<p>My name is Beth, and I completed the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/business-and-m… Leadership and Management Diploma</a> course through the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/bristol-courses">partnership </a>of Weston College and the <a href="https://www.uwe.ac.uk/">University of the West of England (UWE)</a>.</p>

<p>I had been looking at courses to support progression, and decided a leadership/management course could help me achieve that, and gain the knowledge and confidence to begin applying for a management role. I researched many different courses and colleges, but finding an Instagram advert for Weston College was ultimately what led me to choose them.</p>

<p>Working with Weston College and UWE was ideal due to both being known for their wonderful teaching and facilities, plus studying at UWE was very convenient due to the close proximity to where I live. This partnership is so great, as it provides more accessibility to the course, as it is held across both sites, maximising the facilities and teaching that are available.</p>

<p>My favourite part of how the course is run was the mix of face-to-face and online. I really enjoyed the face-to-face lessons as it gave me the opportunity to meet other people, and for us to share and discuss elements of the topics being taught. On the other hand, some being held online made it easier to fit into work and life schedules.</p>

<p>My advice to someone considering the course is to do it! It's perfect if you’re aiming to build confidence and develop skills surrounding management, it will provide you with the tools, techniques and skills. You will need to carefully manage your time as there are lots of assignments, but the support you’ll receive from tutors is unmatched!</p>

<p>Completing this course allowed me to secure a senior role within my team, and given me the skills and knowledge to confidently run the project team. The course enabled me to approach tasks with more structure and organisation. I was also able to apply this logic to my assignments and personal life too, which has helped me out loads. My goal now is to step into a management role.</p>

<p>Overall, the support I received, particularly from my tutor, was second to none. I couldn’t have stepped into the senior role I’m in now without the confidence that completing this course gave me!</p>

<blockquote>
<p><em>Beth, Senior Operations Administrator, Atomos</em></p>
</blockquote>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The course that Beth studied is part of the National Skills Fund, which provides learners aged 19+ an opportunity to access their first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A Level) for free. This fund provides access to qualifications that will help support people back into work.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/bristol-courses">If you are interested in studying with Weston College and UWE, view the courses available, here!</a></p>

<p>My name is Rob, and I’m a Weston College adult learner alumnus. I studied a<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/motor-vehicle/…; Level 3 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair</a>. I decided to go to Weston College to complete my training as they offered a standalone Level 3 course in Mechanics, which suited me perfectly as I was already Level 2 qualified. The course was also only a year, which allowed me to get back into my mechanics career sooner.</p>

<p>Completing the course with Weston opened opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have been offered, due to their close working relationships with companies. This was how I was able to begin networking with <a href="https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/">Mercedes-Benz</a&gt;, which resulted in being offered a full-time position at the company prior to even completing the course.</p>

<p>Through attending Weston College, I was also given the chance to compete in the <a href="https://worldskills.org/">WorldSkills</a&gt; competition. The experience was mind-blowing to say the least! I didn't think much of it at first as I was focused on my primary goal of becoming fully qualified and getting a job in a main dealer garage. It was my tutor, Steve, who made me aware of the competition and suggested I apply for it. His support was invaluable and I really felt that he believed in me which gave me the confidence to apply. I thought "What's the worst that can happen?" and that, if anything, it might be a bit of fun.</p>

<p>I applied for WorldSkills in March 2022. I registered online and completed an online test during my normal college hours. The test itself was quite challenging, encompassing everything you should know on completion of the Level 3 course. I received my results the same day but didn't know I had made it into the top thirty until about a month later.</p>

<p>When the day of the semi-finals came, I felt prepared until I got there, and then the nerves kicked in! I found it quite difficult to overcome my nerves at first but having my tutor, Steve, cheering me on from the sidelines was a great support. The group of competitors were all really supportive of one another. I ended the day on a high, with the last task going really well which boosted my confidence. There was a short wait for the results and when they called my name for second place, I couldn't believe it. I was overjoyed with what I had achieved!</p>

<p>Since finishing at the college and becoming Level 3 qualified, I started working at Mercedes-Benz, and I’m currently working towards my maintenance technician qualification as well as an air conditioning qualification. I have also just been assigned my own apprentice to teach the trade to, who previously gained his Level 2 also at Weston. This involves providing guidance in different tasks and overseeing the work that he undertakes to enable him to progress to the next level.</p>

<p>The day-to-day involves working on cars which require prepping, ready to be sold. This requires me to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle, through which I identify and rectify any faults. Each day is varied, and no two days are ever the same. Additionally, I conduct services and inspections on customer cars. I couldn’t have reached where I am now without Weston College, and my tutor Steve, both of which provided invaluable support which gave me the confidence to progress in my career to my current stage and beyond!</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults">Find out more about the Adult courses on offer, here!</a></p>

<p>The field of Designing, Surveying and Planning in the Construction industry is a broad one, but highly important to the development of societies. The stages that go into construction require huge amounts of time and dedication, but ultimately results in great success!</p>

<p>This field is a great path to go down, and an increase in the workforce in this profession would be highly beneficial to the field, but one that includes more equality and balance would be a massive step forward for the reputation of construction. Construction is often seen as a ‘male’ job, and we want to help show that anyone, regardless of gender, can have a successful career in construction.</p>

<p>So, we want to present 5 reasons why this could be the perfect career choice for you, and kickstart your path in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning!</p>

<p>1.<strong> Important work!</strong> As previously mentioned, this line of work is highly important in supplying new homes and buildings for towns and cities as the demand increases, and pre-empting this demand with the planning aspect of the sector.</p>

<p>2. <strong>Keeping busy! </strong>This career choice will be demanding in terms of needing to be easily adaptable to picking up new skills, as it will likely be ever changing, and you’ll be expected to keep up with what’s expected of you. However, this will mean the job will not get boring, and you’ll always be kept busy!</p>

<p>3. <strong>Specialised qualifications to get you in the job!</strong> The courses, including <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…;, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… Levels</a> and<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const…; transition programmes</a>, are offered to both <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/const… leavers</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… Weston College. These courses are specifically designed to prepare you for this career choice, with a great balance of academic college learning for the theory side, and workplace experience to provide you with practical knowledge.</p>

<p>4. <strong>Specialise in your strongest area! </strong>After selecting which course is best suited to you, and completing the course, you will be able to decide which aspect of the sector is best suited to your natural skillset, and which you could see being your future career. Opportunities in the industry could include civil engineering, technical surveyor, architect, building technician, building control officer, town planning assistant and geospatial technician, along with many more.</p>

<p>5. <strong>Financially beneficial!</strong> Some of the careers listed above have great starting salaries, with the opportunity to progress and gain more qualifications while you work, for example a <a href="https://www.ucw.ac.uk/subject/engineering-and-construction/">degree with UCW</a>. The more skilled you become in your chosen sector, the more you will be financially rewarded! Construction Site Managers can earn, on average, £47,500!</p>

<p>Over <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/why-choose-us/our-work-employers">2,500 employers</a> who work with Weston College are looking to attract their future workforce and give our learners great opportunities to begin their careers. Work placements are often a great way to begin your career, so by studying courses with Weston College and undertaking work experience, we hope to make the process of securing a job smoother and easier!</p>