Creating brighter futures

This National Supported Internship Day, we wanted to share how impactful Supported Internships are on both businesses and learners. Bakers Dolphin and one of our supported interns, Harry, have shared their internship experiences in their blogs – read below to find out what they said!

Bakers Dolphin -

My name is Derek, and I work at Bakers Dolphin. My role is quite comprehensive; I am a Quality & Compliance Manager, but I also take on responsibilities within HR and recruitment. This means I am involved in various aspects of the business, from maintaining standards to ensuring we have the right team in place.

My experience of working with supported interns has been very positive. I was initially unsure of what to expect, but having a supported intern on board has been a rewarding experience. I’ve gained a loyal, supportive, and committed individual who has integrated well as part of the team.

Having a supported intern has provided the business with greater flexibility. Harry has added efficiency to our operations, and I know I can rely on him when things change. His adaptability has been a great asset, allowing us to adjust to different situations smoothly.

One of the standout moments was seeing Harry’s confidence grow when working on the coach. At the beginning of the week, he was just getting used to the environment, but by the end, he was confidently greeting and onboarding customers. His progression throughout the internship has been remarkable.

I would say the main skills supported interns gain from their work experience are:

• Confidence – They learn to interact with colleagues and customers, which builds self-assurance.
• Social Skills – They improve their ability to communicate and work within a team.
• Industry Knowledge – They gain valuable insights into how a business operates within their chosen field.

Supported interns have made our business more efficient. They contribute to daily tasks and help keep operations running smoothly.

I am very positive about Harry’s future within Bakers Dolphin. We take pride in helping him build a career and providing him with the foundation he needs to be successful. Seeing his growth and development makes us confident in his potential.

We have required little support from the college overall while working with supported interns, but knowing that Weston College were there if needed was reassuring. The regular reviews of the internship were beneficial, as they allowed open discussions between me, Harry, and Weston College about his progress and journey.

To anyone considering taking on a supported intern, I would say to give it a go – you may be surprised! It has been a great experience, and I would encourage other businesses to consider it.

Supported Intern, Harry -

My name is Harry, and I completed my supported internship at Bakers Dolphin.

One of my favourite moments of my supported internship was after the summer holidays when I was told I had secured an internship at Bakers Dolphin. Another highlight was being informed in my first week that I had a driving assessment booked, which was exciting and motivating.

During my internship I have learned that you can always ask for help at Bakers Dolphin. “Every day is a school day” – I have learned that there is always something new to pick up and improve on.

I contribute to the day-to-day workload of the business by making myself available to work flexibly; I was adaptable when plans changed and ensured I could assist wherever needed.

My supported internship has given me the confidence to ask for help when I need it, which has made me feel more comfortable in a work environment.

Weston College played a key role in helping me secure my internship. One of the most significant moments was getting a driving role within my first week, which gave me a strong start in the role.

To any businesses considering taking on a supported intern, I would say to give the student time, as they need to adjust. With the right support and patience, supported interns can grow into valuable members of the team.

Amy Harding, Supported Employment and Careers Assessor, quoted:

"Harry’s Internship with Bakers Dolphin is a fantastic example of what true career investment can look like for learners with SEND. In addition to offering Harry a part-time job, Bakers are committed to supporting his driver training and future career development”.

As part of National Careers Week and Women in Construction Week, our Year 1 T Level learners in Design, Surveying, and Planning for Construction welcomed Georgia Thomson, Business Development Manager at Lancer Scott Facilities Management for a special guest lecturer. 

Georgia delivered an engaging and insightful presentation about her career journey in the construction industry. She shared the challenges she has faced and overcome as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, inspiring learners with her perseverance and achievements. 

Beyond her role at Lancer Scott, Georgia is an active committee member of the Women in Property organisation. She emphasised the importance of building a strong support network, encouraging learners to seek mentors, connect with peers, and engage with professional groups to enhance their careers. 

During the session, Georgia prompted discussion by asking learners what challenges women face in construction today and how more women could be encouraged to join the industry. This led to a thoughtful interaction among the students where they exchanged ideas. 

The session concluded with a Q&A, where learners had the opportunity to ask Georgia questions before expressing their gratitude for her time and invaluable insights into the industry. 

Daniel Comerford, one of our Construction Professions Lecturer, said, “Georgia’s talk was incredibly insightful and inspiring for our learners.  

“She provided a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry, particularly for women.  

“Her journey and advice on building a strong professional network resonated with our students, sparking meaningful discussions about inclusivity in the sector. We are grateful for her time and the valuable knowledge she shared.” 

Find out more about our Construction Professions courses, by clicking here.  

This guest speaker forms part of the Construction 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.

Last month, Weston College proudly hosted the regional heats of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Competition. As one of several heats held across the UK, the event welcomed Further and Higher Education students, adult learners, and apprentices from Hairdressing and Makeup & Prosthetics courses across Weston, Bristol, and Bath to compete for a spot in the national finals. 

The all-day event featured a wide range of competitions spread throughout the college, challenging students in both technical skill and creativity. From haircuts and styling to makeup and prosthetics, each category pushed learners to demonstrate their expertise while showcasing their artistic flair. 

Hairdressing competitions were exclusive to Further Education students and varied in difficulty. Tasks ranged from commercial and feminine blow-dries, and cut and finish challenges, to more complex categories like freestyle work on textured hair and fantasy hairdressing. Each competition gave learners the opportunity to work independently, competing against their peers from across the South West under time pressure in a professional setting. 

Meanwhile, the Makeup & Prosthetics categories welcomed both FE and HE students, offering unique themes and complete creative freedom. Competitions included body painting, face painting, Editorial Vogue-inspired makeup, and Moulin Rouge designs. The diverse range of tasks allowed students to experiment with different techniques and media, creating original and innovative designs beyond the typical curriculum. 

Hospitality and Catering students also played an important role in the event, providing a delicious buffet that was praised by visiting colleges and guests. 

After a day of impressive displays of talent and creativity, the results were counted, and a small awards ceremony was held. Out of 90 students competing from across the South West, 13 Weston College learners secured their place in the finals, which will be held in Blackpool this May. 

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College and AHT Chair for the South West, highlighted the importance of competitions like this for students’ personal and professional development. She shared, “The AHT Competition helps to support our learners' careers, allowing them to meet like-minded people aspiring for the same career. It provides them with hands-on experience that enhances their skills and prepares them for the future.” 

A huge thank you goes to VTCT for sponsoring and judging the competition, Stylebook Directory for their support, and all the AHT judges and industry specialists who dedicated their time and expertise to the day. 

Congratulations to every student who took part in the competition, and best of luck to those heading to the finals. 

If you are interested in applying to one of our Makeup & Prosthetics or Hairdressing & Barbering courses, click here.