<p>I’m Leslie Warren, a qualified Chartered Surveyor and currently an Asset Manager for a c.£4bn (AuM) UK property portfolio.</p><p>Last year when I was searching for a job, I attended the Weston College Takeover Day at the Job Centre, as I wanted to refresh my Microsoft Excel skills. Whilst there I found out about the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/employment-support">Pre-emplo… courses</a> on offer at the college and decided to apply.</p><p>The course was really beneficial to me, as I increased my skills in Excel, improved my CV, and I also found out about AI, and how this can be utilised to enhance job applications.</p><p>I used the AI elements of the course to create a PowerPoint presentation, which I then used in the interview to get the job I have now.</p><p>I enjoyed the course, met some lovely people, enjoyed visiting Weston College and benefited from what I learned there.</p><p>The teaching was excellent, the tutor able to disseminate information to a wide demographic with skill, patience, care and kindness shown at all times.</p><p>I now work nationally, from home most of the time, but with an office in Bristol and London that I visit weekly as well as completing site visits when required.</p><p>The type of tasks I complete include Asset-Evaluations, Options Appraisals (which are Board Reports that request a decision on a recommendation that I create), managing budgets, conducting and commissioning financial analysis, portfolio management and Net-Present-Valuations.</p><p>The part that I most enjoy about my job is when I identify an underperforming asset and my recommendation to dispose of it is approved by the board, and I then get the chance to financially prove myself by acquiring capital receipt from open market disposals that more than cover the cost of hiring me.</p><p>My time at Weston College brought me up to speed with contemporary norms and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have had the chance to learn.</p><p><em>Leslie.</em></p>

<p>This National Numeracy Day at Weston College we are continuing our commitment to empowering adult learners and employers across the UK with essential numeracy skills!</p><p>National Numeracy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of numerical proficiency in everyday life and career progression. Multiply courses, funded by the government and delivered by local communities, offer a unique learning opportunity for adults aged 19 or over to build their numeracy skills.&nbsp;</p><p>From basic maths taught through fun classes like cooking, gardening and woodwork to more advanced classes, the courses are designed to meet diverse needs and empower learners to navigate numerical challenges confidently. For employers, investing in the numeracy skills of their workforce is key to driving business growth and enhancing productivity.&nbsp;</p><p>From basic numeracy training to advanced financial literacy, the courses are designed to align with business objectives and foster a culture of continuous learning. On National Numeracy Day, adults across the UK are encouraged to invest in their numeracy skills, while employers are urged to prioritise the development of their workforce’s maths competencies.&nbsp;</p><p>By getting involved in the Multiply programme, individuals and businesses alike can unlock new potential and confidence!<br>&nbsp;</p><p><meta charset="utf-8">“Being dyslexic, I always struggled with numbers. Luckily, the Multiply course allowed me to learn essential maths skills through fun classes. For instance I enrolled on a Multiply cooking course where I created new recipes and using maths to weigh out the correct ingredient measurements. Similarly, the joinery course taught me practical maths skills too, and I'm finding that my dyslexic challenges around numbers aren't as daunting anymore. I'm now adding numbers quicker and feeling more confident.”</p><p>Find out more about the Multiply Courses we have on offer below:</p><p><strong>Cost Of Living And IT Skills</strong></p><p>If the Cost-of-Living crisis in the UK is encouraging you to upskill, this course will give you skills in maths and IT required for all types of real-life scenarios. Find out more here - <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/computing-and-… of Living and IT Skills - Multiply&nbsp;</a></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Multiply ESOL</strong></p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">If you are currently learning English as a second or other language, this course will help you to further build your knowledge by improving your maths skills. Find out more here <strong>- </strong><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/english-and-ma… (English for Speakers of Other Languages) - Multiply</a>.</p><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">&nbsp;</p>

<p>My name is Allan, and I recently completed a Plant Bootcamp at the <a href="https://www.construction-training-centre.co.uk/">Construction Training Centre (CTC)</a>, which has really helped open the doors to my next great opportunity.&nbsp;</p><p>I gained access to the course through an organisation called ‘Positive People’ and thought it would be a good course for me to complete as I’d always preferred outside, hands-on work instead of working in an office environment, which I’d previously done for more than 20 years in the Transport industry.</p><p>I’d always liked the idea of getting involved in the building/construction industry, so I started by enrolling for a Dumper/Roller course. This course was short and enabled me to get a foot in the door within the industry. The staff at the Construction Training Centre were extremely helpful and approachable. My tutor, in particular, was insightful and inspiring.</p><p>Upon completion of the course, it took some searches to find employment due to my lack of experience, but I eventually was offered employment via an agency called ‘Options’, where I was working on the A39 in Minehead, building a new footpath/cycle path for four weeks.</p><p>Following this, after a short break and searches, I found work through another agency, ‘Harbon’. This time I was working in Wincanton on a biomass plant, as a dumper driver. This work is still ongoing, allowing me to receive a stable income.</p><p>After being fortunate enough to gain some experience in the industry, I would like to go back to the CTC to complete the 360 digger and telehandler courses - I feel they would give me a great advantage for my future career.</p><p>I would encourage those out there considering a course at the CTC to definitely give it a go – if you are not work shy and enjoy working in the elements, I would recommend looking at what opportunities are on offer in construction.</p><p>Thank you, Weston College, for the perfect introduction to the Construction industry!</p><p><a href="https://www.construction-training-centre.co.uk/">Find out more about the CTC, here!</a></p>