In partnership with Avon Fire and Rescue, our second Ignite Programme has been a success – a three-week dynamic, hands-on course designed to boost confidence and equip our learners for their next steps, whether that be entering employment, pursuing further training, or focusing on personal development.

Throughout the three-week programme, learners engaged in various activities including:

• Team building 
• Building self confidence 
• Goal setting 
• Communication skills 
• Visits to fire stations 
• Outdoor activities 
• Health and wellbeing 
• Cooking skills 
• Interview skills 
• Presentation skills

The learners made significant progress during the programme and worked together incredibly to achieve all tasks they were given.

On the last day of Ignite, the learners showcased their skills in a live demonstration for an audience, where they were tasked with building a water dam that would be used to release water from a hosepipe. Following the demonstration, the learners took to the stage to present their journey over the past few weeks. They shared what they had learned, the challenges they faced, and the impact the experience had on them. Each individual spoke with confidence and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

To conclude the event, the learners were awarded certificates by the Mayor in recognition of their successful completion of the programme!

Following the programme, learners had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with a tutor to discuss their next steps and explore how to achieve their goals. The Ignite programme was immensely rewarding for both the learners who participated and the team who helped bring it to life!

Mike Hudson, Director of Adult Recruitment, expressed his pride in the collaborative effort behind Ignite:

"I am incredibly proud of how Weston College, DWP, and Avon Fire & Rescue Service have come together to design and deliver Ignite. Our goal was to create a course that not only boosts self-confidence but also encourages teamwork and personal growth. We wanted something truly impactful, and what better way to achieve that than by partnering with Avon Fire & Rescue Service? Their involvement has added an exciting, hands-on dimension to learning, striking the perfect balance between physical activities and theoretical knowledge to keep learners engaged and motivated."

Reflecting on the programme’s success, Mike recalled a standout moment:

"On the first day, I stepped into the classroom to find a quiet, reserved group of learners who barely spoke to each other. Fast forward to their presentation day at the fire station, and the transformation was remarkable, laughter filled the room, and one learner was even dressed in full firefighter gear! It was a truly rewarding sight and exactly what we set out to achieve. By the end of the course, learners had grown in confidence, stepped out of their comfort zones, and were ready to take their next steps toward employment or further education."

The Ignite course exemplifies the power of collaboration in supporting the community, demonstrating how education, public services, and employment initiatives can come together to create lasting impact.

A huge thank you to all Weston College staff involved, and to Avon Fire and Rescue for partnering with us to make this incredible opportunity possible!

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.