With the harsh weather conditions expected to get worse as the weekend approaches, we'd like to share with you some top tips on driving in snow or ice...

The most important thing to do before you set off is to check that the College is open - on rare occasions we have to close due to adverse weather, so each day we update this page with the situation at the College.

If the College's is open, the roads might still be icy. Here are some handy things that will help make your journey to College or your apprenticeship placement safer...

Wear safe shoes

The shoes you wear to drive should be comfortable - don't try to drive in unfamiliar shoes like wellies or walking boots. Bringing a change of shoes is a good idea as you might have to walk through snow or ice to get to your destination.

Take it slow

Don't rush the journey - set off earlier so that you have more time to make it to your destination. Accelerate gently and try to get into a higher gear as this helps to stop wheel spin. You might even want to try setting off in 2nd gear to help you get off to a smooth start.

Beware of hills

If you encounter hills on your journey, stick to a low gear when going downhill and try to avoid unnecessary breaking. Going uphill, maintain a constant speed. In both cases, keep a safe distance between you and the car in front.

Remain calm

If you skid on ice or snow, don't panic. Don't slam on the breaks - take your foot off the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally. Don't take your hands off the steering wheel. If the car is sliding, turn the steering wheel to the direction you want to go - don't overcompensate for the skid.

Plan ahead

Think about the roads you'll be driving on - which parts of your route could be dangerous? Is there a flatter route you could take? The roads around Weston, particularly country lanes and areas like Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe are potential hazards you might want to avoid.

For more information on driving in adverse weather conditions, click here to read an in depth article by the RAC.

Starting at a big college after spending years in a school environment might seem like a massive step...

If you're not sure what you'll need to bring on your first day, the list below should point you in the right direction.

The Weston College Staff Mentoring Programme is a new initiative that aims to help new staff settle into their job roles. Recently, 31 members of staff representing faculties and departments across the College completed the course and are now ready to mentor new curriculum, assessing and business support staff alike.

The new academic year will welcome a wide array of new lecturers and support staff, many of whom were recruited via our Industry into Education initiative, where the College recognised the need for industry experienced candidates within the education sector.

Andrea Greer, Vice Principal for Human Resources, Offender Learning & College Reputation, said: “This is a brand new internal CPD course for the College and it was a natural progression from this year’s “Industry into Education” theme, which has seen unprecedented levels of College growth and numbers of new staff from industry joining us.

We knew that there were already many natural mentors within the organisation, and we wanted to capitalise on this and create a more structured approach to mentoring that would provide an ongoing framework of support for new employees from the start of the next academic year.

Most importantly, this course is focused on further developing our staff and ensuring that in the end, everything we do is to ultimately benefit our learners”.

Weston College has finished joint-second in a table of every further education college in the UK.

The FE Week NICDEX rankings gives each college a mark out of ten in four categories – learner satisfaction, employer satisfaction, 16-to-18 positive progression and adults into employment. These are then added together to give an overall score.

Weston College was awarded 34 out of 40 – level with Newcastle and Stafford, and two behind PETROC.

The rankings were devised in 2016 by Nick Linford FE Week’s editor and a former director of performance at Lewisham College. They are based on satisfaction and progression criteria published by the Department for Education.

Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Weston College’s Principal and Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted with this fantastic achievement, we always put our learners first.

“We work extremely hard to make sure our learners enjoy their time with us, developing themselves holistically and progressing to further/higher education or employment. We are continually building strong relationships with all of our employer partners and stakeholders to ensure we are creating relevant training and qualifications that lead to meaningful employment for our learners.

“To be ranked second in the country show we’re definitely doing something right!”

Nearly 30 Year 6 students from Ruishton Church of England Primary School recently spent a day at Weston College South West Skills Campus to get a taste of the construction, building services and engineering provision.

The primary school students took part in a range of engaging activities based on subjects that can be studied at South West Skills Campus on Locking Road. The learners ‘raised the roof’ by learning about how roofs are built and what makes them sturdy. Under the provision of our carpentry staff, the Year 6 students learnt how to safely use tools such as hammers and spirit levels.

Next up the enthusiastic groups got a taste ofcivil engineering and the vital role it plays worldwide. In this workshop they built boats using foil and tested their buoyancy by seeing how many marbles they could carry until they sank.

Last but not least, the group visited the motor vehicle department where they had a look around a fully operational workshop. Their newly learnt skills were put to the test as the students were tasked with replacing tyres on a car and checking the levels of the engine components.

Chris Kamin, Headteacher at Ruishton, commented “The whole day was a resounding success and a joy to be a part of. The College has great staff who showed real care and nurture towards our students. The professionalism and courtesy demonstrated was second to none. The experiences gained and knowledge shared will have a great impact on their future lives and earlier decisions”.

Steve Caldwell, head of faculty for Building, Automotive and Civil Engineering at the College added “It was amazing to see the next generation getting involved and showing such enthusiasm towards these hands on subjects. We look forward to hopefully seeing them again in the future!”

For more information on the courses available in these areas, please visit our website:

Carpentry - https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/construction

Motor Vehicle - https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/motor-vehicle

Engineering - https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engineering

With only 2 weeks to go until our annual business awards, we’re excited to be bringing you another employer award article.

Today we’ll be talking through our nominees for the Disability Confident Employer of the Year award.

Good luck to all that have been nominated! You can find out the winner of the award on 20th June. Stay updated by following our Facebook and Twitter pages or by following #BusinessAwards.

Amazing aromas filled the Bistro recently as Knightstone Campus staff enjoyed a selection of soup, rolls and hot drinks in aid of Weston-super-Mare Food Bank.

In order to attend 'The Hunger Lunch' midday treat, staff bought tickets in advance costing just £1.50.

Whilst digging in, staff also had the chance to speak to union officers as well as representatives from our numerous green initiatives. This included information on our staff electric bike and North Somerset Travel, showing staff how they might be able to alter their journey into work and reduce their carbon footprints!

Overall, £70 was raised for the Weston Food Bank along with a whole box full of food items was donated in the process.

A massive thank-you to staff welfare officer, Gill, for arranging the successful session as well as to all those who attended and donated generously.

Bread and pastry professional Harrison Poole will be leading the next masterclass at the School of Food.

Harrison is Commis Chef at Bakers & Co – a café-come-restaurant on Bristol’s Gloucester Road. He’s worked with Albert and Michelle Roux, who are regarded as the godfathers of modern restaurant cuisine in the UK; cooked for renowned British food writer and critic Tom Parker Bowles; and holds two AA Rosettes (an accreditation for culinary excellence).

Here, Harrison talks about his education and career … and offers some expert advice to potential chef apprentices.

“I have always been interested in cooking. I studied art at college in London and then moved to Bristol. I enrolled on an NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery course while working in The Town House in Whiteladies, Bristol, where I became an apprentice.

“After I finished my apprenticeship I moved back to London where I worked with Albert and Michel Roux at the Lanham Hotel. I was there for 12 months and learned all about French cuisine under two legendary chefs. I loved working there and learned so much.

“I moved back to Bristol and worked in various cafés and restaurants, including Wilson’s. Here I cooked for Tom Parker Bowles when he reviewed the restaurant for The Times.

“I finally ended up at Bakers & Co, which serves quality brunch, seasonal lunches and colourful suppers alongside coffee, fresh juices and natural wines.

“I manage the bakery and am responsible for the baking of all the bread, cakes and pastries. I also make fresh croissants, Danish pastries and bread daily.

“I love cooking, because everyone needs to eat and it’s an essential skill to have. There’s always something new to learn and it’s such an exciting career path to take. It’s also allowed me to work with and meet so many people many whom are now good friends.

“I would say to potential apprentices that there will be difficult times during your apprenticeship, and things will go wrong. However, working as a chef builds resilience and makes you a stronger and more confident person.”

You ‘knead’ to check out Harrison’s Instagram page – @pooleharrison

Find out more:

• The School of Food
• Apprenticeship vacancies
• Find out about our next open event