<p>Last week in London,<a href="https://www.theengineer.co.uk/"&gt; The Engineer</a> 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 <strong>STEM Initiative Awards for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships</strong>!</p><drupal-entity data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec301ab2-c4c2-4cd5-ba3a-ff19e40529a5" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{&quot;image_style&quot;:&quot;max_400x400&quot;,&quot;image_link&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;image_loading&quot;:{&quot;attribute&quot;:&quot;lazy&quot;}}">&nbsp;</drupal-entity><p>&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Some examples of projects for the Increase STEM in Apprenticeships initiative included:</p><p><strong><u>The Mobile Newton Room&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>One of the flagship projects for Increase STEM in Apprenticeships was the Mobile Newton Room, a collaboration between Weston College, <a href="https://www.firstscandinavia.org/">First Scandinavia</a>, and <a href="https://www.boeing.co.uk/">Boeing</a&gt;. 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.</p><p><strong><u>Engagement Through Events and Initiatives&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>In addition to the Mobile Newton Room, Weston College collaborated with the <a href="https://www.weaf.co.uk/">West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF)</a> 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.</p><p><strong><u>Sustainable Engineering and the Great Big Green Week&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>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.</p><p><strong><u>Collaboration with the Luke Wheaton Trust&nbsp;</u></strong></p><p>In partnership with the Luke Wheaton Trust, Weston College has hosted several events, supported by employers such as <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN</a&gt;, <a href="https://rotamec.com/">Rotamec</a&gt;, and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence">Minist… of Defence (MoD)</a>, 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.</p><p><strong>Watch our C2I Awards video to learn more about our Increase STEM in Apprenticeships Initiative!</strong></p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9wjnsWypKIw?si=cogeXvxjZRN3B45_&quot; title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p>Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal – Apprenticeships &amp; Skills, said:</p><p><em>“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.”</em></p><p><em>“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.</em></p><p><em>“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”</em></p><p>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!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);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;</strong><a style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(16, 108, 177);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;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;outline:0px;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" 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 style="background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-size:18px;margin:0px;outline:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;">here</strong></a><strong style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);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;">. 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></p>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">This month’s featured trailblazer is Jasmine Jaji, a former engineering student and winner of the 2022 Engineering Student of the Year award. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, particularly as a female figure in STEM. Now pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of South Wales, Jasmine shares her experiences at Weston College and how her path was shaped.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>After moving to the area, Jasmine discovered Weston College through positive recommendations. Keen to explore the facilities, she attended an Open Evening and was impressed by the personal tour of the engineering department. “I found that Weston College had the best courses available for engineering, as well as brilliant facilities like the fabrication rooms,” she recalls.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>During her time at Weston College, Jasmine developed both soft and technical skills, including machining and fabrication. She received hands-on training in operating lathes, mills, and CNC machines, as well as welding and hand-fitting techniques. The College’s state-of-the-art resources also allowed her to refine her skills in SolidWorks, a computer-aided design software. “I had the opportunity to improve my SolidWorks proficiency and even had my own designs 3D printed on campus!” she shares.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Like many students, Jasmine was uncertain about her next steps. However, with the support of her tutor and regular one-on-one guidance, she gained clarity on her career options. “My tutor was a huge support, helping me explore different career paths through weekly meetings and check-ins,” she explains.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>One of Jasmine’s favourite aspects of her studies was the fabrication workshop, where she enjoyed the hands-on experience of operating lathes independently. “There’s something rewarding about turning a length of steel into a tool like a plumb bob or a drill-and-tap gauge,” she says. She also appreciated the trust and respect fostered between students and lecturers in the workshop environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Struggling to engage with traditional classroom-based learning after her GCSEs, Jasmine found Weston College’s hands-on teaching approach to be a perfect fit. “I knew engineering at Weston College would involve practical learning, and I hoped it would reignite my love for education,” she explains. Her passion for engineering deepened as she gained new skills and spent generous time in workshops.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Jasmine successfully completed her Level 2 and 3 Engineering Diplomas at Weston College, followed by a foundation year in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Wales. She has since progressed to a bachelor's degree and impressed engineers at IrvinGQ, a company specialising in certified parachutes and aerial safety solutions. In the summer of 2024, she secured a placement there, gaining invaluable industry experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Following her placement, Jasmine received outstanding exam results and was offered a place in the integrated master’s degree program. Now in her first year of an MEng in Mechanical Engineering, she is set to graduate in 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Reflecting on her journey, Jasmine is proud of how far she has come—from a Year 2 Engineering student at Weston College to a master’s degree candidate. “I would recommend Weston College, especially the engineering campus, to students who prefer hands-on learning and a creative approach to education,” she says. She also praises the College’s outstanding STEM facilities, stating, “They are the best I have come across.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Jasmine expresses gratitude to the staff at Weston College for their encouragement and support. As a woman in engineering, she found inspiration in female representation in the field, which motivated her to achieve remarkable milestones in her career.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span data-teams="true"><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 class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-…; aria-label="Link here" id="menur100" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/jobs?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=main-… data-teams="true"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span data-teams="true"><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>Weston College is delighted to announce its shortlisting for The Engineer’s 2024 Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Awards in the highly regarded STEM Initiative category.</p><p>This recognition highlights the College’s successful collaboration with local, national, and global employers to inspire the next generation of engineers and drive meaningful change in the engineering sector.</p><p>Now in its ninth year, the C2I Awards were established to spotlight exemplary engineering collaborations that address complex societal challenges and advance innovation.</p><p>Tracie Leahy, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships &amp; Skills at Weston College, said: “We are honoured to be recognised for this prestigious award, which underscores the dedication and effort invested daily at Weston College to promote STEM education and engineering apprenticeships.</p><p>“We are immensely proud of the impactful work happening at the College, and the key partnerships we have with organisations within the industry, to drive change.</p><p>“I’d like to extend my best wishes to all the other nominees ahead of the award ceremony in February.”</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… you would like to study engineering at Weston College, please click here.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/employers?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_medium=… you’re an employer looking to partner with the college, then please click here.</a></p>