Today Weston College welcomed Jim Davison, National Membership Director at Make UK, to its Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) on National Manufacturing Day, celebrating both the College's growing role in supporting the region's manufacturing sector and its recent membership of the UK's leading manufacturers' organisation.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase how Weston College is working closely with employers to develop the next generation of engineering and manufacturing talent through industry-focused training, apprenticeships and technical education.

The day also marked Weston College officially becoming a member of Make UK, joining a national community of manufacturers, engineering businesses and industry partners committed to strengthening UK manufacturing.

As a member, Weston College will benefit from Make UK's extensive programme of networking events, industry briefings and conferences, while also gaining access to the Make UK Capability Platform, which enables members to connect, collaborate, share expertise and showcase their capabilities to the wider manufacturing community.

The partnership further strengthens Weston College's commitment to supporting manufacturers across the South West and ensuring learners develop the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of modern industry.

Make UK National Membership Director Jim Davison said:

“National Manufacturing Day is all about celebrating the people, skills and innovation that drive our sector, so AMTEC was the perfect place to visit. Weston College is doing outstanding work in training the next generation of engineers, technicians and manufacturing professionals. As a former engineer it was a pleasure to meet so many young people who are passionate about careers in our industry.

“Manufacturers consistently tell us that access to the right skills is critical to their future, and AMTEC is a strong example of education and industry working together to meet that need. We are delighted to have Weston College as a member of Make UK and look forward to seeing our relationship go from strength to strength.”

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said:

"Joining Make UK is an important milestone for Weston College and AMTEC and reflects our commitment to supporting manufacturers across the region. Through AMTEC, we are helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need. Membership of Make UK will strengthen those relationships further and ensure we remain connected to national industry priorities."

During the National Manufacturing Day visit, colleagues from Weston College and Make UK discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, including skills development, workforce growth, productivity and the future of advanced manufacturing in the UK.

National Manufacturing Day shines a spotlight on the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy and provides an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, technology and skilled workforce that underpin the sector.

Four of England's Technical Excellence Colleges have joined forces on National Manufacturing Day to highlight the contribution manufacturing makes to the UK economy and the importance of developing the skilled workforce the sector needs.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) partnership brings together City of Wolverhampton College, Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, New College Durham and the Weston College Group. Working alongside employers from aerospace, defence, engineering and advanced manufacturing, the partnership aims to help tackle skills shortages and ensure training reflects the needs of modern industry.

Supported by the Department for Education's Technical Excellence College programme, AMTEC enables colleges and employers to work together on curriculum development, workforce training and career pathways for learners.

The partnership combines expertise from across the North East, North West, Midlands and South West, with colleges sharing knowledge, industry insight and best practice to strengthen manufacturing and engineering education.

A Shared Commitment to Developing Manufacturing Skills

As manufacturing continues to evolve through advances in automation, digital technologies and sustainable production, AMTEC partners believe closer collaboration between education providers and employers is essential.

In a joint statement on behalf of the AMTEC partnership, representatives from the four colleges said:

"Manufacturers across the UK need a steady supply of skilled engineers, technicians and production specialists.

"Through AMTEC, colleges and employers are working together to ensure technical education reflects the skills businesses need now and, in the years, ahead.

"By sharing expertise, strengthening employer engagement and improving routes into manufacturing careers, we can help learners develop the capabilities employers are looking for while supporting the long-term growth of the sector.

"National Manufacturing Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of UK manufacturing and inspire the next generation of talent."

Industry Support

AMTEC works with employers to help ensure technical education remains aligned with industry requirements

Siemens Digital Industries is among the employer partners, supporting initiatives that help develop the future workforce for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

David Thomas, People & Business Support Manager at Siemens Digital Industries, Congleton said:

“Manufacturing is changing fast, creating exciting opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers. By bringing industry and technical education closer together, we can equip the next generation with the skills needed for the technologies of tomorrow. It's a fantastic opportunity to inspire new talent, strengthen UK productivity and create a more sustainable future for our communities, businesses and wider economy.”

National Collaboration

Bringing together four colleges from across England, AMTEC provides a platform for sharing expertise in advanced manufacturing education.

Through joint curriculum development, staff collaboration and employer engagement, the partnership is helping colleges respond to changing industry requirements and support the development of future manufacturing talent.

On National Manufacturing Day, AMTEC is highlighting the value of manufacturing to the UK economy and the importance of investing in the workforce that will support the sector's future success.

Weston College is marking its 181st birthday with the launch of a new five-year Strategic Plan, setting out how it will support learners, employers and communities across the region between 2026 and 2031.

Founded in 1845, Weston College has spent more than 180 years helping people gain the skills, qualifications and confidence to move forward in education, work and life. As it begins its 181st year, the College's new Strategic Plan builds on that history while setting out its priorities for the next five years. It focuses on delivering outstanding education and skills, reducing inequalities, strengthening communities and ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable.

The plan is centred on the College's mission of Creating Brighter Futures and has four strategic priorities:

A National Leader in Education - continuing to develop high-quality teaching and learning, alongside skills provision that meets the needs of employers.

The College is off to a great start here with the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC), which officially opens for teaching next week. Developed in partnership with leading employers including Airbus, GKN Aerospace and Rolls-Royce, AMTEC is a nationally significant initiative designed to address critical skills shortages in advanced manufacturing, engineering and aerospace.

A Place to Belong - tackling inequality, improving life chances and creating an environment in which every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

This Friday (25th) we officially open The Horizon, Weston College's new dedicated SEND education centre. The Horizon provides specialist support, tailored learning environments and pathways into employment and independent living for learners with additional needs. It represents the College's determination to remove barriers to success and ensure every learner, regardless of background or circumstance, can thrive, belong and achieve their potential.

A Civic Leader and Good Neighbour - using the College's people, partnerships and facilities to make a practical contribution to the communities it serves.

Weston College is starting to put this priority into action by working alongside local partners and fellow anchor institutions to strengthen the regional economy and improve opportunities for local people. Through collaboration with public sector organisations, employers and community groups, the College is helping to address skills challenges, support inclusive growth and create a stronger future for coastal communities across North Somerset and the wider region.

Sustainability, Strength and Stewardship - investing in staff and resources while maintaining financial resilience and planning for the College's long-term future.

A key focus of this priority is investing in the College's people. This week alone, staff are taking part in professional development activities covering pedagogy, leadership and sector-specific continuing professional development. This week the College is also delighted to have been selected by the Association of Colleges (AoC) as the Technical and Vocational Excellence (TVE) Hub for the South West, supporting the development of technical educators across the region.

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO of Weston College, said:

"For 181 years, Weston College has helped people take their next step, whether that's starting their education, developing new skills, finding employment or moving on to something new.

"We're very proud of what the College has achieved over that time, but this strategy is about what we need to do next.

"Over the next five years, we want to keep improving the education and support we provide, work closely with employers on the skills they need, and make sure the College continues to play an active role in the communities around us.

"The plan gives us a clear set of priorities. It is about investing in our people, making the most of our partnerships and resources, and making sure that the decisions we take today put the College in a strong position for the future."

The Strategic Plan has been developed following engagement with staff, learners, governors and partners. Their input has helped shape the priorities and ensure the plan reflects the College's values of compassion, integrity and ambition.

The launch comes as Weston College celebrates 181 years of education and looks ahead to the next chapter of its development.

You can read the Strategy here.