons. We would advise Weston College students to try all the opportunities you are offered!”

Future Stars Coaching: “We are looking forward to the brilliant opportunity to meet and discuss potential careers in our sector with the next generation. We have benefitted in recent years from these events and can't wait for the next one. We would advise Weston College students to ask questions at What Next, literally anything you are thinking. Talk about progressions and ultimately how these specific companies can help you get to your end goal.”

Thatchers Cider Company: “What Next is the first apprenticeship event of the year, where we always have aspiring conversations with future apprentices and students keen to explore other opportunities. We would advise Weston College students to ask lots of questions to future employers and colleagues, be confident and be yourself.”

Access Your Care: “We can’t wait to show the next generation of social care workers how exciting and rewarding a career in care can be. Keep an open mind, look at what you enjoy and where your skills lie and make your career choices from there.”

Super Culture: “We are working with WECA and Creative Youth Network to run early creatives workshops aimed at young people aged 18-30 as well as paid 6 events-based placements and creative commissions. We advise Weston College students to go for every opportunity they can and develop a wide range of skills.”

Evo: “We are looking forward to engaging with students at What Next and meeting other businesses in our industry to build future collaborations. We would advise Weston College students to have an idea what businesses or future training you may want to see. Prepare some questions you think would really help with you decision process moving forward."

Bristol Airport: “We are looking to showcase the broad range of the opportunities and career pathways at Bristol Airport, whether with Bristol Airport Limited (as the site operator) or with our 50+ Business Partners. We would also like to tell students and young people who are interested in the aviation industry about our upcoming 2024/25 Work Experience Program and apprenticeship opportunities at Bristol Airport. We would suggest to Weston College students to prepare a list of questions that they would like to ask exhibitors, namely what opportunities are available at their company, what career pathways look like, whether there are any pre-requisites or requirements for jobs at that company, whether they need to complete any additional study etc."

Bristol City Robins Foundation: “We are looking forward to engaging with lots of young people and sharing our experience of working within a sports organisation. We would advise Weston College students to make sure you do some research prior to the event and speak to as many providers as you can. You never know where a small conversation can lead to!”

Taylor Wimpey: “We are looking forward to meeting possible future industry professionals. We would advise Weston College students to make sure that you do your research into the career you are interested in.”

Avon and Somerset Police: “We are looking forward to meeting potential future employees at What Next. We would advise students to prepare or think about in advance what you want to get out of the career event. Write down the question you would like to ask. Don't be shy.”

British Army: “We hope this is an opportunity for Weston College students to learn about some of the 76 job roles within the 7 career streams in the British Army, and that your further education can be fully paid for while enjoying an exciting career. If you are unsure of what to do with your life after school, perhaps consider a career in the Armed Forces which will not only give your transferable skills in civilian life, but also a chance to enjoy something different and exciting.”

The Academy of Gymnastics: “We are looking forward to meeting the next generation of hopefully coaches at What Next! We would advise considering careers in something you are interested in and that you enjoy!”

If you haven’t booked your tickets, there is still time! Click here to reserve your space.

Former learner Lottie has proved to be a shining star, both on and off the pitch. We caught up with her, to discover her journey from studying at Weston College to playing professional rugby in France!

When I began my studies at Weston College in September 2019, I had no idea how transformative the next two years would be.

My academic focus was on A Levels in law, psychology, and combined English literature and language, but the opportunities that came through the College’s sport programmes truly shaped my future.

During my time at Weston College from 2019 to 2021, the staff and coaches worked with me to ensure that I could excel both on and off the pitch.

The flexibility they offered allowed me to balance my rigorous A Level studies with my demanding rugby training schedule. It wasn’t just the understanding from my tutors that helped—it was the quality of coaching that made the biggest difference. The coaches constantly pushed us to improve and offered personalised support to hone our skills. What stood out the most, however, was the off-pitch support the College provided. Rugby is about much more than what happens during a match. Weston College gave me access to nutrition advice, psychological support, and game analysis sessions—elements that allowed me to fully embrace what it means to be an athlete. This holistic approach prepared me for the challenges I would face later, both in my university years and beyond.

After completing my studies at Weston, I went on to graduate with a law degree from the University of Exeter. I was part of their High Performance Pathway for all three years, representing the 1XV and even captaining the team on multiple occasions. During my final year, I was fortunate enough to play for the Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup Competition. I also kept up my passion for 7s rugby by playing with Boom Beavers in the Super Sevens Series.

Weston College had set the foundation for my athletic and academic success, but it didn’t stop there. Thanks to the skills and mindset I had developed, I was able to take the next step in my rugby career—joining Montpellier in the Elite 1 league in France. This was not only a chance to grow in my sport but also an opportunity to fulfil a personal goal of learning a new language and living abroad. The move to Montpellier was an exciting next chapter in my journey. I had always wanted to experience life in another country, so after graduating from Exeter, I began researching opportunities to play rugby abroad.

Knowing a few players who had gone to France, I decided to reach out to various teams, and Montpellier responded. I visited the city in February, met the coaches, and knew right away that this was where I wanted to be.

Now, after six weeks of training with the team, including a Super Sevens tournament and a match against the Belgium National Team, I’m ready to start the season. French rugby is known for its flair, and I can’t wait to incorporate that style into my game.

For anyone looking to follow a similar path, my advice is simple: always remember why you love your sport. Rugby can be intense, with the pressures of selections, performances, and winning, but at its core, it should be fun. It should be something that fills your cup, not drains it. While it won’t always be easy, finding joy in the little moments—whether in training or in a match—will keep you motivated and passionate.

Looking back, I realise how pivotal my time at Weston College was. The academic support, combined with their comprehensive approach to sports development, gave me the tools I needed to succeed both as a student and as an athlete. I owe a big thank you to the College, and particularly to Jack Gadd, for all the encouragement and guidance along the way.

If you’re considering studying at Weston College, especially if you’re passionate about sports, I can’t recommend it enough. The College is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals, both academically and athletically, and I’m proud to be one of its success stories.

A big thank you to Lottie, and good luck for the season! If you would like to study a Sports course at Weston College, click here.

Photo credit Simon King.