Creating brighter futures

Recently a group of Early Years learners, studying either the T Level or a degree with University Centre Weston (UCW), embarked on an exciting residential to Budapest.  

Over three days, the group immersed themselves in Hungarian culture, education, and history, gaining invaluable insights and experiences which will not only improve their classroom knowledge, but also their personal and professional development. 

Here is how the trip unfolded: 

Day 1 – A Warm Hungarian Welcome 
After an early morning start, our students landed in Budapest, eager to begin their journey. Their first day was spent exploring the city's stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.  

The highlight of the day, however, came with visits to two local kindergartens. Here, our learners engaged with Hungarian educators and children, exchanging knowledge and experiences about early years education.  

This experience reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in order to create a well-rounded generation of future educators. 

Day 2 – Immersed in History and Culture 
Our learners embarked on a guided walking tour of Budapest, delving deep into the city's fascinating history.  

With the help of their knowledgeable guide, the group discovered how Hungary’s past has influenced its present, particularly in education and family life. This immersive experience allowed our students to develop a deeper appreciation for the culture in Budapest while broadening their global perspectives. 

Day 3 – Growth and Discovery 
As the trip came to a close, the learners were enriched by the experiences they had gained. From navigating public transport and managing personal finances to trying traditional Hungarian cuisine and stepping outside their comfort zones, each student demonstrated resilience and adaptability.  

These real-world experiences will enhance their personal and professional growth, making them more confident and well-rounded individuals. 

Lucy Drew, Head of Education and Early Years at Weston College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our learners for embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and curiosity.  

“This trip has provided them with skills and memories that will last a lifetime, reinforcing the value of international learning opportunities in education.” 

If you would like to study an Education and Early Years course at Weston College, click here. 

This trip forms part of the Education and Early Years Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.

This month, our Music and Production students had the incredible opportunity to take a 12-day trip to Nashville due to the generous funding from the Turing Scheme. The trip offered students the chance to explore the city whilst giving them a better understanding of the music industry, further developing their personal and professional growth.  

The Turing Scheme is an amazing initiative that provides financial support for education providers, enabling students to take part in international study and work placements. This support opens the door to global learning experiences that not only enrich education but also provide cultural awareness and career growth. For many of the students on this trip, it was a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some having never left the UK before, let alone travelled across the world. The scheme made the adventure extremely accessible, with some students even attending completely free of charge.  

Despite an unexpected delay caused by airport closures that pushed their departure back three days, and weather warnings during their stay, the students remained upbeat and resilient. They took everything in stride, embracing every moment with positivity and maturity.  

After arriving in Nashville, the group’s itinerary was jam-packed! They visited world-renowned music landmarks such as the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where they got to immerse themselves in the history and evolution of different genres. However, the most beneficial visits included Full Circle Music and WeiRock Entertainment as they gave the students valuable industry and studio experience, giving them the chance to network and build connections with Music industry professionals.

They also got the chance to attend tours of iconic locations such as the old and new Grand Ole Opry, Musicians Hall of Fame, various recording studios, and the Ryman Auditorium which allowed students to see first-hand the spaces where music history was made. This gave them a behind-the-scenes look into their future careers with the chance to ask questions.  

Workshops also played a vital role in the educational value of the trip. Students took part in a marketing workshop led by Rick Barker, best known for managing Taylor Swift in her early career, and a vocal training session with Brett Manning, an industry-renowned coach. Peer songwriting sessions encouraged collaboration, with students sharing their work and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. Some even performed on a public piano in one of the museums, capturing the attention of visitors with their music. The final workshop offered a chance to present their songs to a panel of professionals, giving them an invaluable taste of real industry feedback.  

On top of this, the trip also offered a range of cultural experiences. Students enjoyed street performances, a fantastic evening show at the Grand Ole Opry, visits to Madame Tussauds, and free time exploring the famous Broadway strip. They stopped at the world-renowned Carter Vintage Guitars which gave them a hands-on look at top-tier instruments, and they also enjoyed lots of delicious food during their trip which was definitely a highlight! 

This trip made a lasting impact, allowing students to gain perspective on what a career in music really looks like. By meeting professionals, exploring legendary venues, and participating in practical workshops, they developed a clearer understanding of the dedication, creativity, and perseverance required to thrive in the industry. It also boosted their independence and confidence, providing them with essential life skills of navigating life in a city.  

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of staff members Oz Cahill, Tom Manning, and Laura Trace, who went above and beyond to ensure the trip was well-organised, safe, and unforgettable. Thanks to their efforts and the incredible funding from the Turing Scheme, this Nashville trip was an unforgettable opportunity that has helped shape our future Music industry professionals.  

This curriculum trip forms part of the Music Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

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. 

This May, Somerset Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business Brunch at The Grove at our Knightstone Campus, where local employers will have the opportunity to stay in touch with existing contacts and make new connections.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce networking events are a great way to get out and meet new people. This event is also a great opportunity to meet contacts face-to-face while enjoying a delicious brunch, served by our very own Weston College students!

We will be joined by representatives from Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s event sponsor Westcotts Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. The company has been collaborating with businesses and individuals in the region for over 30 years and has offices across the South West, including Tallford House, in Walliscote Road, in Weston-super-Mare.

The Business Brunch will also be an opportunity to hear from Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive, of Weston College. Pat has worked in the public sector for over 30 years, 17 of which have been within the Further Education sector. Pat joined Weston College in July 2024 as Principal and Chief Executive, having previously held the post of Deputy Chief Executive at the Bedford College Group.

Highlighting her leadership capabilities, Pat was shortlisted for the FE Leader of the Year category in 2019 and Bedfordshire Business Leader in the same year. Driving organisational development, Pat has engaged with and delivered national policy changes, driven significant growth, and led successful college mergers and the acquisition of independent training providers.

Notably her work on Estate strategy has seen Pat raising close to £50m in grants, building net zero carbon college sites, working with local councils on large regeneration projects, and the redevelopment of old education sites, benefiting future generations of learners.

As a qualified accountant, Pat maintained outstanding financial health at The Bedford College Group throughout her tenure there as Deputy Chief Executive. This success has led Pat to start a PhD at Oxford University exploring how FE can achieve sustainable finances and how the sector can develop systems leadership to benefit from the research findings.

David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, says, “Somerset Chamber of Commerce is the most well-connected business membership organisation in the county and our networking events are a great way for businesses to make their own connections and promote their companies.

“We are delighted to be able to work with Weston College and our sponsor Westcotts for our new business brunch and I am looking forward to making my own new connections and hearing from the college’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones.”

Get your ticket for the Weston Business Brunch, here.