<p>Hi, I’m Nick, and I am a Maintenance Controller in the Operational Engineering Department at <a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a>.</p><p>I joined <a href="https://www.bristolport.co.uk/">The Bristol Port Company</a> in 2015 as a mechanical engineer. I was employed primarily as a crane engineer but also maintained and repaired other kit such as conveyors, blenders and roller/hammer mills. After years of working as a production engineer on FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) production lines this was my first foray into heavy engineering, but I relished the new challenge.</p><p>After approximately 5 years as an engineer, I applied for the role of Maintenance Controller and was successful! I have now been in this role for over five years. My responsibilities now include managing a team of engineers, planning maintenance, sourcing spares, liaising with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) suppliers, issuing permits-to-work and writing risk assessments and method statements.</p><p>This was my first experience as a manager, so the head of Operational Engineering (my boss) told me about the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/leadership-and-management">ILM Leadership and Management apprenticeship</a>, then encouraged me to do it, as he felt it would be beneficial to me in my new role as a manager.</p><p>The apprenticeship has helped me in the workplace significantly. I am now better equipped to deal with all the trials and tribulations that are thrown at you as a manager. During my apprenticeship I learnt many new methods and was given proven models to use in my everyday life at work. These help me manage people, my time and my tasks more efficiently and enable me to be more emotionally intelligent when dealing with personnel issues.</p><p>An example of a standout moments from your apprenticeship was the outward-bound course in the Lake District. It was fun and challenging at the same time. Also, spending time with employees from other departments of the company really improved our working relationships. I was able to learn about effective leadership in a hands-on environment.</p><p>Weston College provided robust support throughout the apprenticeship. Before starting, they guided me through the enrolment process and outlined what to expect. During the program, I had access to a dedicated mentor, regular check-ins, and resources tailored to my role. After completing the apprenticeship, they continued to offer workshops and networking opportunities to ensure I stayed updated with best practices.</p><p>After my apprenticeship, transitioning fully into my Maintenance Controller role felt seamless. The knowledge and skills I had gained during the programme gave me confidence in managing my team, planning maintenance tasks, and handling supplier negotiations. I felt more prepared to take ownership of my responsibilities and lead effectively.</p><p>My time at Bristol Port has brought unexpected opportunities, such as being invited to participate in high-level strategic planning sessions. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to mentor newer engineers and apprentices.</p><p>Working at Bristol Port comes with several benefits, including job stability, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work culture. The company also provides competitive pay, training programmes, and access to resources that help in both personal and professional development.</p><p>My future aspirations are to continue learning, and to shadow the Head of Operational Engineering to enable me to effectively stand in for him in his absence. I also hope to play a more significant role in shaping long-term maintenance strategies and mentoring young engineers and apprentices at Bristol Port.</p><p>I would highly recommend doing a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/leadership-and-management">leadership apprenticeship</a>! The apprenticeship not only equips you with practical skills but also builds your confidence and emotional intelligence as a manager. It’s a worthwhile investment in your career and offers tools that can be applied immediately to improve your professional performance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs"><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(97, 97, 97);font-family:&quot;Hco Gotham&quot;, &quot;Open Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">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&nbsp;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.</strong></a></p>

<p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Deciding what to do after college is often daunting, whether you’re interested in university, an apprenticeship, or going straight into work, the best way to decide is to be fully informed of every option. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">One of our ex-students, Charlie, is currently on his second year of a Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence (MOD). After finishing Weston College 2 years ago, Charlie came back in to talk to some of our </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; target="_blank">A Level</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners about all the benefits of a degree apprenticeship, outline the general structure, and explain the application process and entry requirements needed for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">At college, Charlie studied A Levels in Computer Science, Economics and Maths and is currently completing the Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship, a 4-year course that allows him to obtain a degree but also get some great work experience at the same time. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">A Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence consists of approximately 80% work and 20% study and is normally around 4 years long. The university study aspect of Charlie’s course is completed 1 day a week and is delivered at the Weston College Winter Gardens. There are approximately six work placements across the 4 years, each lasting around 8 months and providing you with real-world skills and knowledge of a working environment. &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Charlie and his peer talking to a lecturer at UCW Winter Garden&apos;s during a lesson&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e2571994-2629-4c16-b488-a16ca10c63ed" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">There are many benefits to choosing a degree apprenticeship which stretch outside of gaining more work experience than a normal university degree. For example, you also get opportunities to travel, a fully funded tuition and a competitive salary throughout your apprenticeship, a flexible work schedule with the option to work from home, the chance to work alongside amazing industry partners, and a high chance of continued employment once you have completed your apprenticeship. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">In order to apply for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD, you are required to have at least five GCSE’s grade C or above, and 3 A Levels or equivalent grade C or above, including Maths and a Science. If you meet these requirements or are on track to achieve them, you can apply by sending in your CV and a cover letter of why you would be a good fit for them.  &nbsp;</span></p><drupal-entity alt="&quot;Charlie discussing the application process of applying for a degree apprenticeship at the MOD&quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3848d09-6c41-45b8-b363-ae9a60733890" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_500x500&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">You will then be required to complete an online competency test in Maths, English and Computer Science; however, this application process can vary depending on the degree apprenticeship you apply for. High scoring candidates will be invited to the assessment centre in Weston to complete tests and, if you are successful, you will then be invited to an online interview. Provisional offers will then be made, and a formal offer will be sent out once you have achieved the required grades. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Charlie also gave tips to the learners regarding the assessment process, giving a brief outline of previous assessment examples and explaining the typical attributes that the MOD look for in candidates, for example initiative and communication between groups.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">He also provided advice for students considering a degree apprenticeship, saying, “you should apply to multiple degree apprenticeships but also apply to a university because that is your best chance of getting something.  &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">I applied to 5 or 6 and I only heard back from 2 of them. You may have a bad day, so your best bet is to apply for multiple and increase your chances.” &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The learners found Charlie’s talk helpful and inciteful, with their lecturer, Ana, saying “they asked questions until the very end of the lesson. I’d never seen them so engaged!” &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We’d like to say a big thank you to Charlie for coming in and talking to the students about his experiences and explaining the application process for a degree apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence. &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:0px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/level…; target="_blank">If you’re interested in applying for our A Levels next September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>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 </strong></span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><span style="font-size:inherit;"><strong>. 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.</strong></span></p>

<p>In today’s business landscape, digital skills are not just an advantage—they’re essential. Yet, many businesses, particularly smaller ones, struggle to find or afford the right talent to optimise their digital presence. Degree apprenticeships are emerging as a powerful solution to bridge this gap, enabling companies to access fresh talent and develop in-house expertise without the high costs of hiring fully qualified professionals. Weston College’s Higher Education arm, University Centre Weston (UCW) now offers two innovative pathways: the<strong> Digital User Experience (UX) Degree Apprenticeship</strong> and the <strong>Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, BSc (Hons)</strong>, both of which provide accessible routes to high-level digital skills essential for your business.</p><p><em>What are these qualifications?</em></p><p><strong>Digital User Experience (UX)</strong> <strong>Degree Apprenticeship</strong> Combines digital development with sociological, psychological and traditional design approaches to achieve your creative goals. This approach enables a member of your team to design, prototype, and build interactive user interfaces, data visualisations, responsive installations, and other user-focused experiences.</p><p><strong>Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship, BSc (Hons)</strong> is a multidisciplinary programme designed to equip apprentices with a broad set of technical and analytical skills to support the digital transformation needs of businesses across industries. This degree covers core areas like data analytics, software engineering, cyber security, and Network Engineering, giving apprentices a robust foundation in technology solutions.</p><p><em>Dispelling a Common Myth: Degree Apprenticeships Are Not Just for Big Businesses</em></p><p>Many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) mistakenly assume that degree apprenticeships are primarily for large corporations. However, SMEs can absolutely benefit from these programmes, gaining access to emerging talent that will enhance their digital strategies and support long-term growth. UCW’s apprenticeships start at a post-A Level (Level 3) stage and progress each year in complexity until reaching degree level (Level 6), enabling businesses to reap the benefits of an apprentice’s learning at every stage.</p><p><em>Why Digital Degree Apprenticeships Are Smart Investments for Your Business</em></p><p>These Apprenticeships allow your business to close the digital skills gap by building user-centred digital experiences tailored to your customers. With training in UX research, design, and usability, an apprentice can enhance your products’ and services’ appeal, contributing to stronger customer satisfaction and loyalty. Likewise, the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship equips apprentices with practical experience in areas like software, cyber, data and network engineering enabling them to contribute to digital solutions that streamline business operations, increase productivity, and ensure resilient and responsive customer service, plus:</p><p><strong>Affordable Access to High-Caliber Talent</strong>, for SMEs with limited budgets, both the UX and Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeships offer cost-effective ways to access high-calibre talent without the expense of hiring fully trained professionals. Government initiatives and apprenticeship levy funds can further reduce costs, making it easier for smaller companies to take advantage of this opportunity.</p><p><strong>Create a Pathway for Emerging Talent</strong>, many A Level students aspire to degree apprenticeships, but the shortage of opportunities with employers limits their access. By hiring a degree apprentice, your company helps bridge this gap, offering young people the chance to earn a degree while gaining practical, career-relevant experience. This positions your business as a supporter of accessible education and professional development, which appeals to both potential employees and customers.</p><p><strong>Invest in Long-Term Workforce Developmen</strong>t, a degree apprenticeship not only provides immediate support but also prepares an apprentice for future growth within your company. Apprentices in both UX and Digital Technology Solutions develop strong loyalty to employers who support their growth, reducing turnover and creating a pipeline for future leaders. By training apprentices in specialised skills, you’re investing in a skilled, adaptable workforce capable of supporting your business’s digital strategy for years to come.</p><p><strong>Flexible, On-the-Job Learning and Immediate Impact</strong>, with hands-on, workplace-focused training, degree apprenticeships ensure that your apprentice adds value from day one. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, apprentices in UX can immediately contribute to tasks like usability testing, developing user flows, and designing interfaces. Those in the Digital and Technology Solutions programme bring fresh perspectives to complex challenges in areas like software development, cybersecurity, and systems analysis.</p><p><em>Join the Movement—Help Us Bring More Degree Apprenticeships to SMEs</em></p><p>Degree apprenticeships are powerful tools for tackling the digital skills gap, yet many SMEs have yet to embrace this opportunity. By choosing to support degree apprenticeships, you’ll join a forward-thinking movement that enhances business capabilities, provides young people with opportunities, and brings essential skills into our local economy.</p><p>UCW is ready to support you in bringing on a UX Degree Apprentice this January or a Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice, BSc (Hons) in 2025. The return on investment goes beyond improved digital products; it’s a step toward building a resilient, adaptable, and skilled team ready to lead your business into the future.</p><p>To get started, contact me by emailing me at <u>joe.smith@weston.ac.uk</u> or calling on <u>01934 411 594</u>.</p>