We are delighted to announce the development of our new third campus, the South West Skills Campus.

This state-of-the-art training and education centre is on the site of the former Clarks premises - previously known as Bushacre Business Park - on Locking Road in Weston-super-Mare.

We acquired the land in November 2009 and are developing it in a series of phases.

Above: The Hub

The first phase, ‘The Hub’, is a bespoke new facility designed to offer a wide range of courses from English, Maths, ICT, Personal and Social Development, to Carpentry, Brickwork, Plastering, Painting and Decorating. We will also be offering Horticulture, Art, Graphic Design, Music, Motor Vehicle, Catering and Hospitality, and various outdoor activities.

Above: Painting and decorating booths

Dr Paul Phillips OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “At Weston College, we are all very proud of this new development.

“Through working with North Somerset Council, the Learning and Skills Council and the Connexions Service, we have already achieved the lowest NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) scores in the region which places the College and North Somerset at the top of the league tables. When complete this will become the training site for thousands of young people and adults across North Somerset.”

Above: Plastering bays

Alan Bryant, Curriculum Manager at the Hub said: “At the Centre we are running ‘Progress’, a programme that provides an exciting, safe and stimulating environment for 16 to 18 year olds who require support and guidance at a very important time of their lives. All learners have access to information, advice and guidance on education, training and employment issues.

Above: Some of the electrical bays

“Young people can join the programme and leave the programme at any time of the year because it is a roll-on-roll-off process and not subject to term times. The centre is staffed by a very experienced and committed team who have worked hard to set up the centre and develop the programme for the future.”

Above: Woodwork workshop

The second phase of the development is the Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence, which opened in September 2010. This centre offers a wide range of courses/training and Apprenticeships in Carpentry, Brickwork, Electrical Installation and Performing Engineering Operations. We are also the first college in the South West to offer energy saving training in photovoltaic systems.

Above: Bank of classrooms in the electrical workshop

In September 2010 the third phase also opened - a bespoke Business and Enterprise Training Centre. The Business Enterprise Centre provides a wide choice of flexible business related training, skills development and consultancy services to more than 1,000 businesses across North Somerset, Bristol and beyond. This new premises helps the Centre deliver structured training and development programmes ranging from one day courses including Appraisal training, Coaching for Senior Managers, Team Building, First Aid, Health and Safety; to full Management and Leadership qualifications. The programmes come with a flexible learning approach to fit around the demands of a business and can be delivered in the workplace. Different training routes on offer include Apprenticeships, Train to Gain, NVQs and bespoke training.

Part of this Campus will have specialist facilities which local schools can use to enhance their curriculum. The new facilities will be developed at the rear of the site, so training can take place alongside the successful existing local businesses operating here.

Above: Student gets a taste of courses on offer at the new Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence

The ambition is to create a Skills and Training Campus for North Somerset with further developments phased over a number of years. The Chief Executive of North Somerset Council, Graham Turner said: “The development of learning and skills within communities and the business sector is central to the North Somerset Partnership's vision for the area. Whilst the recession is currently cutting growth in employment, it is also reinforcing the need for focusing on skills and redoubling our efforts to help people move back into employment.”

How to find us...

Weston College, Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence, South West Skills Campus, Locking Road, Weston-Super-Mare, BS22 8NL
T. 01934 411 777

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