<p>Last year we launched two free Digital Skills Bootcamps, as part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs.</p>

<p>The 12-week Bootcamp gave learners the opportunity to learn the skills needed by employers, to become a Coder or a Cloud Analyst – as well as connecting learners with local employers who were recruiting for these specific skills.</p>

<p>Due to popular demand, our FREE Digital Skills Bootcamps are back this year! Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/skills-bootcamps">here</a>&nbsp;to find out more information about what we're offering, with courses including <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/computing-and-… to Coding</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/computing-and-… with Data!</a></p>

<p>We caught up with Louise, who completed the Skills Bootcamp last year to become a Cloud Analyst.</p>

<p><strong>What were you doing before applying for the Digital Skills Bootcamp?</strong></p>

<p>My previous role was managing accounts payable team, but after being made redundant I wanted to learn new skills and try something a little bit different.</p>

<p><strong>What have you learnt on the course?</strong></p>

<p>I learnt the fundamentals of cloud technology but also it covered data structures and how different data is ingested and stored. We were supported by a great teacher as well, who made it easy for us to learn and put our theory into practice.</p>

<p><strong>How will this benefit you in your career?</strong></p>

<p>This new knowledge has given me a good grounding to support the azure cloud-based software, especially as databases underpin all software. When a bug is raised, I can also look to automate testing and new processes or scripts when required.</p>

<p><strong>What was the highlight of the course?</strong></p>

<p>The Bootcamp was great, it taught me lots of new skills which will benefit me as mentioned previously, but my personal highlight was passing first time.</p>

<p><strong>What has happened after completing the course?</strong></p>

<p>I have started a new job with Zahara software - cloud based purchasing software. I’m second line support but they are training me up to do dev ops (MS Azure).</p>

<p><strong>How did the Bootcamp set you up for a change in job?</strong></p>

<p>The course helped me understand cloud technology foundations and gave me the spark to further my knowledge.</p>

<p><strong>What would you say to someone considering studying on this Bootcamp?</strong></p>

<p>My advice to anyone doing the course, is to make the time to study and be focused. Do as many mock exams as possible and practise in the labs. Take full advantage of the teacher and ask as many questions as possible.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/skills-bootcamps">Don't forget to check out and sign up for our Free Digital Skills Bootcamps here!</a></p>

<p>Earlier this year Weston College launched Constructing Lives Together in partnership with construction firm, Willmott Dixon, to support local adults in entering the construction industry and it is proving to be successful.</p>

<p>The exciting new initiative is something which is really benefiting the community. Not only are local people gaining the training required to enter the industry through short and sharp courses delivered onsite, but local construction firms are able to access a brand-new stream of employees – a well needed boost for construction employers, with the well reported skills shortages within the sector.</p>

<p>The initiative which is supporting people across the South West is being funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).</p>

<p>The free courses provide candidates with:</p>

<ul>
<li>Re-employment skills</li>
<li>Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) certificates across a range of disciplines&nbsp;</li>
<li>Health and Safety in a Construction Environment Level 1&nbsp;</li>
<li>Work experience</li>
</ul>

<p>One employer that has utilised the support of Constructing Lives Together, is Weston based Apache Construction. Director, Ryan Hedges, commented: “During the pandemic we lost some key workers, and we recognised that there was a gap in the market for reliable and like-minded staff. We got in touch with Weston College, who have supported us since we launched, and decided to get involved with the Constructing Lives Together programme.</p>

<p>“The programme has been fantastic for us. We have hired three people full-time in the last three months, all coming through the programme. Each recruit has been a real breath of fresh air for the organisation and are really supporting us with filling our skills gaps.</p>

<p>“It has offered us the opportunity to interview people practically, and has opened a brand-new talent pool, with our recruits hitting the ground running!”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/ConstructingLivesTogether">Find out more about Constructing Lives Together, and how it can support you by clicking here.</a></p>

<p>Hear from each of the three successful Apache Construction recruits, in the video below.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z0Dpqytplxg&quot; title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>We really feel accountancy is a great career path for a huge range of people, but many won’t give it the time of day!</p>

<p>Read our top ten reasons why being an accountant could be the perfect aspiration for you:</p>

<p><strong>1. A Job That Is In-Demand:</strong>&nbsp;Accountants are a highly in-demand job, so you could walk straight into a job after gaining the relevant qualifications. As technology revolutionises, more jobs will be created than destroyed.</p>

<p><strong>2. Job Security:</strong> There will therefore be job security in the field, meaning you won’t have to worry about losing and finding a new job. This could be because…</p>

<p><strong>3. Everyone Needs An Accountant! </strong>There is a huge variety of sectors and industries you can work in as an accountant, including entertainment, business, STEM, and many other fields</p>

<p><strong>4. Be Your Own Boss:</strong> Alternatively, you could decide to set up your own accountancy business, and be your own boss, spend the days doing what you love, off your own accord.</p>

<p><strong>5. Love To Travel?</strong> Accountancy even includes the chance to travel! The opportunities will be endless when you’re fully qualified!</p>

<p><strong>6. Accountancy Is Great For Any Age!</strong> From starting training at 16-18, or gaining your qualifications as an adult, we offer the course for you! 16-18s will benefit hugely from the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… T Level</a>, with industry placements throughout, and meeting employers and providers to help prepare you for the world of work. Alternatively, 16-18s could choose to learn in the workplace on an <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/business-and-m…;, giving the opportunity to earn a wage while learning.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… courses</a> are a great option for over 19s, with a choice of 6 courses in accounting so you can choose the perfect level for you, all including the opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills.</p>

<p><strong>7. Varied Responsibilities:</strong> Accountants have many different responsibilities, not just crunching numbers, so your days will be varied and you can guarantee you won’t get bored on the job! Roles may involve dealing with important financial reports, create solutions to financial issues, help organisations run smoothly, and how to effectively manage their money.</p>

<p><strong>8. Development Of Skills:</strong> You will also acquire and develop great personal skills that can be transferred to other contexts outside the workplace, and can be carried with you for life – these can include good communication, solid advisory and guidance skills.</p>

<p><strong>9. Financial Benefits:</strong> Alongside great skills for both in and out the workplace, accountancy also has huge financial benefits. According to the <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/sites/default/files/documents_not_indexed/20… Accounting and Finance Salary Guide compiled by Robert Half,</a> accountants with one to three years of experience can earn between $51,500 (£43,516) and $96,500 (£81,541) annually. Those with five or more years of experience can earn as much as $129,250 (£109,214) per year.</p>

<p><strong>10. Make A Real Difference:</strong> Accountants are huge assets to businesses and are extremely helpful when monitoring important aspects of businesses, including cash flow and taxes. Your work will be highly valued, and you’ll be a crucial member of the team.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Check out our different accountancy courses (<a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… Levels </a>and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… Courses</a>) if this is the perfect role for you!</p>