News and events
We aim to keep you up-to-date with the very latest Weston College news and events. Take a look below at what's going on at the College!
Got news you want to share with us? Email marketing@weston.ac.uk
Latest events at Weston College
Latest news and developments at Weston College
Over Halloween, Puxton Park hosted their annual scare fest to haunt and spook the public. This year’s event, ‘Phobia’, was not only a great opening to the spooky season, but it also allowed students to practice their skills and develop their confidence.
Learners from Music, Hair and Media Makeup, and Performing Arts helped with the event, putting their knowledge into practice to make it even more fearful for the public.
Phobia featured multiple attractions tailored to create a thrilling and immersive horror experience, with different themed scare zones and interactive performances. There was also a VIP Tractor ride, live music, and food and drink available.
Some of the Music students performed in live bands, whilst others worked as stage crew, assisting with the full setup and takedown of equipment and managing the lighting and sound engineering. This ensured a seamless production and created a live show like no other, keeping their audience entertained whilst showing off their talent.
Oz Cahill, one of our Music lecturers, says, “events like Phobia are imperative to give young people that are interested in performance and events the opportunity to work with professionals from the industry and learn vital skills to enhance their future. They are also very valuable networking opportunities.”
Our Hair and Media Makeup students also went above and beyond in creating a night to remember by ensuring that all the actors were scare-ready for the event, spending 2.5 hours each night applying makeup for 40+ actors.
‘Phobia’ gave the UCW Hair and Media Makeup students the chance to plan a project independently, considering budgets and time frames but also flex their creativity and have fun. It also gave Weston College students the chance to assist with the execution of the event, build up some work experience, and see first-hand what a university course in Hair and Media Makeup is all about.
Tara O’Hare, one of our Hair and Media Makeup lecturers, says, "I would like to say that the students work so hard in bringing this event to life!
They are professional and imaginative in their delivery of skills and techniques. They work to a pre-set budget (which isn’t always easy), and they work as a team to ensure everyone involved has a great experience.”
And finally, our Performing Arts students gave outstanding performances, embodying their roles as scare actors in various roles in order to enhance the immersive, horror experience for the public.
‘Phobia’ provided the Performing Arts students the chance to practice high-intensity character work, improvisation skills, and guest interaction, improving their confidence and skills in a fun and expressive environment, whilst also giving them invaluable work experience.
Jade Hicks, the Head of Performance and Production at Weston College, says, “all learners had to problem solve, be solution focused and think quickly on the spot and adapt to various situations.
The students were eager to apply their skills in a real-world setting and enjoyed the challenge of working within a themed, immersive environment.”
For our students, Phobia allows students to develop industry-based skills, put their knowledge into practice with the public, make networking connections, and it helps them to understand the expectations and requirements of their desired field of work. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Well done to all the students who took part in the event, you were spook-tastic!
We’d also like to thank Puxton Park for providing us with opportunities for collaboration that will further enrich our students' education and professional readiness.
If you are interested in joining our Music, Performing Arts, or Hair and Media Makeup CEH areas in September, click here.
Wes Cunliffe, a semi-professional rugby player for Cross-Keys, visited many of our students recently to talk about his story before he found rugby. He discussed his experiences with county lines and prison and how he came out the other side, providing the students with invaluable life lessons to help them make the right decisions and raise awareness that this can happen to anyone.
Wes grew up in poverty and ended up down the wrong path, being groomed into a life of crime when he was barely a teenager due to the glamorisation of it and the prospect of money to support his family. However, Wes ended up getting attacked which was when he decided he needed to find his way out of that life, not only for himself, but also for his family.
He joined the Ebbw Vale rugby club in 2010 where he was surrounded by supportive and positive people, saying “it was the time I completely separated from that life for good – the sport is more than just rugby itself, it’s the people involved in both the sport and the club.
They knew my story and they knew my background, but they didn’t care, it wasn’t an issue for them, they just saw me as Wes".
After Wes turned it around, he decided he needed to help other young people going through the same thing. He realised that his position as a runner would just be immediately replaced by another young person, so he wanted to try and do something about it. He took it upon himself to volunteer as a youth worker across the UK that both young people and parents could reach out to and get help when they were reaching a ‘crisis point’.
He had lived their experiences and seen through their eyes and wanted to help young people choose the right path but also raise awareness of these situations. By doing this, young people can see that there is another option, and they can turn their life around.
Wes said, “it’s not about telling learners what to do or what not to do either – it’s about giving them the information and raising the awareness that this can happen to anybody.
It takes one wrong phone call or text and you’re drawn into that life – that’s it. These talks are to give young people the chance to make positive choices.”
Wes also discussed the impact that social media has on young people today, saying “in today's world, social media is a massive part of young people’s lives and it’s very important that they realise that it paints a very different picture to what reality is”.
He even provided case studies to the students of how the young people that he works with fell into the life of crime by simply pressing ‘Like’ on a few photos which resulted in private messages.
“Weston College was great to reach out to me. They knew how important the messages were for young people to understand like county lines, violence, knife crime, and weapons.
They came to me and said that my story is very personable, and they thought that young people would benefit from speaking to someone like me.
It was great that Weston College had the foresight to reach out to me and send the message to as many students as possible”.
Wes encouraged anyone who may be falling down the wrong path to reach out to someone, whether that is a family member, a trusted member of staff, or himself, you are not alone and there is a way out.
To check out our interview with Wes, click below.
From a life of crime to a semi-professional rugby player!🏉🏉 Recently we heard from Wes Cunliffe, a youth worker who fell down the wrong path as a teen but came out the other side and wants to help young people to avoid what he went through. Read more about it on our website.
Thank you Wes for sharing your story to our students in order to raise awareness of these situations.
By Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships, Weston College
In the evolving landscape of workforce development, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Degree apprenticeships have emerged as a powerful solution, offering a unique blend of practical experience and academic learning. At Weston College and University Centre Weston, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that degree apprentices can have on businesses. Here’s why integrating degree apprenticeships into your talent strategy is a game-changer.
Secure the Best New Talent
In a competitive job market, securing top talent is more challenging than ever. Degree apprenticeships provide an opportunity to attract high-calibre candidates who are eager to learn and grow within your organisation. These individuals bring fresh perspectives and are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge from their academic studies, combined with practical skills honed through on-the-job training. By investing in degree apprentices, you are investing in the future leaders of your industry.
Upskill Existing Employees
Degree apprenticeships are not just for new hires. They offer a valuable pathway for upskilling your existing workforce. Many employees have untapped potential that can be unlocked through further education and training. By supporting your employees in pursuing a degree apprenticeship, you are fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. This not only enhances their skills and job satisfaction but also improves overall organisational performance.
Cultivating a Learning-Driven Culture
A learning-oriented culture is a cornerstone of innovative and resilient organisations. Degree apprenticeships instil a commitment to personal and professional growth within your team. Apprentices bring new ideas and approaches, inspired by their academic learning, and share this knowledge with their colleagues. This creates a dynamic environment where learning is valued, leading to increased engagement and retention.
Reduce Recruitment Costs
The traditional recruitment process can be costly and time-consuming. Degree apprenticeships provide a cost-effective alternative by allowing you to train and develop talent tailored to your specific business needs. Apprentices are often more loyal to the organisations that invest in their development, reducing turnover and the associated recruitment costs. Furthermore, you can evaluate an apprentice’s fit within your company culture and operations throughout their apprenticeship, ensuring a smoother transition to a permanent role. Also, we do all the advertising, shortlisting and recruitment support for your vacancies – saving you time and expense.
Maximise Government Funding
One of the significant advantages of degree apprenticeships is the availability of government funding. This financial support can substantially offset the costs of training and development. By leveraging these funds, you can invest in your workforce without straining your budget. It’s a smart financial decision that benefits both your business and your employees.
Meeting the Demand
Weston College and University Centre Weston offers a diverse range of degree apprenticeships tailored to meet the needs of modern businesses. Our programmes include:
- Digital and Technology Solutions: equip your business with experts in software development, IT consultancy, and network engineering.
- Digital User Experience (UX): enhance your digital presence with specialists in user-centred design and usability testing.
- Project Management: streamline your operations with skilled project managers adept at planning, executing, and closing projects efficiently.
- Engineering: drive innovation with engineers trained in the latest technologies and practices.
- Environmental Health Practitioner: ensure compliance and promote sustainability with professionals knowledgeable in public health and safety.
- Registered Nursing: strengthen your healthcare team with nurses trained to provide high-quality patient care.
The Appeal of Degree Apprenticeships
There is a growing trend among students to choose degree apprenticeships over traditional degrees. This pathway allows them to avoid substantial tuition fees and student debt while gaining practical experience and earning a salary. As a result, employers have the opportunity to access ambitious, motivated individuals who are eager to start their careers sooner. By offering degree apprenticeships, you can attract the cream of the crop—talented individuals ready to contribute to your business from day one.
From T Levels to Degree Apprenticeships
We see a growing trend where employers begin by offering T Level student placements, which involve 315 hours of work experience annually, before progressing these students to degree apprenticeships. This approach allows employers to identify and nurture talent early, providing a seamless transition from education to full-time employment. It’s a strategy that ensures a steady pipeline of skilled workers and strengthens the bond between the employer and the apprentice.
Speak To Us…
Investing in degree apprenticeships is a strategic move that delivers long-term benefits for businesses. By securing new talent, upskilling existing employees, fostering a culture of learning, reducing recruitment costs, and making the most of government funding, you position your business for sustained success. We are committed to supporting businesses in unlocking their potential through our comprehensive T Level and Apprenticeship programmes.
Discover how degree apprenticeships can transform your business. Learn more about our offerings here or give us a call at 01934 411594 or email apprenticeships@weston.ac.uk.
