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APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn while you learn, either entering a new industry of your choosing, or upskilling in your chosen area to progress. 

Begin your journey into your dream career, whether that be with a traineeship or an apprenticeship, we can help you get your foot in the door with an exciting organisation.

Believe that you can make it to the very top, through your very own personalised approach to learning.  

Become a leader in your field! Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of rising the ranks, they offer clear progression routes, and you can even gain degrees through apprenticeships.

At Weston College we are here to support you throughout the whole apprenticeship process, from how to write a CV, to interview tips, we’re here to support you.

Georgia Stanbridge, Apprentice

How My Apprenticeship Has Benefited Me

Hi, I’m Georgia, an apprentice at Weston College.

I started my Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in May 2021 working in the Employment Services Department. It has been such a fantastic experience for me, and I have actually already received a promotion as an Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team – whilst still completing my apprenticeship.

I didn’t start an apprenticeship fresh out of school or college, I was actually working in a full-time, permanent position, however I felt I wanted to gain a qualification whilst continuing to earn a wage. It was at this point I looked down the apprenticeship route.

After researching further into the different apprenticeship routes available, I decided that the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship was perfect for me. I feel that an apprenticeship gives you the perfect balance between work and study and this is just what I was after.

My apprenticeship has provided me with so many opportunities, and it has really helped me to develop a number of key skills, which will benefit me in my career.

One of the biggest skills I was able to learn and improve during my apprenticeship was my Digital Skills. I had the opportunity to complete my Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel Certifications and I was able to earn the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate Level Certification.

My apprenticeship has also helped me gain confidence in communicating with external stakeholders, as I have built the skills which enable me to communicate professionally and confidently. This has really benefited me in my new role, as I am required to communicate regularly with the external partners from the West of England Works Project. 

If you’re reading this and considering an apprenticeship, you should definitely go for it! It will open new doors to you, and give you many transferable skills which will help you to achieve your career goals.

Not only that, the support available is second to none. I have received support from my assessor, manager and colleagues, which has meant that the whole process of my apprenticeship has been smooth and manageable.

Thanks to my apprenticeship, I have been able to start my career and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.

Georgia Stanbridge, Account Co-ordinator within the West of England Works Team

 

Luke Merchant motor vehicle apprentice with award

Apprentice Turned Mercedes Technician: Luke Recognised for WorldSkills Win

Level 3 Motor Vehicle apprentice Luke Merchant has been recognised with an award from the Institute of Motors Industry

(IMI) for his outstanding success as a WorldSkills Silver Medallist as he now accelerates into his career working as a Vehicle Technician with Mercedes! 

WorldSkills UK is an independent charity that works with employers, education, and governments, supporting young people across the world via competitions-based training, testing their ability to achieve world-class standards in the biennial ‘skills Olympics’. Over 3,000 learners registered to take part in the UK-wide competitions in March 2021. Luke was awarded the prestigious silver medal at the 2021 automotive technologies finals where he has to compete as one of the top learners in the country. 

After Luke finished his apprenticeship, he then went on to work as a Vehicle Technician at Mercedes Benz, Weston-Super-Mare where he continues his career in automotive technology. 

Luke states: "Working for Mercedes has been great so far. I am really enjoying getting to know all their systems and processes. 

“Winning the silver medal at WorldSkills and my time at Weston College has helped me massively. I'm now more confident in myself and always trying my best to develop and grow my skills." 

Steve Harvey, Head of Business at Mercedes Sytner comments: "Since joining the team here at Mercedes Benz W-s-M, Luke has been doing a fantastic job! 

Firstly, working alongside an experienced Mercedes-Benz technician, so he could understand how the workshop work flows, regarding health and safety, use of the diagnostic equipment and of course meeting the rest of the team. Luke has also got involved with looking at all process’s which are involved when working on our customers cars.” 

Steve continues: "Luke is now working on his own, and we are really pleased with the progress he is making. At present with all the new product coming through from new electric to diesel and petrol and of course the awesome AMG range, it is an exciting time to be joining Mercedes-Benz and the Sytner Group! 

Some of the electric cars which will be coming through are outstanding and have the latest high-tech equipment, safety, and performance packages available, for example the new EQS with the hyper screen.”

“Luke will now be able to have the full training on these types of vehicles, it is definitely a great time to join our team of very skilled technicians. We will certainly be looking for more aspiring talent to join our team. Luke is an example of what can happen with a tremendous attitude and drive to further his potential during and after completing his NVQ3." 

Weston College’s involvement with WorldSkills is just one of the exclusive opportunities available to learners through their newly launched Career Excellence Hubs. At the College, each subject area forms its own specific Career Excellence Hub, endorsed by relevant sector employers which help to create a study programme with lots of career boosting benefits, which include WorldSkills competing opportunities. 

NOT QUITE READY FOR AN APPRENTICESHIP?

If you’re not quite ready for an apprenticeship, we have many pre-apprenticeship opportunities on offer.

Discover Our Pre-Apprenticeships

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT STUDYING AN APPRENTICESHIP?

Book onto a 1:1 session with our Apprenticeship Team to discover if an apprenticeship is right for you!

Book a 1:1 here!

Male apprenticeship guidance working smiling at student

LATEST NEWS

Georgia stood in front of engine, smiling

<p>Weston College has launched a new scholarship, for Engineering learners, in partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust.</p><p>The scholarship, which is available for one student, per year, is open to any apprentice studying on a Level 2, 3, 4 or 6 Engineering apprenticeship at Weston College.</p><p>The scholarship was introduced to honour the memory of former learner Luke Wheaton, one of Weston College’s most inspiring apprentices working with Wessex Water.</p><p>Each scholarship is worth £4,000, with students receiving £1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to progress being made as agreed in partnership between the College and the apprentice’s employer.</p><p>The first scholarship has been awarded to degree apprentice, Georgia, who impressed judges in her application, with her love of engineering and desire to succeed.</p><p>Georgia said of the scholarship: “I was so happy when I found out that I had been awarded the Luke Wheaton Legacy Trust Scholarship.</p><p>“The scholarship will support my education and help me to buy textbooks for my course in aerospace engineering. I will also put some of the scholarship money towards buying a laptop to help make better notes in my lectures so that I am well organised, and I would like to buy a Raspberry Pi to practice coding and further my knowledge of Python.”</p><p>Georgia went on to add some information about her apprenticeship: “I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship so far, as I have been able to meet apprentices from other companies as well as learning important skills about engineering and sustainability.</p><p>“I have enjoyed learning about different materials, their testing and application to different aircraft parts.</p><p>“When I complete my degree apprenticeship, I would like to further this understanding and research into material properties and look at cost effective and sustainable solutions to use in the aerospace industry.”</p><p>Jo Philpott, Vice Principal at Weston College, said: “Luke was a fantastic learner, and we really wanted to support other apprentices starting their journey into the engineering industry, in his honour.</p><p>“After receiving lots of applications, we are thrilled to offer the very first scholarship to Georgia, who is an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence.</p><p>“This scholarship will help Georgia’s development by paying for new equipment and also assisting with travelling.</p><p>“We are excited to see how this assists Georgia on her engineering journey.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… can find out more about apprenticeships in engineering at Weston College, by clicking here.</a></p>

Chef cooking in the kitchen

<p>My name is Dave Newman, and I am the owner and Chef Patron at <a href="https://www.thegingerpigkitchen.uk/">The Ginger Pig Kitchen</a>, here in Weston-super-Mare. The Ginger Pig Kitchen is a local restaurant, focusing on fresh food, served in a relaxed atmosphere with great service.</p>

<p>I hugely enjoy working with the college; watching the students develop and grow under our guidance is amazing – being able to reflect on their abilities when they first began, compared to the skills they have now, is so fulfilling as an employer. As well as skills development, their confidence grows massively too, allowing them to interact better with each other and the customers. The skills and the confidence growing in unison while working results in working towards a successful career in hospitality!</p>

<p>I work with the college in many ways, including delivering masterclasses, which take place throughout the year to showcase my skills to learners and teach them how to progress. I also detail what we do in my restaurant, the process of keeping the customers happy and why we do it in the way that we do.</p>

<p>The impact of the involvement with the learners on the organisation has been huge. They play an important part of the team, and massively contribute to the smooth running of the restaurant.</p>

<p>I truly believe giving learners a good chance at progression, showing them how to be a role model, and developing their workplace skills, will help them on the way to their next opportunity in hospitality.</p>

software engineer typing on computer

<p>In 2018 I decided I wanted to complete a<a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons…; Digital and Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship</a>, to further my development and provide me with a valuable next step in my career.</p><p>I had already completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, and was working as a Software Developer at NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (<a href="https://www.scwcsu.nhs.uk/">NHS SCWCSU</a>). My employer was really supportive, and I started my apprenticeship working with them for the first two years, before moving to the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-hydrographic-office">UK Hydrographic Office</a>.</p><p>The apprenticeship really supported me in my development, and gave me a lot of highlights. It is difficult to give one overall highlight, so I’ll give two.</p><p>Firstly, the people. It was interesting meeting lots of people from varied backgrounds and ages that had decided that this was the rout for them, and I’ve made some lasting friendships from the apprenticeship.</p><p>Secondly, the opportunity to play with different technologies to what I’d use day-to-day in work. The programming assignments really gave me latitude to experiment in a way I otherwise wouldn’t find time for.</p><p>I completed my apprenticeship in the summer, and now I’m a Software Engineer working for <a href="https://www.justeattakeaway.com/">JustEatTakeaway.com</a&gt;, the parent entity of Just Eat and Takeaway.com, solving interesting authentication and authorization problems at scale.</p><p>If you’re considering an apprenticeship, then you should do it. It will be difficult at times, and stressful at times, trying to balance work and degree work, but it’s worth it in the end. For me, the sense of accomplishment alone was worth it, but the degree without any debt hanging over you is also very nice and opens up new doors for you.</p><p><em>Hugo Woodiwiss</em></p><p><a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/courses/digital-and-technology-solutions-bsc-hons… out more about our degree apprenticeships, by clicking here.</a></p>

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