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COURSES FOR ADULTS

We have part-time courses for adults starting soon, in almost every subject you can imagine!

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Whether you are looking to get back into work, upskill, retrain to change career entirely, get into university, start a new hobby, or gain skills for life, there is a course for you. Everything you need to create your brighter future is waiting for you at Weston College. 

Here’s what we can offer:

  • A mixture of classroom based lectures and/or online learning.
  • Support available via your own tutor to help you succeed.
  • As a Weston College student you'll also have access to all our facilities - including our Library, IT suite, welfare and employment support teams as well as the College canteen facilities. 
  • All the benefits of studying at Weston College - including exclusive student discounts.

If you would like to access support from our team, book one of our free Careers Advice sessions, by clicking here

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LATEST NEWS

Official Opening of the New Education and Early Years hub

<p>Today members of local council, ESFA, ETF, schools and nurseries, all joined Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College and the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor James Clayton, who together, officially opened the new Education and Early Years facilities at Weston College.</p>

<p>This new hub will meet the growing demand from employers both locally and regionally to train staff of the future, preparing them ready to join a growing industry.</p>

<p>The Education and Early Years facilities have been developed in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> employers: Busy Buddies, Little Bears, DaisyChain, Mendip Green, YMCA and Storal Learning, who ensure not only that the course content includes insights of industry leaders, but also that the new facilities will be industry standard to give them real-life experience.</p>

<p>The grand opening included a tour of the brand new £600k Education and Early Years hub that includes:</p>

<ul>
<li>Community Room – to allow us to host stay and play and other community sessions.</li>
<li>Child and Healthcare Room – a multi-functional space for food prep and mid-session naps.</li>
<li>Primary School Room – an engaging environment full of multi-curricular activities.</li>
<li>Creative and Exploratory Atelier – a non-traditional learning environment to host messy-play, science activities and more.</li>
<li>Observation room – includes one-way mirrors so learners do not influence a child’s play.</li>
</ul>

<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty said: “The new hub is really impressive, I’m so pleased it’s come to fruition. It’s really important for us that all learners get real-life experience to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”</p>

<p>These new facilities are matched with an exciting portfolio of study programmes. For school leavers there will be full-time college-based courses, apprenticeships plus the new flagship T Level – the gold-standard in qualifications where learners can follow a college-based programme and gain sector experience through an industry placement. Plus, a range of options for adults for those who would like to upskill or re-train as an early years practitioner or teaching assistant.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College added: “It was a privilege to officially open the new facilities today. This is just one element of a College-wide initiative to ensure we are making aspirational careers a reality for all our learners regardless of their starting point in life.”</p>

<p>The build is co-funded by T Level Capital funding, awarded by the Department for Education.</p>

<p>Find out more</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… for school leavers starting in September</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… for adults starting in January</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">Next open event</a></li>
</ul>

GKN Engine

<p>If you’ve visited our South West Skills Campus over the last few months, you may have seen the display engine, which now proudly sits in our reception, and wondered why it is there?</p>

<p>Well, it is all down to the hard work of our apprentices at GKN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/">GKN Aerospace</a> is one of the world’s leading aircraft and aero-engine manufacturers. 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. Read more about GKN's initiatives surrounding sustainability and their environmental protection practices <a href="https://www.gknaerospace.com/en/sustainability/">here</a><img alt="GKN Engine, Engineering Learners, South West Skills Campus" data-align="right" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d13db4e-ec9a-4059-bc7c-30c3bb884daf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2810%29.jpeg" /></p>

<p>Earlier this year, five of our Year 2 Aerospace Engineering Degree apprentices, Taylor, Jansen, Ethan, Harry and Chloe, decided to organise, manage and install the engine, as part of their Project Management module (work-based learning).</p>

<p>This is one of four modules they need to complete, on the second year of their degree apprenticeship. The module helps learners to develop new skills, as well as strengthening ones that they learnt in their first year.</p>

<p>The engine itself was donated by GKN, who we work very closely with to create exciting opportunities for our learners.</p>

<p>The learners showcased their communication and collaboration, as well as demonstrating their application of the knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to get this project running – one which was completed to industry standard!</p>

<p>Every day I walk past the engine with immense pride, not just at the achievements of these learners, but also of the power of partnerships. I think about the skills and knowledge that these incredible young people possess, thanks to their hard work and dedication, as well as the opportunities presented to them, through the college.</p>

<p>We’re excited to be launching T Levels in Engineering next September too, which will give us further opportunity to work closely with employers and watch learners develop into skilled professionals. The T Level will support learners who are taking their first steps in engineering, and will prepare them both academically and practically through their 45-day placements, in industry.</p>

<p>If you’re an employer reading this, then I highly recommend getting in touch with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/work-experience?utm_source=main-menu&amp;utm_m… placement team</a> at Weston College. Not only will this give you an opportunity to meet the learner and find out whether or not they will be a fit for your organisation, but they also possess skills which can fill skills gaps and support your business.</p>

<p><em>Andreas Papadopoulos, HE Curriculum Co-ordinator Engineering</em></p>

blacksmithing

<h2>Have you considered doing one of our blacksmith courses? Meet Luke Green, a Lecturer in Engineering in the Department of Advanced Engineering and Computing at Weston College and a Blacksmith.</h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is a blacksmith?</strong></p>

<p>A blacksmith is someone who creates objects from wrought iron or steel. Blacksmiths forge (change the shape by hammering) the metal after it’s been heated.</p>

<p>Blacksmiths make traditional objects – such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, agricultural implements, cooking utensils and weapons – but also create more intricate items, including ornamental flowers and wedding rings.</p>

<p>While many people work with metal – such as farriers, wheelwrights, and armorers – blacksmiths, traditionally, are able to make and repair a wider range of items, from the most complex of weapons and armour, to simple objects like nails or lengths of chain.</p>

<p>Because of this, blacksmithing is suited to people with a range of skills and interests, including those who are:</p>

<ul>
<li>Suited to hand-on work</li>
<li>Artistic</li>
<li>Engineering focused.</li>
</ul>

<p>The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a fabulous example of where blacksmithing contributed to the creation of an impressive local structure. Blacksmiths have also made various gates, railings, sculptures and ornamental pieces around the South West.</p>

<p>Locally there are only three blacksmiths.</p>

<p>Blacksmiths are either commissioned to create one-off pieces for substantial sums of money (anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds), or produce a series of items in quantity.</p>

<p><strong>How did you become a blacksmith?</strong></p>

<p>I inherited a workshop full of old tools that had not been used for some years. Instead of throwing them out I began to work with those tools and gradually built my skill set up – from learning how to use a hammer, to building unique forges designed for custom pieces.</p>

<p>It has been a long journey, with many challenges and accomplishments, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable.</p>

<p><strong>What training have you had?</strong></p>

<p>Various courses for ‘smithing’ do exist in the UK, as well as the occasional apprenticeship, but these are few are far between. We offer a Blacksmiths short course which runs for 6 weeks on a Tuesday evening 5.30-8.00pm, it provides a rare opportunity to learn this fascinating craft!</p>

<p>I have been lucky enough to have worked with Mike and Steve Goldsmith in Somerset as well as Dean Aggett in Devon.</p>

<p>I have also had the opportunity to work with Hector Cole, who fabricated the gates at Buckingham Palace.</p>

<p>Tell us about some of your career highlights and achievements.</p>

<p>Since becoming a blacksmith in 2012, I have been invited to do archaeological demos at venues including Caerleon Roman Fortress and Cardiff University.</p>

<p>I have made pieces ranging from decorative and functional items (chandeliers, coat racks, hooks, boot holders, roses etc) to jewellery-based items such as wedding rings.</p>

<p>I have also produced tools and weaponry for re-enactment and bushcraft purposes – this has also extended into armoury fabrication.</p>

<p>One of the reason blacksmithing is so appealing, is that it harks back to older times – heating up metal in a fire and hammering it to shape it helps us connect with our ancestors.</p>

<p><strong>What are the benefits of learning blacksmithing?</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>You have the freedom to explore the metals</li>
<li>It’s fun</li>
<li>You can create anything - you’re only limited by your imagination</li>
<li>It’s a great stress reliever</li>
<li>It’s satisfying to create something unique.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>What advice would you give to potential students?</strong></p>

<ul>
<li>Don’t be afraid, but respect the fire and heat.</li>
<li>Practice, practice, practice.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Tell us about the blacksmithing course.</strong></p>

<p>The course is unique in the South West.</p>

<p>You will learn how to manipulate hot steel and produce your own metal masterpiece. You can also choose to make something from a range of small items.</p>

<p>After a simple demonstration, you will get straight into having a go. You will be guided to safely use the hand tools and incorporate design elements into practical work.</p>

<p>At the end of your day, you can expect to take away a couple of pieces of your own handcrafted work - your test piece and a finished piece.</p>

<p>Weston College runs Level 2 and 3 adult courses all year around. This course covers:</p>

<p>Week 1: Forged bottle opener (3 possible designs)<br />
Week 2: Forged fire poker (3 possible designs)<br />
Week 3: Forged tongs (3 possible designs)<br />
Week 4: Forged bottled holder (3 designs)<br />
Week 5: Forged garden basket holder (3 designs)<br />
Week 6: Forged rose/flower (3 designs)</p>

<p>Find out more and register your interest at <a href="Don’t be afraid, but respect the fire and heat. Practice, practice, practice. Tell us about the blacksmithing course. .">https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/art-and-design/blacksmiths</a…;

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