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!

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One Message, Different Voices

Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

Halo workplace logo

Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.

Student playing the guitar on stage
Performing Arts students performing a Cabaret dance
Ignite Learners Using Firefighter Hose

We spoke with David Price, Firefighter at Avon Fire and Rescue Service working out of the Children and Young Persons Department, about how Avon Fire and Rescue collaborate with Weston College through a range of programmes designed to help learners launch careers in the firefighting industry!

 

1. What is your relationship with Weston College? e.g. what services do you offer to our students?

At Avon Fire and Rescue Service we support Weston College with many different areas from Education/Personal Safety to Project Ignite. Our Education Packages can be bespoke to the courses that Weston College are running i.e. Early Years Learners or more in-depth Road Safety, Water Safety, Personal and Electrical Safety for the College and University Candidates.

As part of Avon Fire and Rescue Service, we work in close partnership with Weston College to support the delivery and quality assurance of Firefighter Apprenticeship programmes. Our relationship is built on a shared commitment to developing the next generation of firefighters through high-quality, structured learning that reflects both academic standards and the operational demands of the fire and rescue sector.

We collaborate with Weston College to ensure apprentices receive the right support at every stage, from induction to End-Point Assessment, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of the programme. Together, we’ve created an environment where learners can grow in confidence, capability, and professionalism.

 

2. Can you tell me about the work you do with our pre-employment learners, such as Ignite?

Project Ignite was a venture instigated by Department for Work and Pensions who then reached out to Weston College. Weston College then reached out to Avon Fire and Rescue Service to see if we could support.

The general idea is that 18-25yr olds who are not achieving in general day to day life can get the help and support that they need. The main focus being that Weston College would support the academic side of the course and Avon Fire and Rescue would support the practical side with activities to enhance the candidate's self-esteem, confidence, teamwork and communication skills through activities that Fire Service Personnel do on a day-to-day basis.

The other part to this is varied locations for carrying out the training rather than being in the same place all the time. The information that the candidates gain from Project Ignite can also enrich their lives and the lives of others around them with regards to safety.

 

3. What impact do these courses have on the learners, and on Avon Fire and Rescue?

The apprenticeship courses delivered in partnership with Weston College have a significant and lasting impact on both the learners and Avon Fire and Rescue Service. For the learners, these programmes provide a clear, structured pathway into the fire service, equipping them with the technical knowledge, operational competence, and professional behaviours needed to succeed in a demanding and dynamic role. The blend of academic learning and on-the-job experience helps build their confidence, resilience, and decision-making skills.

For Avon Fire and Rescue, the impact is equally powerful. These courses help to develop highly capable and well-prepared firefighters who are trained to national standards and aligned with our organisational values. The apprenticeship model supports workforce planning, succession development, and a culture of continuous improvement. Ultimately, it strengthens our ability to serve our communities safely, effectively, and with professionalism.

 

4. Can you tell me about the work you do with our Firefighter apprentices?

Working with firefighter apprentices at Avon Fire and Rescue Service is a rewarding and vital part of our service. From the moment they join us at Training School, we support their development through a carefully structured programme that blends operational training with academic learning, in partnership with Weston College. This includes mentoring, providing formative feedback, and helping them embed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required of a competent firefighter.

As they progress, we monitor their performance through regular reviews, support their workplace assessments, and ensure that their training aligns with both service expectations and the national apprenticeship standard. We also contribute to their preparation for the End-Point Assessment, guiding them through mock scenarios, professional discussions, and final reviews to ensure they’re confident and ready.

The goal is not just to help them pass the EPA but to help them become capable, reflective, and resilient firefighters who can make a positive difference in their careers and in the communities they serve.

 

5. What types of skills do the Firefighters leave the apprenticeship with?

Firefighter apprentices leave the programme with a strong blend of practical, technical, and professional skills. They’re trained in operational firefighting, community safety, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication ready to protect life, property, and the environment with confidence and professionalism.

 

6. How does taking on apprentice's benefit Avon Fire and Rescue?

Apprentices bring fresh energy, diversity, and a strong foundation of skills into the service. They help us grow a future-ready workforce, tailored to the demands of modern firefighting supporting succession planning, resilience, and continuous improvement across Avon Fire and Rescue.

 

7. Can you tell me about any success stories of Weston College learners who can come to Avon Fire and Rescue for a pre-employment course or an apprenticeship?

After the first Project Ignite we have heard that 2 candidates went on into employment and the rest signed up for further education. We have seen that 1 candidate from the second Project Ignite has reached out to Avon Fire and Rescue Service. Project Ignite is not a way into the Fire Service but more of an insight into the way industry works throughout the Country/World.

There have been many success stories of our apprentices - below is a snippet of a success story of an apprentice firefighter who has proved that you can switch careers at any point in your life if you feel it is right for you:

 

Outstanding Achievement: Andy Dolman Earns Distinction in Firefighter Apprenticeship

We are proud to celebrate the success of Andy Dolman, our latest apprentice to achieve Distinction across all areas of his End-Point Assessment. Andy’s journey began as an on-call firefighter at Chew Magna while also working as a property maintenance contractor. After successfully navigating the recruitment process, he commenced his wholetime career in April 2022, enrolling in the Firefighter Apprenticeship scheme.

Through two years of dedication, commitment, and hard work, Andy successfully completed his End-Point Assessment, earning an overall grade of Distinction. Now serving at Southmead on Blue Watch, Andy continues to uphold the highest standards in his role, consistently demonstrating the values and behaviours essential to being an effective firefighter. His achievement is a testament to his professionalism, perseverance, and passion for the fire service.

 

8. What would you say to someone considering a career as a Firefighter?

Being a Firefighter is a highly skilled job that takes on many roles. Day to day training to keep your competencies up together to keep you and your colleagues safe on an incident and to assist with any eventuality that may be put in front of you. Caring for the local community, commuters and businesses through ongoing prevention work.

Hardly ever are two days the same. If you want a career that challenges you, makes a real difference and builds skills for life, becoming a firefighter is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. You’ll grow, you’ll be part of a team, and you’ll help protect and serve your community every day.

We spoke with David Price, Firefighter at Avon Fire and Rescue Service about how Avon Fire and Rescue collaborate with Weston College!