News and events

We are excited to announce that three students from Weston College have made it to the WorldSkills National Finals, a huge achievement in their education and careers!  

WorldSkills is a technical skills competition that enables young people to showcase their skills to the highest standard. The event features several stages – regional, national and international – and around 50 skills areas. These include beauty therapy, web design, hairdressing, cookery, electrical installation plus plumbing and heating. WorldSkills UK aims to improve the prestige of apprenticeships and technical education and inspire more young people to consider these as career routes. 

The Weston College students heading to the National Finals are: 

• Amber Hinton in Foundation Skills Health and Social Care 
• Jack Stevens in Foundation Skills Horticulture 
• Aiden Pocknell in Welding 

As these students get ready for the next stage of the competition, they serve as an inspiration to their peers and future generations. The finals in Manchester this November will be an exciting event, showcasing the best of technical skills in the UK. 

If you're interested in getting involved with WorldSkills, click here to find out more. Speak to your tutor and find out what opportunities are available to you.  

My name is Jodine, and I study Business, Management and Leadership as a T Level at Weston College!

During my industry placement as part of my T Level at Sytner Mercedes-Benz in Weston-super-Mare, I experienced nothing but excellence. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was warmly welcomed into the Mercedes family.

This placement not only allowed me to delve into the intricacies of the automotive industry but also provided me with a profound self-discovery journey. As I shadowed various individuals within the sales and service team, I gained invaluable insights into each role and its responsibilities, enabling me to define my future career aspirations, which ultimately led to me getting an amazing job opportunity and joining the team.

The managers consistently cultivate an environment where individuals feel esteemed and acknowledged, demonstrating a commitment to approachability and supportiveness. Mercedes-Benz is a community where you seamlessly become part of the family.

The real gems of this experience were the people. They are not just colleagues; they are treasures who are always ready to lend a helping hand, brighten your day, and ensure you feel like an integral part of the family. In retrospect, the people I encountered at Sytner Mercedes-Benz were the defining factor in making my industry placement truly exceptional.

I have cultivated a diverse skill set integral to the field of business management. My experiences have honed my commercial awareness, refined my communication skills, bolstered my self-confidence, and heightened my emotional intelligence.

I have demonstrated initiative, excelled in information retention, and showcased problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and analytical prowess. Moreover, my resilience and adaptability have been tested and proven, complemented by strong social skills, adept teamwork, and proficient listening capabilities. This comprehensive skill set positions me as a valuable asset in the realm of business management.

My placement at Mercedes-Benz has proven to be instrumental in enhancing my academic pursuits in business management. Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, I have honed my communication skills, cultivated a nuanced understanding of customer service and complaint resolution, and observed first-hand the dynamics of managerial and team meetings.

Additionally, the experience has been invaluable in advancing my IT proficiency, providing exposure to sales and aftersales processes, fostering teamwork strategies, and refining problem-solving methodologies. I have been able to see how managers put the methods, tools, and skills I have learned in my business management course into practice with the employees. The challenges encountered during the placement have fortified my resilience, contributing to a comprehensive and enriched learning journey that seamlessly complements my academic curriculum.

Following the completion of this industry placement, I am thrilled to have been offered employment at Sytner Mercedes-Benz! I am excited to start my career, and would recommend taking the Business, Management and Leadership T Level because the work experience element of the course can open many doors.

Thank you for reading!

Sytner Mercedes-Benz Weston-super-Mare:

“Since starting Jodine has been brilliant, engaged, welcoming to customers and we have already had comments from customers on how helpful she is”

“Jodine has been excellent and her presentation that she presented to the management team was exceptional, well thought out and she used the time she had here to record a huge amount of information whilst working in each department. This led to a really good understanding of how our business operated.”

Weston College and The Bristol Port Company have proudly won an award at the inaugural PSS Awards, at Stamford Bridge in London, celebrating their collaboration in modernising Bristol Port’s induction process.

This accolade marks a significant milestone in their joint efforts to enhance employee engagement through cutting-edge technology and interactive learning.

Bristol Port sought to move beyond the outdated methods of standard induction videos and basic multiple-choice questions, aiming for an engaging, interactive, and technologically advanced experience.

Their goal was to create an induction process that went beyond a tick-box exercise to truly immerse new employees.

The collaboration was rooted in the shared ethos of curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation. Together, they developed a state-of-the-art induction programme featuring:

• Bespoke Content: Tailored to meet the unique needs of Bristol Port
• Interactivity and Innovative Design: Engaging new employees through dynamic elements
• 360-Degree Footage: Providing an immersive experience of the port environment
• Trackable Data and Digital Certification: Ensuring progress is monitored and certified digitally.

Since its implementation, the new induction process has been a huge success. New employees gain a deeper understanding of the company from day one, allowing them to transition to specialised training swiftly and effectively.

Louise Pratten, Head of Digital Education at Weston College, said: “We are so proud of the work that we have completed with The Bristol Port Company, and the fact it has been recognised on a national scale shows how impactful this has been and will be moving forward.

“Through this innovative partnership, we have set a new standard for employee engagement and training, demonstrating how strategic alliances can drive meaningful change and achieve remarkable success.”

If you would like to collaborate with Weston College, you can contact employers@weston.ac.uk

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.