News and events

Weston College proudly announces the exceptional results and positive feedback received from the Association of Colleges (AoC) regarding its delivery of the FA Women's Football Apprentice programme. As the national training provider for this ground-breaking initiative, Weston College has excelled in providing a transformative apprenticeship that not only fosters increased female participation in football but also enhances employability skills for a promising career in the sport. 

The FA Women's Football Apprentice programme spans 22 months and is delivered by ten colleges nationwide, with Weston College being one of those. The initiative aims to empower young women in football by offering a level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer apprenticeship. The programme's unique approach not only cultivates skills in community sports but also equips participants to take on leadership roles in women's football. 

Statistics reveal that an impressive 90% of the current apprentices feel confident in their communication skills to engage with more diverse stakeholders in women's football. Furthermore, a remarkable 100% of the apprentices feel better equipped to take on leadership roles in women's football from completing their apprenticeship so far. 

Georgia Ferdinando, an alumna of Weston College's FA Women's Football Apprentice programme, completed her apprenticeship in August 2022. She attributes her personal and professional growth to the program, stating, "Without my apprenticeship, there are so many things I just wouldn't have done." Georgia has since become a valuable asset to the community, joining the Somerset FA Youth Council. She is now a Sport and Wellbeing Engagement Officer here at Weston College! She notes, "The journey I have been on with my confidence is something I am really proud of, and I credit it to the support I received during my apprenticeship." 

The success of the program is praised by line managers of the current apprentices. One manager expresses gratitude, stating, "If the support from the FA and AoC wasn't there, we simply couldn't offer an apprenticeship opportunity like this. It has really benefitted the college and also our apprentice." 

Weston College remains committed to fostering the next generation of female leaders in football and is honoured to be recognized for its outstanding contribution to the FA Women's Football Apprentice programme.  

Weston College also expresses their gratitude to the Association of Colleges (AoC) and FA for giving such incredible opportunities to students that aspire to have a career in sport.

If you're interested in our Sport and Fitness courses, click here to find out more!

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.

Recently, 20 learners studying Level 2 and Level 3 Travel and Tourism took a trip to Heathrow Airport near London.  

The trip went to the British Airways training facility at Heathrow Airport, where cabin crew for British Airways flights all over the world are trained. The learners took part in the Safety Equipment and Procedures training day. Spending a lot of time flying requires a strong focus on safety, making this training an excellent first step to take on the journey to becoming a cabin crew member. 

The day consisted of a range of experiences and training including pilot incapacitation, using a slide raft, a cabin evacuation and debrief. On top of this, learners got to experience using a mock decent slide for an Airbus A320! Students also used fire extinguishers to put out flames in a carefully controlled environment.  

The training was completely interactive, giving learners the chance to get real-world hands-on experience, with highly experienced cabin crew trainers. The day was designed to give an insight into what the full five-week British Airways training programme would include.  

The students were given the chance to ask the instructors any questions that they had to get the best insight they could into future careers within the industry. In addition to the Safety Equipment and Procedures, the instructors also gave learners relevant and up-to-date interview and application tips for the tourism industry.  

This training trip forms part of the Business Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches. 

Travel and Tourism lecturer Hannah Carstensen said “This has proven to be a fundamental experience for the learners who are interested in a career in cabin crew. We are looking forward to running this trip again for our future learners!” 

To find out more about travel and tourism click here!

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.

We are excited to share a fantastic music video produced by our talented Performing Arts students. Shot on location at the Helicopter Museum and our very own Berkoff Theatre, the video showcases the incredible creativity and dedication of 14 students from both Level 3 Year 1 and Year 2 Performing Arts Dance programs. 

This innovative project not only demonstrates the students' exceptional skills in dance but also provides them with invaluable insights into the professional dance industry. By taking full ownership of the production process, including selecting the music, dance style, location, costume, and choreographic elements, the students have gained a deeper understanding of the demands and expectations of modern professional dancers.

"We are immensely proud of our students and their outstanding achievement in producing this captivating music video," said Joe Miller, Performing Arts Lecturer. "This project allowed them to apply the skills and techniques they've learned in class while fostering creativity and professionalism in a real-world setting."

The choice of locations was made by the students themselves, adding a personal touch to the project and further enhancing their sense of ownership and creative control. This hands-on experience not only strengthens their performance skills but also prepares them for future endeavours in higher education or the professional dance industry.

"Dance for camera presents unique challenges that differ from live performances, and this project provided our students with an invaluable opportunity to explore this aspect of the industry," added Joe. "Through meticulous planning and organisation, they have demonstrated exemplary professional etiquettes and honed their skills in a dynamic and exciting environment." 

This experience formed part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. By exposing students to diverse perspectives and immersive experiences, Weston College continues to nurture the next generation of Performing Arts professionals who are equipped to make a positive impact in their future careers and communities.  

For more information on our Performing Arts courses, click here!

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.