News and events
We aim to keep you up-to-date with the very latest Weston College news and events. Take a look below at what's going on at the College!
Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk
Latest events at Weston College
Latest news and developments at Weston College
My name is Steph Howe, and I am the Head of English at Weston College! I first became a member of staff at the college in 2012, starting as a lecturer in English.
Having achieved an English degree in 2012, I had not yet achieved a PGCE or equivalent before applying to work at the college, but knew I wanted to train to be an English teacher and was eager to get started! I found the role via the college website but wasn’t sure I’d get an interview without a teaching qualification. After enquiring with HR, I was encouraged to apply anyway (and it’s a good job I did!).
After a successful interview, I was given the role as an English lecturer and in-turn, the opportunity to undertake my teacher training as part of my timetable. This was excellent for me as I could hone my skillset in post, be guided by experienced lecturers and managers and most importantly, work as part of an established team from day one to develop my practice.
Whilst completing my teacher training and QTLS, I delivered English for a range of qualifications including Functional Skills, GCSE and Access to HE which developed my knowledge and skills and in turn, enhanced my ability to support new and developing teachers within the team.
As my experience grew and my passion for empowering others became stronger, I progressed to the role of “Progress Coach” which enabled me to work closely with faculties cross-college, deliver training and coach lecturers on a 1-1 basis to support their ongoing development. Since then, I have co-ordinated different aspects of English curriculum and acted as a lead internal verifier for the department. As a direct result of the opportunities given to me along the way, I am now in post as Head of English for Weston College and manage GCSE, Functional Skills and ESOL for 16-18 and 19+ provision.
The best part of my journey at Weston College has been upskilling via in-house Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and progression opportunities. I am also incredibly lucky to be part of an inspiring and innovative English team that places learners at the centre of everything we do.
- Steph Howe, Head of English
Weston College offers a paid internship programme, which supports trainee teachers develop practice through a reduced timetable, and dedicated time to shadow experienced teachers and allocate time gaining qualifications like Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. If you successfully complete the internship, there is the opportunity to progress into a teaching role within their specialist area.
There is the opportunity to undertake this internship in many different topics, meaning you’ll be able to choose which area you’d most like to teach in. follow in Steph’s footsteps and you could end up head of the subject!
If this internship seems like the perfect start for your teaching career, you can apply via this link: WESTON COLLEGE GROUP PAID INTERNSHIP / GRADUATE SCHEME | Weston College
The West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) has announced plans to expand its course offering to learners and employers across the region, through the opening of the Bristol Training Institute in central Bristol from September.
The WEIoT, a Weston College-led collaboration of regional education providers and employers, has a commitment to driving an increase in higher level technical skills in the region through high-quality training provision, working closely with industry to meet the evolving skills needs of employers.
With Bristol being one of the largest hubs for digital and professional services industries outside of London, the new centre, named as the Bristol Training Institute, will offer courses tailored to the specific needs of employers in the city region. The Bristol Training Institute will be based in the heart of the city at 12, Colston Avenue, the former office of the Bristol Law Society.
Courses available from September will include a brand new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) in Computing (Software Engineering), Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons), Computing Access to HE programme for those wishing to study at university, but currently do not have the qualifications to do so, and innovative Digital Skills Bootcamps for Coding (Python), Data (Azure) skills. In addition, recognising the need to upskill managers to drive digital change in organisations as they evolve, the centre will offer ILM Team Leading qualifications.
Accessibility is a focus of the WEIoT, which brings education providers together to deliver the skills required by employers. The development of the Bristol Training Institute, offering training based in central Bristol, will enable both learners and employers from across the city to access the unique industry-specific training, which will complement existing training provision in the city.
This new central Bristol location will witness a refurbishment to develop a state-of-the-art digital training hub across two floors, with three training rooms including a boardroom, and two conference training rooms all including smartboard facilities and laptop stations. The Institute will have a secure data connection, utilising high-quality digital technology resources to enable access to learning.
Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and CEO of the Weston College Group, who are also the lead College for the West of England Institute of Technology commented:
“The Bristol Training Institute marks another exciting development for the West of England Institute of Technology which is supporting a drive to increase the number of people engaged in higher level technical skills training, supporting learners in the region to secure and progress in high-quality jobs. Bristol has a strong demand for digital skills training, and we have worked with employers, key stakeholders and communities in the region to truly understand how the IoT can offer a training solution that complements existing provision in the city.
“The courses offered are based on what the economy and local communities need and our mission is that our students on completion of their programmes will have the best possible career prospects, whilst employers can benefit from a new talent pool, plus use the Institute as a way to develop and upskill their existing workforce.
“The Bristol Training Institute will be a destination to study in the heart of the city, and we wanted to ensure our logo emulated this, so we took a brand mark of the River Avon, alongside key Bristol landmarks and gave it a contemporary and professional look.”
To find out more about what’s on offer please visit: www.bristol-training.co.uk
Business is one of the most popular degrees in UK universities, as well as one of the most popular choices for 16-18s. Though there will be many contributing reasons as to why, a major factor is learners wanting to develop a deeper understanding of the continuously changing business environment, and how it reacts to what goes on in the world. Completing the qualification will give an opportunity to the learner to become a part of it and progress through the business world.
So, here’s 5 reasons why a business qualification could be the best decision you make for your career!
1. Business is made up of a huge number of different sectors. By completing a qualification before launching into the workplace, you’ll get the opportunity to discover which aspect of Business you have the most passion for, and which is best suited to your natural skillset in order to succeed.
2. Once you’ve decided which sector of Business is best suited to you, you’ll discover there’s Business related jobs in almost every job sector imaginable, for example sport, fashion, education, hospitality and entertainment, so you will have the chance to choose which wider sector you wish to work in. You could even take these opportunities abroad if working overseas is of interest to you.
3. While learning and working, you’ll create and develop a huge number of new skills. These will be highly transferrable to new adventures in your work life, for example a great combination of essay writing skills, but also mathematics skills for the finance and accounting aspect of Business. Some skills you develop will also prove useful in your personal life too. High quality communication skills, for example, will be as beneficial in your personal life as much as in the workplace.
4. Business offers the ability to progress in the workplace, with performance reviews and promotion opportunities. Having the ability to progress will help with your career satisfaction, the chance to take on new challenges, and an increase in your engagement day to day. Therefore, having a qualification before entering the workplace will heighten the chances of progression, by providing you with knowledge to secure promotions.
5. You can make Business qualifications adaptable to you! With the ability to start studying Business at any age over 16, it’s not too late sign up to one of our many Business courses; Apprenticeships, T Levels, A Levels, BTEC, and degree/degree apprenticeship
If you’re interested in a qualification in Business to lead you to a career, click:
- Here for more information about studying Business at Weston