<p>Just before the Easter holidays, our Travel and Tourism learners were treated to a guest lecture from the Economic Development Officer at North Somerset Council, Charlie Orr.</p>

<p>Learners found out all about the visitor economy of Weston-super-Mare, which attracts around 750,000 visitors each year.</p>

<p>Charlie covered the strategic objectives for the Council, Explore North Somerset, as well the importance of partnerships, and how they work with key tourism organisations such as Visit West, Visit Somerset and Visit Weston-super-Mare.</p>

<p>As well as an exciting current job, Charlie previously worked for Insight Japan which allowed him to travel and gain a variety of experiences, which he shared with learners, who were particularly interested. Learners also found out about the career opportunities within the industry, which was highly inspiring, as well top tips and advice on how to gain employment within travel and tourism.</p>

<p>A big thank you to Charlie for coming in, and we look forward to working closely together over the coming months with some of Explore North Somerset’s events.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… you would like to find out more about our Travel and Tourism courses, you can do so by clicking here.</a></p>

<p>The college works very closely with a huge range of businesses over North Somerset and there has been a strong link with <a href="https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/">Visit Somerset</a>. As tourism remains the biggest employment sector for our coastal region, Visit Somerset have been hugely supportive of the college through engaging with many of our learners to provide work experience, apprenticeships, and even full-time employment. Maisy Hatcher, Social Media Manager, and Libby James, Digital Assistant, currently studying through Weston College on their <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships?utm_source=ma… </a>at Visit Somerset, took the opportunity to visit the college and gain further insight into the inner workings of education, and to collaborate with marketing to create content!</p>

<p>Toby Jones, Digital &amp; Content Marketing Manager, and ex Weston College Apprentice took the opportunity to share his experience of the Visitor Economy through his role at Visit Somerset by delivering a industry led session with the current <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/trave… and Tourism Students</a>. The session covered sources of tourism for the region and invited conversation around looking at new ways to entice visitors to the region. Working in teams offered the opportunity for collaborative work with Toby.</p>

<p>It gave John Turner, CEO of Visit Somerset, the opportunity to pitch ideas to the students and challenge them to interview for work placement opportunities. Many businesses look for that extra pair of hands during the busiest periods and create a pipeline of potential employees. Visit Somerset will work with learners to introduce them to tourism businesses needing extra hands.</p>

<p>John commented, “Ensuring that we are giving the next generation every opportunity to succeed in this new world where everything is changing so fast, is core to Visit Somerset’s strategy. We believe that helping to empower students is crucial in their development, whilst giving them valuable vocational work experience. Business leaders have a duty to ensure either internally or externally they support younger cohorts all of which is hugely rewarding, whilst delivering better returns, morale, and customer service values”</p>

<p>Weston College’s mantra is ‘careers, not courses’ and working with John and the team on an exciting placement opportunity not only prepares them for working lives after college, but allow exploration of careers available post study. Gaining hands-on experience through industry placements can enhance success in the job market.</p>

<p>Maisy and Libby will be looking to get involved with the students, and sharing their experience of their apprenticeship, by setting up a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch for students. They will showcase the impact they have made at Visit Somerset through the three successful apprenticeships, and include how they are looking to support industry placements for 2023 and beyond.</p>

<p>"At Weston College, it is always a thrill to see Apprentices who are flourishing in their career journey, investing back and mentoring. It shows real growth and testament to the commitment to their apprenticeship" said Principal and CEO, Sir Paul Phillips. "We are thrilled that Visit Somerset will be able to offer and promote meaningful industry placement opportunities in the tourism sector, and we are confident that our students will thrive in these challenging and rewarding environments."</p>

<p>For more information about supporting an industry placement and what opportunities are available for your business through Weston College, please contact the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/work-experience?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_m… Placement</a> team at workplacementteam@weston.ac.uk, or call 01934 411641.</p>