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LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES

Floristry learners sitting at desks while learning about a floristry industry

Our Level 2 Floristry learners recently received a captivating floristry masterclass featuring industry expert Vanda Flowers. The students were provided an enlightening experience as they delved into crucial topics surrounding the floristry industry. 

Vanda Flowers engaged the florists with an insightful industry talk that included an interactive Q&A session. The primary focus of the discussion was the escalating costs of flowers and the underlying causes, shedding light on the challenges faced by florists in the current market. 

One of the key takeaways from the masterclass was the exploration of alternative strategies to enhance profits within the floristry business. Participants were guided through innovative approaches to diversify their stock and maximise revenue streams, contributing to the sustainability and growth of their businesses. 

A significant portion of the discussion centred around the increasing demand for locally sourced flowers, as opposed to relying solely on Dutch suppliers. The emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility emerged as a prevailing theme, reflecting the industry's commitment to eco-friendly practices. 

We are hopeful of a potential relaunch of the Level 2 Floristry course in September. However, this initiative is contingent upon securing necessary funding. The college eagerly awaits confirmation to proceed with this valuable educational opportunity. 

The floristry masterclass with Vanda Flowers served as a dynamic platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to gain valuable knowledge, exchange ideas, and collectively work towards a more sustainable and thriving floristry sector.

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 here. 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. 

Beauty students giving hand treatments to worle school staff

Weston College's Level 2 Hair and Beauty learners recently lent their skills and expertise to Worle School's Staff to celebrate Wellbeing Day, offering mini hand treatments to the school's hardworking staff. The event proved to be a resounding success, providing an opportunity for staff members to unwind and indulge in a pampering experience. 

The Beauty Therapists demonstrated their proficiency in the field, showcasing a combination of professionalism and genuine care throughout the event. The mini hand treatments were well-received, leaving a positive impact. 

"We are delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to Worle School's Staff Wellbeing Day," said Jenna Ratcliffe, the Divisional Lead of Service Sector Industries at Weston College. "Our Hair and Beauty learners have not only showcased their talents but have also embodied the values of our college – professionalism, skill, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of others." 

 

Beauty students giving hand treatments to worle school staff

 

The mini hand treatments provided a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation for Worle School's staff, reinforcing the importance of self-care and wellness in the educational community. 

This pampering day forms part of the Hair and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields.   

To see more about our Hair and Beauty, click here

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 here. 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.

Learners performing at The Brit Bar

Our music learners performed brilliantly at The Brit Bar! Acts including Lilac Sundae, Pavillion, The Like-Minded and The Koppers performed to promote Independent Venue Week. Our music learners were specifically requested, due to their quality and dedication! 

Independent Venue Week is an annual celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. Over 200 independent venues take part in the annual Celebration, with this number growing every year. During the week, independent venues come together with artists, promoters, agents, record labels and media to create a unique series of special live events to highlight the work these venues do year-round. Independent venues are cultural hubs for learning, creativity, arts and culture more widely connecting people in their local community. 

Music Instructor at Weston College, Oz Cahill said “It has been amazing seeing these students perform so well at The Brit Bar, they really shined. It is excellent to see the students performing for a good cause as well, promoting Independent Venue Week.” 

This real-life industry experience forms part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub. The College has fourteen sector-specific Career Excellence Hubs, which evidence our dedication to supporting both employers and learners in achieving their future goals. By creating a seamless connection between industry and education, we enable learners to acquire not only the essential skills and knowledge but also the professional networks necessary to excel in their chosen fields. 

Find out more about music at Weston College by clicking here!

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 here. 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.

Students and lecturer on train at harry potter studios

A Level Media and Creative Arts students embarked on a captivating journey, curated by Media lecturer Ethan in collaboration with Creative Arts lecturer Nichola, delving into the mesmerising universe of Harry Potter to see the stages of the Hollywood-style feature film production. 

This extraordinary joint trip aimed to provide learners with a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons and ignite inspiration for their practical coursework in Media and Creative Arts. 

harry potter studios dragon

The students were treated to an enchanting tour where they had the chance to explore the original sets and props used in the iconic Harry Potter film series. From the magical allure of Diagon Alley to the majestic Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾, the learners were transported into the heart of the wizarding world. 

One of the highlights of the trip included a thrilling greenscreen film experience, where students got dressed into their wizarding robes and rode broomsticks, mirroring the exhilarating scenes from the movies. The hands-on activity allowed them to understand the magic of filmmaking and provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes wizardry that brings the beloved characters to life on screen. 

harry potter studios dining table

Ethan expressed his enthusiasm for the trip, stating, "This immersive experience was designed to go beyond the classroom, providing our students with a tangible connection to the magic of film production”. 

The learners were thrilled by the experience, expressing their delight at the opportunity to step into the magical realm they had only seen on screen. The trip not only provided a fun and engaging outing but also enriched their educational journey, allowing them to draw inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Harry Potter universe. 

This magical visit forms part of the Sixth Form Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

students and media lecturer at table at harry potter studios

This trip forms part of the A Levels Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. In a world where professional networks and industry-specific skills are integral to landing employment, these hubs provide a unique solution to bridge the gap between education and industry demands. 

Interested in our Media A Level course? Click here.

To find out more about our Creative Arts courses, Click here.

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 here. 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.

Picture of a dog

We welcomed some canine models to our Loxton Campus recently, for an exciting dog photoshoot!  

Level 3 Creative & Commercial Photography students opened up their studio to members of the public for a free photography session for their dogs. Working in shifts over three days, the learners worked carefully to produce amazing snaps of the dogs, capturing the best angles and getting doggy smiles. After each session, dog owners received their photos in high-resolution digital form. 

 

A dog photographed by a learner

 

Animal welfare was our top priority. All the dogs and their owners had a great time and were well looked-after. Among the excitement, the dogs lapped up all the attention and put their best paw forward! It wasn’t just the dogs enjoying themselves, the students enjoyed the interaction with the dogs and the exercise also proved very beneficial for the mental health of students and staff alike. 

Aside from all the fun and enjoyment, the sessions taught photography learners a wide range of important skills. Students learned to work with clients by working with the dog owners, plan their time effectively, prepare and use studio and camera equipment creatively, carry out risk assessments, solve practical and technical problems, and work as a team. Achieving success in these areas, and overcoming challenges helped to build learner’s self-confidence as well as their communication skills. 

 

A dog photographed by a learner

 

Photography lecturer Paul French hailed the session as a triumph, saying: “Despite some excited behaviour among our doggie divas, the shoots were a huge success and rewarding experience for the learners who enjoyed a great sense of accomplishment. The owners were delighted with the photos which are even now enhancing our student portfolios to support progression.”  

Always quick with a joke, Paul added: “I anticipate seeing our pet portraits on the cover of DOGUE magazine shortly!”  

Find out more about our UAL Diploma in Creative and Commercial Photography here. Find out more about all of our Creative Arts courses here.   

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 here. 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.

A Weston College sport lecturer on the sports field with a student both looking at a clipboard

Weston College proudly announces the exceptional results and positive feedback received from the Association of Colleges (AoC) regarding its delivery of the FA Women's Football Apprentice programme. As the national training provider for this ground-breaking initiative, Weston College has excelled in providing a transformative apprenticeship that not only fosters increased female participation in football but also enhances employability skills for a promising career in the sport. 

The FA Women's Football Apprentice programme spans 22 months and is delivered by ten colleges nationwide, with Weston College being one of those. The initiative aims to empower young women in football by offering a level 3 Community Sport and Health Officer apprenticeship. The programme's unique approach not only cultivates skills in community sports but also equips participants to take on leadership roles in women's football. 

Statistics reveal that an impressive 90% of the current apprentices feel confident in their communication skills to engage with more diverse stakeholders in women's football. Furthermore, a remarkable 100% of the apprentices feel better equipped to take on leadership roles in women's football from completing their apprenticeship so far. 

Georgia Ferdinando, an alumna of Weston College's FA Women's Football Apprentice programme, completed her apprenticeship in August 2022. She attributes her personal and professional growth to the program, stating, "Without my apprenticeship, there are so many things I just wouldn't have done." Georgia has since become a valuable asset to the community, joining the Somerset FA Youth Council. She is now a Sport and Wellbeing Engagement Officer here at Weston College! She notes, "The journey I have been on with my confidence is something I am really proud of, and I credit it to the support I received during my apprenticeship." 

The success of the program is praised by line managers of the current apprentices. One manager expresses gratitude, stating, "If the support from the FA and AoC wasn't there, we simply couldn't offer an apprenticeship opportunity like this. It has really benefitted the college and also our apprentice." 

Weston College remains committed to fostering the next generation of female leaders in football and is honoured to be recognized for its outstanding contribution to the FA Women's Football Apprentice programme.  

Weston College also expresses their gratitude to the Association of Colleges (AoC) and FA for giving such incredible opportunities to students that aspire to have a career in sport.

If you're interested in our Sport and Fitness courses, click here to find out more!

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 here. 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.

Learners at bottom of escape slide

Recently, 20 learners studying Level 2 and Level 3 Travel and Tourism took a trip to Heathrow Airport near London.  

The trip went to the British Airways training facility at Heathrow Airport, where cabin crew for British Airways flights all over the world are trained. The learners took part in the Safety Equipment and Procedures training day. Spending a lot of time flying requires a strong focus on safety, making this training an excellent first step to take on the journey to becoming a cabin crew member. 

 

Learners in a mock life-raft

 

The day consisted of a range of experiences and training including pilot incapacitation, using a slide raft, a cabin evacuation and debrief. On top of this, learners got to experience using a mock decent slide for an Airbus A320! Students also used fire extinguishers to put out flames in a carefully controlled environment.  

The training was completely interactive, giving learners the chance to get real-world hands-on experience, with highly experienced cabin crew trainers. The day was designed to give an insight into what the full five-week British Airways training programme would include.  

The students were given the chance to ask the instructors any questions that they had to get the best insight they could into future careers within the industry. In addition to the Safety Equipment and Procedures, the instructors also gave learners relevant and up-to-date interview and application tips for the tourism industry.  

 

Learner using fire extinguisher in a controlled training environment

 

This training trip forms part of the Business Careers Excellence Hub. At Weston College our approach goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through industry speakers, workshops, employer projects, and more, we equip our learners with the real-world experiences and insights that set them apart in the competitive job market. It's not just about getting a job; it's about standing out from the crowd when they embark on their job searches. 

Travel and Tourism lecturer Hannah Carstensen said “This has proven to be a fundamental experience for the learners who are interested in a career in cabin crew. We are looking forward to running this trip again for our future learners!” 

To find out more about travel and tourism click here!

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 here. 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.

Students striking a pose

We are excited to share a fantastic music video produced by our talented Performing Arts students. Shot on location at the Helicopter Museum and our very own Berkoff Theatre, the video showcases the incredible creativity and dedication of 14 students from both Level 3 Year 1 and Year 2 Performing Arts Dance programs. 

This innovative project not only demonstrates the students' exceptional skills in dance but also provides them with invaluable insights into the professional dance industry. By taking full ownership of the production process, including selecting the music, dance style, location, costume, and choreographic elements, the students have gained a deeper understanding of the demands and expectations of modern professional dancers.

"We are immensely proud of our students and their outstanding achievement in producing this captivating music video," said Joe Miller, Performing Arts Lecturer. "This project allowed them to apply the skills and techniques they've learned in class while fostering creativity and professionalism in a real-world setting."

The choice of locations was made by the students themselves, adding a personal touch to the project and further enhancing their sense of ownership and creative control. This hands-on experience not only strengthens their performance skills but also prepares them for future endeavours in higher education or the professional dance industry.

"Dance for camera presents unique challenges that differ from live performances, and this project provided our students with an invaluable opportunity to explore this aspect of the industry," added Joe. "Through meticulous planning and organisation, they have demonstrated exemplary professional etiquettes and honed their skills in a dynamic and exciting environment." 

This experience formed part of the Creative Arts Careers Excellence Hub; Weston College is committed to preparing learners for success in a rapidly evolving job market which is reflected in our offer via our bespoke Career Excellence Hubs, which form an integral part of all college programmes. By exposing students to diverse perspectives and immersive experiences, Weston College continues to nurture the next generation of Performing Arts professionals who are equipped to make a positive impact in their future careers and communities.  

 

 

For more information on our Performing Arts courses, click here!

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 here

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.

Marketing and Communications

The marketing department is responsible for promoting Weston College to the public, by promoting the Colleges courses, achievements and events.

Our aims are to attract learners to study within the Weston College Group, build and grow the College’s brand and highlight its reputation, and promote the College Group’s success, student progression and outstanding support for our learners.

The marketing department manages the College’s websites and official social media accounts, runs advertising campaigns, creates press releases, and manages many of the College Group’s events, such as Graduation, the Celebration of Success and the Business Awards.

We produce a wide range of publications including our full-time, Higher Education and part-time prospectuses, course leaflets and posters, and other documents such as the College’s annual report, magazines and newsletters, course brochures and the student handbook.

Weston College is committed to providing accurate and timely information for local, regional and national media, and the general public.

The marketing team is available between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays. You can get in touch with us by emailing marketing@weston.ac.uk.

All of our press releases are uploaded to the news section of our websites. News from the academies we sponsor, including the North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College, can be found on the news section of the Inspirational Futures Trust’s website. News pertaining to our Higher Education Provision can be found on www.ucw.ac.uk.

The marketing department produces most imagery and film in house, and keeps an extensive archive of the photographs it takes. If you would like a copy of an image featuring you or a member of your family, please contact us at photography@weston.ac.uk.

Our photos of graduation and many other events can be found on the College’s Facebook page. High quality images can be found on the College’s Flickr account.

Weston College is able to accommodate many requests to provide locations for film and photography. The College has a range of attractive, modern and adaptable facilities which can be viewed on our youtube channel.

We also are able to provide heritage facilities such as the Victorian Hans Price designed Conference Centre and, from September 2017, the 1927 Winter Gardens Pavilion.

For booking details, contact marketing@weston.ac.uk.

For enquiries about sponsoring key events such as Celebration of Success, Business Breakfast, Business Awards and Graduation, please contact the marketing team by email at marketing@weston.ac.uk.

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One Message, Different Voices

Take a look at this powerful film made by the staff of Weston College to show how important it is for everyone from different backgrounds to be included. The film shares heartfelt stories and interviews with a diverse group of staff, showing how accepting different identities and backgrounds can make a big difference. Its purpose is to encourage viewers to think about their own biases and work towards making our community more welcoming to all. We invite everyone, regardless of their background, to join us and be a part of our journey toward a more inclusive future.

Halo workplace logo

Our workplace champions the right of staff to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black employees’ racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance. We celebrate Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs, headscarves, and wraps. In this workplace, we recognise and celebrate our colleagues’ identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on an employee's ability to succeed.