News and events

This year’s Business Enterprise Project has now come to a close and has been the most successful yet!  

Twenty-one groups of learners have been working with an employer mentor from the local business community, who provided invaluable guidance and support to the groups. These business mentors also funded the £50 start-up costs of each business, with the challenge being to turn this into the most profit, with all proceeds raised going to Weston Hospicecare. 

The groups ran their businesses from October to December, selling innovative and exciting items including ‘Christmas Treat Baubles’, Pet Stockings, Mobile Phone Charms, Candles with Personalised Messages, Scented Christmas Decorations and so much more!  

The winning team was mentored by Michelle Michael MBE, and raised a phenomenal £1275! Turning £50 into £1275 is incredible achievement and the team should be very proud of not just the personal achievement, but also of how much they have raised for charity. The winning team will be honoured with an award at the prestigious Celebration of Success event in February.  

The grand total raised by all teams was an amazing £6771.75! Since the project began three years ago, this means that our learners have raised a staggering £14,568.28.  

This impressive feat has certainly caught attention, with the strong support of people in Weston. 

Ben Melhuish, Subject Area Manager for Business said: “we are so proud of what our learners have achieved as part of this challenge. Over the course of the challenge, we have seen learners’ grow in confidence, increase their understanding of running a business and build vital skills that will support them throughout their future careers”. 

Ben Whitwell, Creative Director at Benji Graphics and mentor for the project said “my team were very well prepared when we first met, they had a clear plan and roles agreed. I was really impressed with their ambition to run some events to build up their capital to buy stock further into the project. It was a great plan that worked brilliantly. The team took my feedback really well, especially around pricing. As with other Weston College students, they were very respectful of me and my time, but confident enough to ask for favours, which I was happy to help with!” 

Jane Murch, Visitor & Information Services Manager at WSM Town Council said: “What a brilliant team!  From their first presentation through to watching them sell their product, they were such an inspiration.  Creativity – 10/10, business knowledge – 10/10, commitment – 10/10.”  

This project forms part of the Business 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. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

A big thank you must be extended to all of the mentors who generously donated their time and money to help with the Business Enterprise Project. Thanks must also be given to The Sovereign for allowing our learners to utilise the centre retail space.  

To find out more about Business 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.

Automotive students at Weston College received an exciting visit on the 22nd of January, welcoming RAC to deliver a comprehensive five-session presentation. This was a crucial moment for our Automotive Careers Excellence Hub – a study programme with the aim of providing you with an opportunity to become career ready, helping you achieve your dream career. These sessions introduced the learners to RAC’s world – the opportunities they offer, their missions and even a patrol van to give them an immersive learning experience.

The Automotive students were lucky enough to receive a fascinating insight into its operation and functionality. A highlight of this visit was an interesting Q&A with a RAC apprentice – only three months into their apprenticeship – and a staff member with over 37 years of service! Learners had a feel for the first-hand aspect of RAC and gained valuable advice from the staff that were in various stages of their automotive journeys.

Our facilities and commitment to training impressed RAC, so much so that they expressed how eager they were to create a collaborative partnership! After a tour of the Automotive Department, there were discussions about developing the partnership to potentially include Level 2 apprenticeship cohorts, enabling opportunities for work experience, internships developing into traineeships post-course, and possible mock and real interviews, which includes the RAC entry exam!

This visit is crucial to our Careers Excellence Hubs – an initiative to equip learners with employability skills and tools. This way, our students can embark on their path to success with relevant knowledge and skills, ready to thrive in a professional career!

Weston College looks forward to partnering with the RAC, creating an atmosphere where students can academically soar and equip valuable industry insights to become well-prepared for their promising futures.

You can find out more about our automotive courses 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.

Our A Level Media and CAD Media students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to embark on a trip to the BBC Studios in Cardiff, Wales!

With so much to offer at the BBC Studios, the students explored many aspects – one being the exciting future of radio broadcasting and TV. Our students were eager to see one of the largest BBC newsrooms, packed with incredible, cutting-edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality, and even robotic cameras! Furthermore, the learners could exclusively have a sneak peek at TV galleries and other broadcast facilities, this included viewing state-of-the-art television and radio studios, enabling the students to see (in intricate detail) some of the resources and equipment being used in action.

Our incredible media lecturer, Ethan explained that "It was particularly impactful when the learners were able to speak to the presenters and producers during the tour to see what it takes to work in the industry. At the end of the tour, I've encouraged them to apply for the work experiences available at the BBC for Radio & TV Broadcasting since it expanded their horizons on the potential opportunities."

The students really appreciated the fact that they could explore the studios and really see some of the resources and equipment being used in action. The learners really enjoyed their time at the studios, as it relates to what they’re currently studying as part of the curriculum.

A huge thank you goes to Ethan who arranged the trip and gave the students a day to remember at the studios – overall the trip was a success!

Interested in studying A Level Media? We are looking for individuals who are creative and ready to examine and analyse a wide range of media, whilst applying theoretical knowledge, and understanding its impact. You will study as part of our Sixth Form Careers Excellence Hubs, allowing you to work alongside industry professionals to enhance your career opportunities. This programme is jam-packed with incredible opportunities, from A-list industry experts delivering guest lectures, to even more amazing trips just like this one, helping our learners maintain the highest level of industry-standard knowledge.

To see more of what the A Level Media entails and to apply, click here, if you’re interested in having a look into Creative and Digital Media, 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.