News and events

My name is Bethan, and I am the proud owner of Simply Green, a zero-waste shop in Nailsea. The premise of the shop is to encourage customers to reuse and cut down on single-use plastic. We encourage the use of bringing your own containers to refill with however much you need of each product, with the price you pay being dependent on weight, resulting in the whole process being more cost effective! When sourcing the products, I try to ensure they are local suppliers, as well as ethically produced. My aim is to expand my range to allow customers to buy even more products with no packaging.

I grew up locally, and always spent my time outside, which I think is what subconsciously kick started my interest in protecting the environment. I’d used zero waste shops previously and really enjoyed the style of shopping, especially knowing it’s guilt-free on the environment!

I have been involved with Weston College in multiple ways; one of which was providing supported work experience placements for leaners with SEND from Weston College through the ‘Into Work’ initiative, in both Simply Green shops in Nailsea and Portishead. I have three leaners helping with the running of both shops and are a hugely valuable asset to the company. They are great at chatting to customers and allow me to catch up on things I don’t normally have the chance to when working by myself.

I would definitely recommend taking on work experience learners as they are a huge help to the everyday running of the business, and it benefits them just as much as they are gaining workplace experience which will help them in their future, as well as confidence in themselves. Additionally, the initiative provides specialist knowledge and advice, and carefully matches your business to the learner who will support you the best and meet both sets of needs to ensure everyone is happy! The whole scheme is very carefully pieced together, and it results in an unmissable opportunity.

My involvement in this scheme lead to a nomination for Disability Confident Employer of the Year at the Business Awards, which was a huge surprise, but wonderful for getting the recognition for the business, but more importantly, the learners and their development of their workplace skills to help unlock their future!

The second way I have been involved with Weston College was through the Accelerate Project, funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. I’d heard about the initiative through multiple sources, including Instagram and having been contacted by the college about the work experience learners. The aim was hugely beneficial to myself and my business in advising smaller local businesses through free short-term training and workshops, all which helped me understand my business better, and make difficult decisions I would have struggled to make by myself.

Due to my involvement in the Accelerate Project, I even managed to win the Accelerate Participant of the Year award at the 2022 Business Awards, which was a huge surprise to me!

My involvement with Weston College has been highly beneficial to both my business, and I am so grateful for the support I received from everyone there.

Bethan - Simply Green

If you or your business is interested in getting involved with supported internships, click here!

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