News and events
We aim to keep you up-to-date with the very latest Weston College news and events. Take a look below at what's going on at the College!
Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk
Latest events at Weston College
Latest news and developments at Weston College
As part of their module around documentaries, 1st year Photography students at UCW have published their own magazine!
The documentary and editorial magazine titled “The Unfamiliar” features work from nine degree students studying Photography and Visual Cultures, BA (Hons)
Students were tasked with focusing on photographing something which may feel unfamiliar. This could be different angles of something seen everyday or a completely unfamiliar subject which may not be represented or seen often. Once photographed, each student was given complete creative freedom to design a double page spread using Adobe inDesign.
Zoe Harris, whose work features as the front cover of the magazine, visited Lacock Abbey to capture old windows in historic buildings; creating a link between the old and the new by applying modern day photography skills.
Zoe added: “Photography lets you show others how you see the world. You may photograph something which everyone else might think is ugly or boring, but end up taking the most beautiful photo in the world – it’s about the way you look at things.
“I recommend this degree course because almost every brief we have had so far has been so interesting. We get a lot of freedom with the kind of photos we take, combined with the guidance from lecturers to know what to do.
“Working on this magazine has been a really fun project!”
Click here to see the online version of the magazine
Click here to read more about our Photography degree: Photography and Visual Cultures, BA (Hons)
Level 3 Automotive apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from the Institute of Motors Industry
(IMI) for his outstanding success as a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes!
WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’. Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the top learners in the country.
After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare where he continues his career in automotive technology.
Luke states: "Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes.
“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills."
Steve Harvey, Head of Business at Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job!
Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.”
Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group!
Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.”
“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3."
Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through their newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, which include WorldSkills competing opportunities.
Congratulations Luke!
In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue (AF&RS), Weston College has launched the Operational Fire Fighter apprenticeship.
The new programme launched in January, with 24 people training to become fire fighters, at Severn Park in Avonmouth.
As part of the apprenticeship, the new recruits will work on everything from fitness, fire safety and practical skills such as breathing apparatus procedures, ladder training, hose management and road traffic collision operations.
Simon Shilton, Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Avon Fire and Rescue said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome 24 new recruits to AF&RS to begin what I hope will be a prosperous fire service career.
“These new recruits have already undergone a rigorous selection process, and their next stage of training will see them put through their paces and prepared for life as a fire fighter.
“Modern firefighting is about so much more than fires, encompassing elements such as complex rescues, prevention work and community engagement. AF&RS truly works to prevent and protect before all else, working to keep the community safe in all that we do.
“As they move through this process, I give the new recruits my best wishes and can assure them that is truly one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers.”
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, added: “We are delighted to be working with Avon Fire and Rescue on this brilliant initiative, and providing opportunities to people that want to become fire fighters.
“If you think this will be a good career for you, join us at our Apprenticeship Open Evening on 10th February, at South West Skills Campus, 4pm-7pm where we can tell you about the next intake of Fire Fighting apprentices and how you can apply – register here.”
You can contact Weston College’s apprenticeship team on 01934 411 594, or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk
