<p>As we look towards 2050 and the UK's longer-term ambitions around reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse emissions, Colleges in the region are stepping up to the challenge by preparing their students for the careers that will be plentiful around green energy and power supply.</p><p>The transition to green energy isn’t just a national ambition—it’s an urgent necessity. The South West stands at the forefront of this revolution, with colleges playing a vital role in shaping the workforce that will power the future. With major investments like Hinkley Point C and the rise of EV manufacturing, the region is poised to lead, but only if we equip students and businesses with the right skills.</p><p><strong>The South West region has real potential to be a national player in the nation’s energy supply solution.</strong> We've already seen the investment in Hinkley Point C, due to go live in the early 2030s, and with the growth in electrification of transportation, the announcement of a new battery factory within the South West is also a positive position for our region. Looking ahead, the mid-2030s could bring flight powered by hydrogen, electrification, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Alongside this, offshore wind can generate substantial electricity, and the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in the North of the region adds to the energy landscape. These are known developments, and our role as college leaders is to prepare students for these future opportunities. We must take this information and prepare our students for the jobs of the future. There is every possibility that a student with the right knowledge skills and behaviours could start their career in battery manufacture then move to offshore wind and then into hydrogen infrastructure within their career lifetime.</p><p><strong>So how do we help our students prepare for the future?</strong></p><p>Employers are looking for employees who have an inquisitive mind and want to work in that industry. Senior leads report that the <strong>desire to be there</strong> is more important, as employees can be taught the skills they need if they want to learn them. It is therefore our responsibility to make sure that our students are ready to learn and have the necessary essential and core skills to equip them to embrace a fulfilling job path for the future. Skills such as communication, teamwork, curiosity, and determination are all needed to move through and across job roles and sectors for the future. As part of the early work of the<strong> Local Skills Improvement Plans</strong>, we trialled the development and delivery of new micro-credentials for the development of the future workforce building on the feedback from employers on the need for these essential skills. We are hopeful that the proposed changes to employer-led qualifications, and the development of <strong>Skills England</strong> will allow more of the short, focused courses to be developed.</p><p><strong>Weston College, one of the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT)</strong> education partners has implemented a sustainability strategy that includes offering programmes focused on green skills and environmental awareness. Sustainability has been integrated into various vocational courses, from construction to engineering, and offers specialised courses in renewable energy. For example, its<strong> University Centre Weston (UCW)</strong> offers free modular courses like Level 4 Quantity Surveying and Sustainability, integrating environmental considerations into construction and engineering education.</p><p><strong>Sustainability is the imperative, not the nice-to-do</strong></p><p>As part of the awareness of sustainability <strong>Weston College</strong> throughout the year offers different focused events such as an Innovation Sustainability Day where different groups of students are brought together to solve a problem. This helps students see the value of teamwork and communication and focuses them on a particular challenge that needs to be addressed. Weston, along with all Colleges supports the <strong>UN sustainable development goals</strong> (SDGs) and staff and students are often asked to reflect on the impact of decisions on the 17 SDGs. These are particularly important to consider for the SDGs around clean energy, climate action and life below water strategies as a minimum.</p><p><strong>Supporting Adult Learners and the Workforce Transition</strong></p><p><strong>It’s not just about young people—the energy sector's transformation requires the upskilling of the current workforce. </strong>This is where colleges' responsiveness to their local communities becomes crucial. Through the WEIoT partnership, colleges in the region collaborated to create an <strong>electric vehicle upskilling package for local garages</strong>. These garages, now servicing EV-powered vehicles previously under main dealer warranties, needed staff trained in safe working practices and technical skills. By shaping and sharing this knowledge across the college network, numerous SME garages have been able to update their staff and meet growing EV servicing demands. As EV demand grows, targeted technical training ensures the region remains competitive, fostering economic growth and creating sustainable jobs.</p><p>Another significant development for the region is the use of hydrogen, and there are many different companies from Cornwall to Gloucestershire all working on different solutions on how hydrogen may be produced, moved around the region and used. Whether the outcome is for transportation, heating, power solutions and other possibilities it is an area set for growth in the future. The <strong>WEIoT alongside Business West and National Composite Centre</strong> (an WEIoT Anchor Partner) invested in early research with businesses that grew into a highly successful <strong>Hydrogen South West</strong> model. Recognising this growing market both <strong>Weston and Yeovil Colleges</strong> have delivered training to local businesses, and in the case of Yeovil a significant investment in a Hydrogen test facility that opens this month. It is the collaborative working and shared knowledge of the partnership between colleges that makes investment in collaboration worthwhile and delivers a better solution for the wider region.</p><p><strong>Shaping the Future</strong></p><p>Still, there is more to do. The <strong>WEIoT</strong> and its wider partnerships have been fortunate to engage in these industry-led initiatives, ensuring that educational programmes evolve in alignment with <strong>cutting-edge research and manufacturing</strong>. By linking education with <strong>innovation and sustainability</strong>, the South West is positioning itself as a leader in the green industrial transition.</p><p><strong>In a recent speech unveiling support for Clean Energy jobs, Skills Minister Jacqui Smith emphasised:</strong></p><p>“Skills will be a vital part of our Plan for Change and transition to a clean energy future, and I have spoken to many young people who are really keen to break into this booming sector. This initiative is an example of how skills training can support our number one mission to grow the economy whilst helping to meet Britain’s energy needs and support the move towards net zero.”</p><p>The South West has all the pieces in place to become a <strong>national leader in green energy</strong>. But we must act decisively ensuring our education system keeps pace with <strong>industry needs</strong>, our businesses invest in upskilling, and our students seize these opportunities. Through <strong>collaboration, innovation, and education</strong>, we can power a greener, more resilient future.</p>

<p>A common misconception about apprenticeships is that they are aimed at school-leavers making their first entrance into the world of work, typically in a technical or engineering role.</p><p>Despite the majority of apprentices being 16–18-year-olds, it is increasingly common to see people in their twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, sixties and beyond going down the apprenticeship route in pursuit of a career change, in almost every industry.</p><p>Andy Dolman, a firefighter at Avon Fire and Rescue, was previously working for himself doing property maintenance. Despite running a successful business, Andy had always harboured ambitions to join the fire and rescue service and was “trying for years” to land a full-time firefighter position.</p><p>Firefighters can sometimes serve up to 20-30 years in the service, and so full-time openings can be scarce. Undeterred, Andy applied to become an on-call firefighter and was successful in landing the part-time role at Avon Fire and Rescue.</p><p>Having got a taste of life in fire and rescue on-call, an opportunity arose in April 2022 for Andy to take on our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/protective-se… 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship</a>, putting him on course to make it his full-time career.</p><p>The 2-year apprenticeship combined on the job learning responding to incidents in Bristol with 8 hours of study per week at our Knightstone Campus.</p><p>Andy said, <em><strong>“The blend of classroom-based learning and on-the job training was ideal grounding for the rigours of the job. On the job I learnt a lot about dealing with different scenarios and how to use equipment on the fire appliance and got hands on running the station and maintaining all of our equipment,”</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>"During our basic training, we developed a strong foundation in the statutory responsibilities of a firefighter, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural requirements.”</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“We also honed essential interpersonal skills, such as identifying individuals in need of additional support and making appropriate referrals to partner agencies, reinforcing our role in safeguarding, community fire safety and resilience."</strong></em></p><p><em><strong>“Whilst undoubtedly a fantastic opportunity, life as an apprentice firefighter can be tough. You are put through your paces, and it is a balancing act coping with the physical demands of the role and keeping on top of your studies.”</strong></em></p><p>Despite finishing his apprenticeship year ago, Andy remains eager to develop and learn.</p><p><em><strong>“I really enjoy working for Avon Fire and Rescue Service. There is always lots to do but everyone who works here is helpful and there is always opportunity for development.”</strong></em></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/apprenticeships/protective-se… out more about our Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship here!</a></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><strong>We recently spoke with a previous adult learner of ours, Nichole, who underwent our ‘Training the Trainer’ course, to find out how the course has helped her in her current role.</strong></p><p>Hi, I’m Nichole, a Senior Projects Officer at <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council</a>. Over a year ago, I did the 2 day ‘Training the Trainer’ course at Weston College, which was encouraged to me by my employer, <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council (NSC)</a>, as part of their commitment to staff development.</p><p>At <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council</a>, my role combines technical expertise, change management, and project management, and I am tasked with training colleagues in a variety of subjects. As someone accustomed to wearing many hats, I felt that I needed a solid foundation to help me develop and deliver effective training sessions. Weston College’s ‘Training the Trainer’ course offered the perfect opportunity to hone these skills.</p><p>One of the key benefits of the ‘Training the Trainer’ course is the emphasis on building confidence in presenting to groups. I was initially feeling slightly apprehensive about presenting - a very common fear in the workplace! However, the course helped me to realise that the fear of presenting is often much greater than the actual experience; it is never as scary as you originally might think. The course provided a supportive and safe environment that allowed me to practice new skills and step outside of my comfort zone.</p><p>One aspect of this course that stood out for me was the guidance of Megan, the course leader. Megan’s approach to teaching helped me to not only understand the mechanics of creating a training program but also see the importance of establishing clear objectives and purpose. I walked out with a much greater understanding of how to create a purpose for the course I had to design in my current role – and this clarity has been crucial for me as I have moved forward in my responsibilities. Megan leads by example and has a lasting impact on those who she teaches!</p><p>Taking part in ‘Training the Trainer’ has significantly helped with my development of a training program that I have rolled out across <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council</a>. Drawing on the templates and techniques I learned, I have created training sessions tailored to my colleagues’ needs. These sessions have been uploaded into the council’s corporate training platform, and I now serve as an instructor. Over the past six months, I have delivered both live and recorded sessions, supported by weekly communications. This combination of formats has earned me a reputation for being not only knowledgeable but also genuinely helpful to my colleagues.</p><p>Looking back nearly a year after completing the course, I can say that the skills I gained from ‘Training the Trainer’ have allowed me to create something meaningful for my organisation, as I continue to expand my training program with additional modules. The course was not only helpful for myself, but also for many of my colleagues at <a href="https://n-somerset.gov.uk/">North Somerset Council</a>, as there were a large number of us who participated and have benefited from doing so.</p><p>I would recommend for anyone who delivers training in their workplace to take a short course to further expand your skills and knowledge, as this increase in your own confidence will help you to make a lasting impact across your organisation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults"><strong>To look through our available adult courses, click here.</strong></a></p>