News and events

Today (Thursday 12th May) Weston-super-Mare hosted the third leg of the Somerset Jubilee Jaunt; the Jaunt sees the Lord Lieutenant (the Queen’s representative in Somerset Mrs Annie Maw) take part in a 70-mile trek from Clevedon to Exmoor split into seven, ten-mile sections to celebrate the region as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, in partnership with Duke of Edinburgh leaders and students.

Whilst the other sections of the Jaunt are more rural in their approach, the Weston-super-Mare section, hosted by Weston College, saw their Duke of Edinburgh students and wider college students escort the Lord Lieutenant across a vibrant and diverse urban leg – which was designed to ensure it weaved its way through the heart of the town’s community.

The College’s Musical Theatre students sang their way around the town, with songs from the decades, the musicals and Abba on the 10-mile stretch, all with the aim of giving residents of the town a much-needed pick me up just in time for the Jubilee. 

The route was also crafted to ensure the Lord Lieutenant could stop enroute to meet key organisations and their staff such as Weston Hospital, Weston Hospice Care, For All Active Living Centre, Avon Fire and Rescue Service and the Community Policing Teams, so she could pay a personal thank you in recognition of going above and beyond during the pandemic.

The Lord Lieutenant also visited teaching staff at several primary schools including Uphill, Westhaven, Windwhistle, Bournville and Ashcombe Schools as the jaunt passed by, giving children a chance to learn more about the Platinum Jubilee, ahead of the main celebrations.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, the College Principal said, ‘We were delighted to host this walk for the Lord Lieutenant, who was really keen for this part of the Jaunt to be a chance to celebrate Weston and engage with its community’.

Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Annie Maw commented: “My ambition is to celebrate the Queen’s 70 glorious years as our monarch and to dedicate this as a Somerset tribute to her on her Platinum Jubilee.

“It was so exciting to do the third leg of this jaunt in Weston-super-Mare’s the young people who joined me, were full of enthusiasm and a delight to have accompany me. It was also great to see some of whom are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme which was so close to the heart of Her Majesty’ dear late husband.”

On May 12th Weston College hosted its first Sustainability and Social Action Business Breakfast for regional employers and stakeholders. The event reflected on actions being taken by the College, in response to the Government asking the education sector to bridge the skills gaps in order to progress the key national sustainability and social action agendas.

During the breakfast guests heard from number of speakers illustrating activities relevant to the College, Careers and the Community, and discussing the College’s journey as an employer, as they put strategies in place to work towards Net Zero - adopting the College’s ethos of being green, lean and socially responsible.

The morning started with a welcome and introduction from the College’s Principal Dr Paul Phillips CBE, who then introduced Ben Knocks, Assistant Principal who highlighted how the College is supporting green careers and creating an ethos for action amongst its students and staff.

Nicola Lace, the Faculty of Inclusive Practice Lead Operations Manager then showed the room how the faculty has embraced ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ approach, providing positive role models to its 264 learners, showing them how to embrace a greener future through projects such as bike rentals, food for thought, a new upcycle campus shop and online venture.

Guests also benefitted from an inspirational perspective from keynote speaker, Chris Hines MBE Hon.D.Sc. Chris’s passion came across as he told the audience about his experience of working and campaigning for the environment for last 30 years, and it was clear to see he revels in inspiring positive change.

Chris was a co-founder and then Director of Surfers Against Sewage and then Sustainability Director at the Eden Project and was awarded an MBE for “services to the environment”.

Chris works on strategic planning, communications, leadership and embedding sustainability principles as part of a profitable business and strongly believes that business can be a force for good in a challenging world. He sent a message of slowing down consumption, making a conscious and positive contribution to our environment and together we will make the world a better place.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE commented: “Weston College are proud to be playing a key role in this agenda, working in partnership with North Somerset Council and other key organisations, on this important issue of progressing sustainability and social action for the region. This morning enabled us to share our direction and work in partnership with our business community to make a difference. The College will also shortly be hosting a Sustainability Conference for its learners to bring together their thoughts and to share a direction for a greener, leaner and more socially responsible future.”

The Breakfast was supported by the Accelerate Programme, funded by the UK Government Community Renewal Fund which is a unique initiative that provides sector support and workshops to individuals and businesses in North Somerset.

The second cohort of trainee have started their journey with Avon Fire and Rescue, to become firefighters.

The fire and rescue services' joint training centre at Severn Park, Avonmouth will be home to the new recruits as they move through an intensive 14-week training course.

Training will cover important firefighting skills and knowledge such as pumps and ladders, breathing apparatus and road traffic collisions.

Chief Fire Officer Simon Shilton said: “We are very pleased to welcome these 24 new recruits into our fantastic service, marking the start of what I hope will be a long and prosperous fire service career for each of them.

“Whilst the recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, this stage of training will now see them put through their paces to prepare for life as firefighters. As modern firefighters, the recruits are being prepared for a varied role encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement.

“As they move through this exciting process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and offer them my assurance that this is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”

Tracie Leahy, Head of Apprenticeship and Traineeship Hub at Weston College, added: “It is a really exciting time for these apprentices, who are starting their journey into such a fantastic career.

“We are delighted to be supporting Avon Fire and Rescue with this initiative, and help them deliver training for our future firefighters.

“This is a really popular opportunity, so if you’d like to apply for the next cohort, then please feel free to contact my team: apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk, and we will be able to help you.”