Last week in London, The Engineer hosted the 2025 Collaborate to Innovate Awards. Now in its ninth year, the C2I Awards were established to spotlight exemplary engineering collaborations that address complex societal challenges and advanced innovation. The C2I Awards evening consists of 9 different categories – and Weston College came on top for the highly regarded STEM Initiative Awards for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships!

In response to the noted shortage of skilled workers in STEM, we have delivered a series of collaborative projects aimed at increasing engagement in STEM amongst young people, with the goal of fostering the next generation of engineers. We sought to address the gap by partnering with a range of organisations, both local and international for maximum impact.

The collaborations for this initiative were designed not only to spark interest in STEM careers but also to provide practical, hands-on experiences that can inspire and inform career choices among young learners – many of whom have never experienced engineering. Our partners included global leaders such as Boeing and First Scandinavia, local leaders like WEAF, and impactful organisations such as the Luke Wheaton Trust – all of which enabled us to create unique, accessible experiences that demystify engineering for young people.

Some examples of projects for the Increase STEM in Apprenticeships initiative included:

The Mobile Newton Room 

One of the flagship projects for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships was the Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration between Weston College, First Scandinavia, and Boeing. This project brought an innovative flight simulator to the UK, marking the only stop in the country for this unique educational experience. The Mobile Newton Room was run by apprentices from Weston College, who guided local school children through the experience, offering many their first exposure to engineering principles. The project’s aim was to demystify engineering and make it accessible to a broader audience, particularly targeting young students who might not otherwise consider a career in this field. The collaboration exemplified how international and local expertise can be harnessed to create impactful educational opportunities.

Engagement Through Events and Initiatives 

In addition to the Mobile Newton Room, Weston College collaborated with the West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF) to host events that bridge the gap between employers and young people. These events serve as a platform for employers to engage directly with potential future employees, demonstrating the diverse career paths available within the STEM sectors. Such initiatives are crucial in providing young people with insights into the industry and the types of roles they could pursue, thereby helping to build a pipeline of future talent.

Sustainable Engineering and the Great Big Green Week 

Weston College also hosted the Great Big Green Week, an initiative focused on sustainability and the role engineering can play in addressing environmental challenges. This week-long event was open to learners at Weston College and UCW, offering a series of activities designed to encourage sustainable thinking. By linking engineering with sustainability, this initiative not only educates but also motivates young people to consider how they can contribute to solving global issues through their future careers.

Collaboration with the Luke Wheaton Trust 

In partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, Weston College has hosted several events, supported by employers such as GKN, Rotamec, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), providing young people with an overview of potential career paths in STEM. The partnership also extends to offering scholarships through the Luke Wheaton Trust, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing engineering education and opportunities.

Watch our C2I Awards video to learn more about our Increase STEM in Apprenticeships Initiative!

Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships & Skills, said:

“All of these various initiatives have had a significant impact: both driving engagement from young people and fostering improved links between education and industry. The Newton Room Project has been particularly impactful in sparking interest in STEM among younger students, delivering 19 sessions to 228 learners from local primary and secondary schools and introducing many children to engineering concepts for the first time. Meanwhile, through events organised with the Luke Wheaton Trust, the college has facilitated contact with industry for over 100 new individuals.”

“The college’s efforts have also led to a notable increase in the number of engineering apprenticeships. Indeed, the growing demand has been so substantial that it’s now planning to launch a dedicated engineering campus to accommodate and further support this interest.

“What’s more, the various STEM initiatives have deepened the college’s engagement with employers across a range of industries, who are now actively working with the college to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. This increased collaboration with employers enhances its ability to provide practical, real-world training that is directly aligned with industry needs”

Thank you to all our staff and partners who helped to bring Increase STEM in Apprenticeships to life, and who made an impact on our learners and the future of young engineers!

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.