News and events

In a remarkable achievement, two of our outstanding learners, Toby and Kam, have been shortlisted for the prestigious AoC Student of the Year awards 2023/24.

These awards, a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions, recognise the remarkable accomplishments of students across the country.

Toby: Apprentice of the Year Nominee Sponsored by NOCN Group

Toby's journey to becoming a nominee for the Apprentice of the Year award has been nothing short of inspiring. His dedication and commitment throughout his Digital Marketing apprenticeship with Visit Somerset have set a shining example for fellow apprentices and learners alike. Toby's ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application in the ever-evolving digital landscape has made him a standout candidate.

Toby has shown exceptional growth and expertise during his apprenticeship. His innovative strategies, creative thinking, and unwavering determination have not only elevated him within the apprenticeship programme but also contributed significantly to the success of Visit Somerset's digital marketing efforts.

Toby was delighted with the news, saying: “To be shortlisted for apprentice of the year with Associates of Colleges, is a great feeling.

“To know your work is noticed not just in the county of Somerset but also the whole of the UK, is truly fantastic recognition.

“I wouldn’t be shortlisted without the help from my management, my team and of course Weston College. Who continuously support my development. To even be shortlisted is an achievement in itself. I am hoping I can win this award in November.”

Kam: Higher Education Student of the Year Nominee Sponsored by Advanced HE

Kam, our exceptional UCW student, has earned a well-deserved nomination for the Higher Education Student of the Year award, sponsored by Advanced HE. Kam's dedication to academic excellence and his commitment to personal and professional development have set him apart as a truly exceptional student.

Throughout his time at UCW, Kam has consistently demonstrated a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. His intellectual curiosity, combined with his contributions to the wider community, has resulted in outstanding academic achievements and a profound impact.

Kam's journey is a testament to the transformative power of higher education and the importance of nurturing students who aspire to make a meaningful impact on the world. His nomination reflects his dedication to personal growth and academic excellence.

Kam expressed his pride, saying: “I feel truly humbled and immensely honoured to be shortlisted for Higher Education Student of the Year.

“This recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the potential that education holds for individuals within the criminal justice system and beyond.

“My hope is that this acknowledgment serves as an inspiration, motivating others to pursue their passions through education. By doing so, we can collectively find fulfilment in our lives and work towards contributing positively to society.”

As we eagerly await the final results, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Toby and Kam, and we wish them the best of luck in the upcoming competition. Their achievements inspire us all and remind us of the incredible heights our learners can reach.

The winners will be revealed during the AoC Annual Conference on 14 November, where we hope to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Toby, Kam, and all the nominees.

My name is Nick, and I am currently studying Applied Computing at University Centre Weston, after completing the Digital: Production Design and Development T Level and the Digital Foundation course at Weston College.  

The foundation course wasn’t easy for me, but it was the challenges that drove me; the course kept me on my feet and kept pushing me to my limits and made it well worth the challenging aspects.  

The T Level course was great, and the highlight was the web development aspects of the course. I had learnt so much and had the opportunity to show off what I could do and what I had learnt from my work experience.  

The staff were fantastic during the transition from Weston College to UCW; I had been given opportunities and knowledge about life at UCW before I’d even started. Teachers and would happily show me round the facilities to give me a flavour of university life and introduce me to staff who could help ease the big step from college to university. I ultimately decided to progress onto UCW because I knew I would continue to receive brilliant support. 

I always aim high for my educational achievements and don’t set a limit because I always push myself to do better than before. I’ve always believed there is no limit to what I can achieve, so throughout my degree, I just aim to work hard and push myself to be better than before.  

Following the completion of my degree, I hope to go straight into a bright and successful career for myself. 

My advice for someone considering a T Level course would be not to be afraid of the challenge, but always be willing to try something new. The T Level combines Work Experience with in-college learning, so you're always learning something new.  

The one thing you must always remember is that even though it can be a challenge, you will always have teachers and staff who are there to help and support you through all of it. Weston College has many ways to support its learners; it’s impossible to not be supported here. With that & the qualifications you receive at the end, what's not to love about the T Level? 

I know that I wouldn't be in the position I am without the help and support from so many staff members & teachers who helped me through my time at Weston College & I am forever grateful. I would not only recommend the T Level to anyone but also recommend studying at Weston College. It is truly the experience of a lifetime. 

Weston College ambitiously set the challenge to enrol 500 apprenticeships in just 30 Days, as part of the latest campaign which comprises of three 30 Day Challenges, and we are thrilled to share that not only has this goal been hit, but it’s been surpassed, with 532 pledges! 

The first 30 Day challenge was apprenticeship focused, while the second’s goal is to achieve 150 adults upskilled in 30 days, and the third is to reach 150 T Level placement pledges in 30 days. 

The incredible achievement of reaching 532 pledges would not have been possible without the college’s wonderful employer partnerships, from global heavyweights, national organisations, and up and coming businesses, such as the following who pledged throughout September: 

• GKN Aerospace 
• Airbus 
• Avon Fire & Rescue 
• Future Stars Coaching 
• Thatchers 
• Rolls Royce 
• Ministry of Defence 
• Cheddar Motors 
• UHBW NHS 
• Bristol International Airport 
• Pier Health Group 
• Wessex Water 
• Ashton Scaffolding 

And many more! 

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal, Apprenticeships and Traineeships Recruitment, commented: “We are pleased once again, to be leading the way when it comes to apprenticeships, and creating opportunities in such a short amount of time. The tangible benefits are numerous, and offer experiences that ultimately help create brighter futures. 

“Every year the bar is raised, and every year we are thrilled to hit the number. A huge thank you must go to our wonderful employer partners as this couldn’t have happened without them.” 

Liz Merchant, Organisational Development Manager at Avon Fire & Rescue, told us: “We’ve built up a really good relationship with Weston College. It’s had a huge impact; without the college, we would never have been able to set up any of our apprenticeship schemes and they wouldn’t have been as successful as they have been!” 

Find out more about hiring an apprenticeship here, and find out what is next in our campaign, here!