News and events

If their plant-astic performance of Little Shop of Horrors wasn’t enough, Performing Arts learners have closed the curtain on the year with an incredible visit to New York City! 

As well as a well-deserved trip away, the outgoing group visited New York for it’s world-famous theatres and Broadway performances – getting first-hand experience of performance and production from across the pond.  

Learners got to have an exclusive backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall, the largest theatre in the world, before returning to watch “Chicago” the musical on Broadway. 

Level 3 learner Emily Drohan added that her “favourite part of the trip was of course getting to see a Broadway show! We had the pleasure of seeing the musical ‘Chicago’ in the Ambassador Theatre. I have dreamt about going to New York and seeing a Broadway show since I was a child so being able to see some of the most talented people in our industry on stage was very inspirational and incredible to watch.” 

On top of this, students went on a hip-hop tour of Brooklyn before getting camera-ready for tourist trips to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island Ferry Trip and Times Square – just a moments walk form the group’s hotel! 

Emily continued: “On this trip I learnt how committed you must be to work in performing arts. During our trip home one of my lecturers said to me ‘imagine having to go and do 2 performances now after all this travelling throughout the night’ because when touring in this industry that is exactly what would happen! Learning realistic facts about the industry allows me to then make educated decisions about what career I want to do within the industry.” 

Once in a lifetime trips such as this are one of the career-boosting benefits that stem from the college’s newly formed Creative Arts Career Excellence Hub. These innovative subject specific hubs allow for students at Weston College to have access to exclusive opportunities. Endorsed by employers from within the industry, this enables for better integration with the sector to make sure class content is relative and opens doors for learners so they leave college with more than just a qualification. 

Finally, Emily tells us about her time studying at Weston College: 

"I recommend studying performing arts because it is tons of fun but also teaches you about the many career choices available within performing arts. Thanks to my lecturers I always felt safe, supported and respected.

"Another point is the amazing opportunities you get on this course. In the last two years I have been to both the west end and Broadway to watch performances, I have worked with a professional touring company backstage with costumes, I have taken part in a NatWest advert and done a workshop with DanceWorks London. All these experiences has allowed me to have an amazing level of knowledge and skills that will support me in my next steps."

Click here to learn more about our phenomenal performing arts courses, perfect for anyone interested in a career in in acting, musical theatre or dance

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Whether you are an adult or a college leaver there’s still time to apply with us and start in September 2022. We're here to help you with your application...

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The doors of the Construction Training Centre will be opening on Saturday the 16th July to welcome women over the age of 18, with an interest in pursuing a career in the construction industry, and employers with an interest in hiring them! The aim of this event is to help to bring diversity to the field, and display the breaking of gender norms.

Throughout the day, there are two sessions; the first of which is an employer business breakfast which is being sponsored by Kier Construction who actively support the 'Women in Construction' agenda. The session will run from 08:30-11:00, and is perfect for women already in construction to have some hands on experience using plant and to find out more about CITB and other funding streams to help continue to train and upskill existing workforces for the future.

The second session is for the women looking to find out if construction is the path for them, and is taking place at 11:30-13:30.

During the later sessions, attendees will be presented with a hands-on approach to try construction related activities such as driving reverse lorries and experiencing a virtual reality 360 excavator.

There will be the opportunity to enrol onto one of our many short training courses based around different aspects of what to expect on site, and to give a deeper insight and introduction.

Louise Greene, Business Growth and Employer Partnership Manager, said: “We are so excited to open our doors to women looking into working in construction, it’s so important to ensure diversity in every field. Weston College will be able to support women into local roles in construction via the 'Constructing Lives Together Project' and through apprenticeship opportunities.

“We aim to support the women signing up through apprenticeships, short courses, and health and safety qualifications to develop their skills and have a successful career on site and in professional construction roles.”

Due to demand, only limited spaces will be available on a first come, first served basis, so don’t delay in booking via this link.