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Jess completed her Leadership and Management Apprenticeship with Weston College and received top honours at the Weston College Business Awards in 2023. She was named Leadership and Management Apprentice of the Year and Overall Apprentice of the Year.

We spoke to Jess, to find out a bit more about her story, and how impactful the apprenticeship was for her.

"I really enjoyed my apprenticeship journey; it opened a world of opportunities to me. The modules were broken down clearly and this made it manageable. Once I had set up a structure to how I would complete each module I could really commit and throw myself into it! The whole experience was a highlight, even modules that I did not think I would enjoy as much actually turned out to be some of my favourites, I love to learn and understand, and this apprenticeship was right up my street.

“The knowledge and skills I gained during my apprenticeship were transformative, both personally and professionally. I delved deep into the nuances of being a manager, understanding the various facets of leadership, and mastering the art of emotional intelligence. These newfound skills didn’t just stay confined to my coursework; they became an integral part of my managerial approach.

“I applied these skills to navigate complex situations, manage change effectively, and foster a positive work environment. 

“The project management skills I acquired proved instrumental, especially when I transitioned to a new team. Every lesson learned, every theory grasped, and every skill acquired became a stepping stone, propelling me toward my goal of senior management within VADO.

“I was promoted at the end of my course and the skills I developed have helped me make this transition, I am still learning but it has given me a great foundation overall to make that step further and continue to develop.

“Balancing work and study was undoubtedly challenging at first however, with time and determination, I discovered a rhythm that worked seamlessly for me. Having a supportive network made this balancing act much easier. The unwavering support from my manager, Michelle, and my tutor, Greg, played a pivotal role in shaping my learning experience. Michelle’s hands-on approach and dedication, coupled with Greg’s mentorship, guided me through the intricacies of the course. Their understanding and encouragement allowed me the time and space I needed to excel in both my work and studies.

“I was incredibly fortunate and humbled to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards. Winning the award was beyond my wildest dreams! I owe this achievement to the incredible people around me at VADO and Weston College. To be recognised as the overall learner of the year left me speechless.

“Reflecting on my journey, my advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is simple: go for it! The knowledge and confidence I have gained on this journey have been amazing. This experience has not only helped me build great relationships within VADO but has also opened doors to endless possibilities. Weston College made the entire experience easy, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity."

If you're interested in the leadership & management opportunities available at Weston College, 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.

Weston College is delighted to announce its 'Good' Ofsted rating, achieving this commendation across all eight areas, the College was also awarded the highest outcome of ‘Strong’ in meeting skills needs in the region under the new enhanced Ofsted inspection. This achievement caps off a remarkable year for the College, building on its earlier success in securing the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold for Higher Education (HE), where its University Centre Weston (UCW) was recognised as among the best places to study at university level in the UK. These accolades underscore Weston College's unwavering dedication to delivering excellence in education.

Just 9% of UK colleges boast a similar level of proficiency in meeting skills requirements as evidenced by the recent inspection's Skills section. Through strong leadership and strategic partnerships, the report highlighted how the College aligns the curriculum closely with local skill improvement plans. By actively responding to the training needs of employers and incorporating feedback from key stakeholders, the College continuously enhances its ability to prepare learners and apprentices for the evolving demands of the workforce.

Also in the Ofsted inspection, Weston College demonstrated excellent practices in providing high-quality learning experiences for learners and apprentices. The College's facilities, designed to mirror real-world workplaces and industries, have been instrumental in nurturing the skills and professional behaviours necessary for success in learners’ future careers. The inspection also reported that the teachers' effective utilisation of these resources has significantly motivated learners and apprentices to acquire new knowledge and skills relevant to their chosen fields.

Another highlight of the inspection was the College's dedication to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment, where learners and apprentices feel confident and supported.

"We are immensely proud of the recognition awarded to Weston College by both Ofsted and the Teaching Excellence Framework," said Jacqui Ford, Interim Principal. "These accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality education and preparing our learners and apprentices for successful careers. The scale and breadth of Weston College's offerings, combined with the stringent new inspection criteria, make these achievements particularly noteworthy. It's especially rewarding to know that our students and apprentices feel secure, enthusiastic about learning, and equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications to venture into the workforce confidently. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in everything we do."

Andrew Leighton-Price, Chair of Governors at Weston College added: 

“It's fantastic to be acknowledged for the dedication and effort we invest in delivering top-class education and addressing the needs of our community. The transformative impact of further education is undeniable, and it's remarkable to witness the achievements of our students and the unwavering commitment of our staff and governors. My appreciation goes out to everyone involved in providing this exceptional education — our learners, staff, governors, as well as the employers, partners, and stakeholders who collaborate with us."

The full report, can be read by clicking 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.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Weston College recognises the importance of promoting safe online practices among its learners. In anticipation of Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 6th, the College is collaborating with the British Computer Society (BCS) to empower learners to navigate digital spaces responsibly while maximising the benefits they offer for learning and growth.

Safer Internet Day serves as an opportunity to inspire positive change, and Weston College is fully committed to this cause. To mark the occasion, learners are encouraged to participate in the "Big Safer Internet Survey," which aims to gather insights into their concerns and experiences online. This anonymous survey will provide valuable feedback that informs the College's digital policies and initiatives.

In addition to the survey, learners will engage in a fun and interactive password cracker cyber security game, developed in-house by our digital technologists. These activities aim to raise awareness about cybersecurity in an engaging and accessible manner.

Recognising the importance of addressing local challenges, Weston College has also created a comprehensive digital tutorial specifically tailored for 16-19 learners. This tutorial equips learners with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to make safer online choices, addressing concerns identified within the student body.

"We believe that fostering a safe online environment is essential for empowering learners to thrive in today's digital world," said Jo Philpott, Senior Vice Principal at Weston College. "Through collaborative efforts with the BCS and our dedicated teams, we are proud to offer a range of resources and activities that promote digital literacy and safety."

To further support the initiative, Weston College invites educators, technologists, employers, policymakers, and digital experts to join a networking opportunity at the Loxton Campus from 4pm-5pm on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. This flagship Safer Internet Day event, organised in partnership with the BCS, provides a platform for discussing local and global strategies for promoting online safety.

"We are excited to bring together stakeholders from various sectors to champion a safer internet for all," added Jo Philpott. "By collaborating and sharing insights, we can make meaningful contributions to digital safety at both local and global levels."

Guest speakers at the event include:

Professor Victoria Baines FBCS, Online Trust, Safety, and Cybersecurity Expert Prof. Victoria Baines Julia Adamson MBE, Managing Director Education and Public Benefit at BCS Julia Adamson MBE; Clare Moody, Co-Chief Executive, Equally Ours Clare Moody; Daniel Aldridge, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BCS Dan Aldridge - OpenUK

Daniel Aldridge, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Computer Society, said: "We know online bullying, fraud and exploitation are huge concerns for young people and their families.

"This year, we at the British Computer Society are partnering with students and apprentices at Weston College to champion a safer internet for all through ‘local action inspiring global change’.

"We're bringing world-class speakers to Weston to engage with our excellent learners and educators here, raise awareness, identify opportunities and inspire action."

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.