<p>By 2026, it has been predicted that 20% of the UK’s engineers will retire – meaning that there are lots of opportunities to enter this exciting industry.</p>

<p>In order to give our engineering learners a head start, we have launched the Engineering Career Excellence Hub.</p>

<p>Whether it’s liaising with businesses in the industry to make sure we’re teaching our learners relevant and up-to-date skills, creating the best facilities and digital platforms in the region for them to study in, or selecting the top teachers with current industry experience – our Engineering Career Excellence Hub is focused on providing the right learning environment to help learners reach their potential.</p>

<p>Our engineering study programmes boast lots of career boosting benefits, all with the aim of giving learners the opportunity to become career ready.</p>

<p>Global engineering firms are also backing our Career Excellence Hubs. Airbus, Rolls Royce and National Composites Centre, are heavily involved with our curriculum. From co-designing courses to offering visits, their involvement supports learners with preparation for the modern workplace. Each of these global partners are have individual initiatives surrounding sustainability and business practices to protect the environment. With each campus committed to reaching Net Zero by 2030, Weston College partners with high standard organisations that help to create brighter and greener futures.</p>

<p>Jo Philpott, Vice Principal at Weston College, said: “Our close links with employers play a critical part in our Career Excellence Hub model.</p>

<p>“We want to ensure that our learners are prepared for industry, and this is the perfect way of making that happen. We often welcome our endorsing employers to deliver masterclasses on key themes in engineering, which are well received by learners who receive significant industry insight.</p>

<p>“We also prioritise both soft and hard skill development, as the modern workplace requires this from their employees, and this can also help them stand out from the crowd on job applications or in interview.”</p>

<p>Find out more about the Engineering Career Excellence Hub, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2021-11/84501_Weston%20Col…;

<p>Joe Martin, an Apprentice Sheet Metal Fabricator at GKN Aerospace, won the title of Engineering Apprentice of the Year at the Weston College Business Awards 2016.</p>

<p>Now in the sixth year, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of employers and apprentices across a range of industries.</p>

<p>Joe was chosen as the engineering category winner by a panel of judges and was presented with his award on stage by keynote speaker, Sally Gunnell.</p>

<p>Joe is a natural leader within the group and has been invited to work on a go-kart which the second year apprentices are constructing. Joe has had to use his skills to manufacture parts of the titanium structure (which include the seat structure, brake mounts as well as other key components) while ensuring that they fit correctly.</p>

<p>Joe said: “While I was at school I was encouraged to stay on and complete the sixth form and then see if I could gain a place at university. All this I achieved but after a while I decided that this was not the path I wanted for my career.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I looked at apprenticeships but then I thought I may be too old. A friend told me that GKN Aerospace were taking on apprentices and upon applying it made me realise that I wanted to take a hands-on approach into gaining a career and an apprenticeship seemed to be the best way to do this.</p>

<p>“I really enjoy being an apprentice. I attend Weston College four days a week and work the other day at GKN, learning new skills which will help me in my career; all this and I get paid.</p>

<p>“My future plans are to complete my Level 2 apprenticeship, then my Level 3, establish myself as a skilled fabricator, then become a team leader and finally part of the management team.”</p>

<p>His employer said: “Joe has applied himself fully to all aspects of work at GKN and has performed to a high standard throughout the first year of his apprenticeship. He is one of our highest performers and has become the natural leader amongst our first years. All our other first years gravitate towards Joe for answers to engineering problems.”</p>

<p>GKN Aerospace also won two business awards at the ceremony: Large Business Employer of the Year and the overall Employer of the Year 2016 title.</p>

<p>For more information on the Weston College Business Awards visit: <a href="http://www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards">www.weston.ac.uk/businessawards…;