News and events

Research by Forbes found that diverse teams delivered 60% better results and inclusive teams make better decisions 87% of the time. With impressive statistics like the ones above, it is becoming more and more apparent that taking inclusivity seriously is not only the right thing to do. but it also makes good business sense. As a result of this, a series of workshops entirely dedicated to ‘Become an Inclusive Employer’, are being launched.

To celebrate this launch we wanted to find out; what being an inclusive employer really means, what the workshops will involve, and what the impact will be. Lynsey McKinstry, our Business Partner Manager, and Nicola Lace, the Senior Operations Manager in the Faculty of Inclusive Practice (FIP), have had huge involvement with the workshops. Through them we got an insight into the mission of creating a network of champions of inclusivity.

Nicola has over fifteen years of celebrating neurodiversity, and with Weston college being one of only three SEND Centres for Excellence in the UK, this accolade showcases the serious approach to inclusivity that Weston takes. Lynsey works very closely with FIP, among many other faculties and employers, to create a seamless link between education and industry skills assisting in driving our region and workforce of the future forwards.

Both Lynsey and Nicola emphasised that these workshops are for anyone wanting to ensure inclusivity in business, ensuring staff, colleagues and customers are supported to access their products and services.

Being an ‘Inclusive Employer’ is highly important, as inclusion is for everyone, not just for those with visible needs; it ensures nobody is left behind. Furthermore, with mass resignations taking place across many businesses, the struggle to recruit is being felt across the country. Being an inclusive employer allows a much bigger talent pool to recruit from, allowing employers to access untapped talent and build effective teams with widening prospects. Long gone is the one model fits all approach, now employers need to open up working conditions, make reasonable adjustments and support employees. This will only benefit everyone! Lynsey also pointed out that this will make you stand out from your competitors, as you are taking steps to ensuring everyone is welcome.

So what do the workshops actually cover? Lynsey explains: “We start with some very interesting stats around neurodiversity, why some individuals are neurodiverse and what this can mean for your place of work. The workshop itself is actually really eye opening and positive with opportunity to talk to industry experts on taking the next steps into being more inclusive. The afternoon looks at effective and impactful ways you can put this into practice. The team will also be showing you some simple and interesting exercises that will make you really consider how people of different abilities perceive different tasks, and adapting them to play to everyone’s strengths.”

Both Lynsey and Nicola strongly encourage anyone to sign up and come along, Nicola even stating that “The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll be ahead of the change.”

Lynsey and Nicola conclude: “People deserve to be seen, heard and valued – we can all recall when we felt excluded or not welcome. We want to work with businesses and business leaders that want to change this! Working collaboratively and with mutual respect brings so many benefits; why wouldn’t you want to come along?”

For a small fee of just £99, you really can change the perception of your business, and create a positive impact, for both recruiting and retaining your workforce as well as creating an access to the purple pound and increasing your revenue. Find out when our upcoming dates are taking place, and how to book your place, here!

Sustainability is a key driver within both GKN Aerospace and the entire aerospace sector and we are looking at ways in which we can make major changes to everything that we do, in order meet our commitments to the environment and therefore operate more sustainably.

Several months ago I was contacted by Weston College and asked if I would support the Engineering and Construction Sustainability Learner and Employer Conference that they were planning, as part of their event schedule for Great Big Green Week.

I was intrigued by this initiative and with the importance of the subject matter, so duly committed my support accordingly on behalf of GKN Aerospace.

I arrived to a packed-out Winter Gardens, and it was great to see so many learners of different stages in their development in attendance, all listening and working keenly to have a positive impact. The event was well structured with keynote speakers, a panel Q&A with likeminded organisations, followed by what was the main event - the Bridge Build Challenge.

Having participated, I have to say what a brilliant event, having the next generation of Engineering and Construction engineers in one place, for the day, was extremely powerful, and the conversations that ensued were a privilege to be part of.

I would recommend any employers who are asked to attend this event next year, or a similar event at the college to do so.

Although on the face of it and with time pressures which we are all under a day out of the business might appear a considerable commitment. Productivity can be directly related to Impact, so viewing it in this light this event was hugely impactful on every level, therefore a massively productive use of my time.

Should the event take place next year and I am invited, then I will be back!

Paul Ashbee, GKN

Weston College is proud to be supporting Love our Colleges, part of Colleges Week which is running from today (Monday 17th October) to Friday 21st October.

Love Our Colleges gives us a chance to celebrate and shout about all the brilliant things that happen at Weston College, day in and day out to build our community, boost businesses, and support learners to create their brighter future. It also illustrates the need for investment in the Further Education sector.

Weston College is one of the fastest-growing Further and Higher Education colleges in the UK, offering more than 800 full and part-time academic, work-related and leisure courses. We support over 30,000 learners annually, and work with over 2,000 employers to help them build their future workforce.

We’re currently the only Ofsted ‘outstanding’ college in the region, and were named ‘College of the Year’ and ‘Overall Training Provider of the Year’ at the 2015 Times Educational Supplement Further Education Awards.

We have lots of content planned throughout the week, from employer blogs to learner success stories. Keep your eyes peeled across our channels, to see why we love our college!