Weston College recently celebrated the achievements of students who completed the Bristol Airport Take Off Programme, an 11-week initiative delivered in partnership with Bristol Airport and North Somerset Council. The programme has successfully supported adults who were not in employment, education or training, helping them to develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress into meaningful employment opportunities.

Over the course of the programme, students benefited from mentoring, employability workshops and tailored skills development designed to prepare them for the workplace. Students gained valuable hands-on experience through work placements at Centreline – Aviation Services, Boots, WHSmiths and Apcoa Car Park. The students also had an industry talk from Easyjet, a tour of Bristol Airport, and received personalised one-to-one support and took part in mock interviews with employers, helping them to build confidence, improve their communication skills and gain a greater understanding of employer expectations.

The programme provided training in customer service, employability and industry-specific skills, alongside confidence-building activities that enabled students to recognise their strengths and aspirations. As a result, students left the programme with enhanced workplace skills, increased self-belief and improved prospects for securing employment, including opportunities with Bristol Airport's Business Partners and other local employers.

The positive impact of the programme has already been demonstrated through its employment outcomes, with 25% of the cohort successfully offered employment, and we are continuing to support the remaining learners in preparing for further work experience and interviews. This achievement reflects both the dedication of the students and the effectiveness of the support provided throughout the programme, helping participants take an important step towards sustainable employment and future career success.

The achievements of the students were celebrated at a graduation event held at the Winter Gardens, where students, partners and supporters came together to recognise the progress made throughout the programme and the positive impact it has had on the lives of those involved.

Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: "We are delighted to partner with Bristol Airport on the Take Off Programme. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing inclusive education and training opportunities, ensuring individuals from all backgrounds can develop the skills needed to thrive in the workforce."

Last month, our Photography and UAL Hair and Media Makeup students came together for an exciting collaborative project, giving them valuable hands-on experience of working on a professional photoshoot inspired by the unique style of Marie Antoinette.

Working from a creative hair and makeup brief, Hair and Media Makeup students showcased their skills by designing elaborate hairstyles, intricate headdresses, and striking makeup looks that blended historical influences with contemporary beauty trends. To complete the modern interpretation of Marie Antoinette’s extravagant aesthetic, students also styled their models in modernised corsets and lace garments. The project provided an excellent opportunity for students to experiment with new techniques, explore their creativity, and develop their own unique interpretations of the brief.

Students approached the project from a variety of perspectives. Some chose to portray Marie Antoinette through a regal and aristocratic lens, creating elegant and refined looks, while others focused on her dramatic downfall, incorporating prosthetics and special effects makeup to reference her execution. This creative freedom allowed students to push their boundaries, develop their technical skills, and express their individuality.

The project also provided Photography students with the opportunity to work directly with clients and capture the stunning creations produced by the Hair and Media Makeup students. Through careful consideration of lighting, composition, and posing, they brought the concepts to life, creating high-quality images that reflected the vision of the brief while showcasing the artistry of their peers.

Collaborative opportunities such as this are invaluable in helping students work alongside peers from different disciplines and gain an appreciation for the diverse talents across the college. These experiences also build confidence, adaptability, and communication skills by exposing students to a range of creative briefs and working styles, which are essential qualities for success in client-facing and fast-paced industries. In addition, projects like this strengthen students’ portfolios, broaden their creative experience, and open doors to future career opportunities.

Paul French, Photography Lecturer at Weston College, said: “Collaborations with other CEH areas are a great opportunity for our students to step out of their comfort zones and work with new people on a variety of projects. It builds their adaptability whilst giving them the chance to develop their communication skills and capture photographs that both they and the client are proud of. Not only that, but it is also a fantastic way to celebrate the talent of students from other courses and see the amazing work they produce.”

Jenna Ratcliffe, Head of Service Sectors at Weston College, added: “Workshops like this are an excellent opportunity for students to express their creativity and develop designs that reflect both the brief and their individuality. They also help prepare students for a wide range of careers within the sector by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and create more extravagant and intricate designs, enhancing both their portfolios and skillsets.

“A huge thank you to the Photography students for capturing such high-quality images of the final looks. This kind of collaboration is invaluable to both groups, and it is wonderful to see all of the students’ hard work documented so professionally.”

Well done to all the students involved. The exceptional standard of work produced throughout this project is a fantastic reflection of the talent, creativity, and bright future of these industries.

This collaboration forms part of the Photography and Hair and Beauty Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys. 

Progress to the next level in Photography or Makeup, Wigs and Special Effects! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. 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.

The Weston College Group is proud to announce that it has been awarded Gold reaccreditation for the nationally recognised Further Education Mental Health Award, achieving an “Excelling” judgement across every area assessed. 

The prestigious award recognises the College’s outstanding commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of both students and staff, embedding wellbeing into every aspect of college life. 

With more than 6,200 learners from a wide range of backgrounds, Weston College has developed a strong and inclusive support system designed to ensure every student feels safe, supported and able to succeed. The College was praised during the independent assessment for its whole-college approach, which includes: 

• A trauma-informed approach to teaching and support, helping students feel understood and valued 
• Dedicated mental health and wellbeing services, including counselling, mentoring and pastoral care 
• A structured system to identify and support students early, ensuring help is available at the right time 
• Innovative approaches such as the Equity in Education model, helping target support for those who need it most 

Students also benefit from a curriculum that actively promotes wellbeing, resilience and personal development, alongside regular awareness events and activities that encourage open conversations about mental health. 

The College works closely with schools, parents, carers and external organisations to provide a joined-up approach to support. Families are kept informed and involved, with access to guidance and support to help them understand and support their young person’s wellbeing. 

A key strength highlighted during the assessment was Weston College’s leadership within the education sector, working collaboratively with regional and national partners to share best practice and improve mental health support across further education. 

Pat Jones, Principal and CEO for the Weston College Group said: 

“We are incredibly proud to have achieved Gold reaccreditation with an ‘Excelling’ judgement across all areas assessed. 

“This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every student feels supported, valued and able to thrive. Mental health and wellbeing are central to our culture at Weston College, and we remain committed to creating an environment where both students and staff can flourish.” 

The Further Education Mental Health Award recognises organisations that demonstrate a sustained and embedded commitment to mental health and wellbeing across their communities. 

The award was established by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools, part of Leeds Beckett University, and social enterprise Minds Ahead. It aims to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across education settings by supporting organisations to create positive, inclusive and supportive learning environments. 

The Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools aims to strengthen pupils’ mental health by supporting schools to make a positive change at all levels of the UK's education system, improving students’ outcomes and life chances. 

Rachel C. Boyle, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said:  

“The achievement of the Mental Health award is a demonstration of the college's significant commitment to improving children's and staff’s mental health and wellbeing. It is also a commitment to developing practices in school that seek to improve awareness and expertise in creating safe and secure learning environments in which all children can truly fulfil their potential. This award is one that all staff can be truly proud of”. 

Nationally, more than 1400 educational institutions have signed up to take part in the mental health award. 

Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead said: “This award shines a light on the excellent work schools and colleges are doing to promote mental health for their community of children, young people and adults. 

“It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Weston College and the many other educational institutions engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”