News and events

Last week, Weston College was internationally recognised in the field of education, when the Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Sir Paul Phillips collected the GOLD Strategic Leadership Award on June 17th at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) global awards of excellence. The awards, which were running alongside the WFCP 2022 Congress in San Sebastian Spain, recognise the very best educational strategies for vocational and technical education sector in the world and are hosted by the WFCP - a prestigious international network of colleges and polytechnics, who provide leadership to deliver education that is fit for a 21st century global economy.

Attended by over 300 College leaders worldwide, the Strategic Leadership award was collected by Sir Phillips for the College’s leadership in creating and leading the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT). This unique collaboration consists of 4 Colleges, I University and 13 anchor employers, who are successfully bridging the higher technical skills gap across the West of England, covering key sectors such as Creative, Digital and HighTech, Health & Life Sciences, Skills for Net Zero, Advanced Engineering & High Value Manufacturing.

Judges were quick to applaud the responsive and innovative partnership approach, which has also been designed to widen participation. In doing so, the partnership has created an inclusive talent pipeline, supporting learners (whatever their starting point in life) to access aspirational careers which are centred around the region’s high growth sectors.

On receiving GOLD, Sir Phillips added “The West of England Institute of Technology, is a strong collaboration and I would like to thank Bath College, Gloucestershire College, UWE Bristol, Yeovil College and all the anchor employers for helping us create an innovative long-term strategic vision, which continues to be driven by industry and which has created state of the art facilities and opportunities for successful higher technical inclusive careers’.

The Director for the WEIoT Claire Arbery said ‘This is an amazing international accolade which reflects the very ethos of Weston College, enabling the WEIoT partners to build their specialisms in partnership with employers in a highly inclusive strategy led from the very top. The provision is highly ambitious in its engagement of learners, many of whom who have succeeded, thinking initially that a high growth technical career was beyond their reach. It is fitting that the WEIoT led by the College, is now not only recognised as a UK model of excellence, it is now recognised globally made possible by our amazing partners and employers’.

Find out more:

• World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) global awards of excellence
• The West of England Institute of Technology

This September, we are launching brand new adult courses, which present a fantastic opportunity to reskill, upskill or improve your CV.

In May, the BBC reported that there were over 1.3 million live job vacancies in the UK, so now is the perfect time to turn your dream career into a reality and starting your journey with adult courses.

There are a real range of exciting courses on offer, including:

Access to HE – An opportunity to gain the qualifications needed to study a University Degree

A Levels for adults – We have 7 fast-track A Levels for adults, which are delivered online

FREE building trade courses – Whether you want to learn a new skill, or expand your skillset, we have lots of opportunities available

English and Maths – We are offering functional skills, GCSEs and also ESOL courses

Hospitality, Hair, Barbering and Beauty – If you want to learn some new skills, or turn your hobby into a career, we have a wide range of courses available

FREE Level 3 courses – For those who do not already have a Level 3 qualification you can choose from a list of National Skills Fund courses.

Many of these courses will also be free, opening the doors for people to access this high-quality training.

Sir Paul Phillips, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “We are excited to launch this new offer, which provides valuable opportunities for people over the age of 19.

“We are passionate about creating brighter futures for all, and these new courses are a great way for adults that are wanting more from their career, to retrain in an area that they are really passionate about.

“There also exciting opportunities for people that are currently unemployed, through our Employment Services Team, who work closely with employers across the region to attract and train staff.

“This September we are expanding our teaching locations as well, with courses being delivered across our major campuses in Weston, but also in Bristol, and some delivered online.

“If you or someone you know is looking for advice and support, we can help! Get in touch with the team at Weston College, either call on 01934 411 411, or email us via enquiries@weston.ac.uk”

Find out more about our adult offer, by clicking here.

With Weston College Business Awards just around the corner, it's time to turn our attention to the nominees for Large Employer of the Year.  

The businesses in this category are: University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, MBDA and Liberation Group. We wish all the nominees every success! Keep up to date with what’s happening on the night by following us on socials!

#BusinessAwards