Creating brighter futures

This February Weston College and University Centre Weston (UCW) were delighted to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant for Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq and Denis Burn MBE, the Deputy Lieutenant. The Lord-Lieutenant acts as His Majesty's representative in Somerset. As a champion of the community, they support charity work and volunteering while upholding the interests of the Crown.

After arriving at Weston College’s Knightstone Campus, the Lord-Lieutenant and his Deputy saw students who raised money for the Weston Hospice Enterprise Project. This project challenged our business learners to create products that could be sold to raise money for Weston Hospice. This project raised £7289.87 for the charity. The students showed off their business acumen and the products that they were selling.  

After this, the Lord-Lieutenant and his Deputy visited the Inclusive Practice department to discuss the support that students with Autism receive at the College’s Weston Bay, our residential training facility. This facility allows students to get used to living away from home by managing household tasks like cooking, washing, ironing and cleaning, in addition to developing their social skills.

The visit then moved to UCW to see the impressive digital provision. The Lord-Lieutenant and his Deputy met with students on the Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship who explained how they are gaining skills which are needed by employers. As a part of this, the Lord-Lieutenant and his Deputy visited a practical session in the Networking and Cyber Lab. This enabled them to see how apprentices bring theory into practice using state-of-the-art equipment. 

T Levels can be a great stepping stone for students interested in degree apprenticeships. They provide a solid foundation of technical knowledge and practical skills that are often highly relevant to apprenticeships in industries like engineering, digital, and healthcare.

We spoke with two Degree Apprenticeship learners from UCW, Joshua and Alexander, who both also completed T Levels at Weston College, to discover how their T Level experience has influenced their success in their Degree Apprenticeships.

What T Level did you study at Weston College, and which degree apprenticeship are you now currently doing at UCW?

Joshua: I studied the T Level in Digital Production, Design, and Development at Weston College, and now I’m doing a degree apprenticeship in Software Development at UCW.

Alexander: I studied Digital Production, Design and Development (DPDD) and I am currently attending the DATS degree apprenticeship.

Which company are you currently working with for your degree apprenticeship?

Joshua: I am currently working for Motor Trade Technologies (MTT) a company in the automotive industry which create garage management software and multiple other solutions in the industry.

Alexander: I am currently working for Airbus.

What were some highlights of your T Level experience?

Joshua: My main highlight for the T-Level is the industry placement I did for TwistedWeb, which is the sister company to MTT, as it allowed me to get an understanding of life in a workplace. It also taught me soft skills with talking to customers and skills I needed for my exams in college. Another highlight would be the final major project in my second year, as most people would say they hate exams, this exam was the most fun I had. It included in creating a web application based on a scenario given and going through the steps of the software cycle – this was the best part of my two years there.

Alexander: The main highlight was the work experience! For me it was a very unique thing and my placement at Sen5e IT pushed my career forward a lot. Another highlight of my T Level was the teaching style, and the events that were held.

What inspired you to do a degree apprenticeship following your T Level?

Joshua: As a person who learns better by doing things in a practical way, I have always had my head set on continuing my education whilst gaining work experience, and the apprenticeship seemed like the perfect option. Also, seeing the students in the year above me in the T Level go to amazing apprenticeships, I felt like I should follow their footsteps and continue learning after my T Level.

Alexander: The inspiration came from a mix of working in the workplace, as well as the educational side of a degree apprenticeship. As degree apprenticeships work in a similar way to my T Level, I found that the balance between the work experience and college really suited me, so I chose to continue with the same balance on the degree apprenticeship scheme.

How has your T Level helped you with your degree apprenticeship at UCW?

Joshua: The technical and theoretical skills I learnt during my T-Level have been the biggest help. I was already familiar with programming languages and software development practices. This made it a lot easier for me to handle the challenges at UCW whilst also contributing to the workplace.

Alexander: The main thing that helped me with my degree apprenticeship from the T-Level was the work experience as it gave me an insight into what the work would be like and the transferable skills from coding.

How did you find the transition from T Levels to degree apprenticeship?

Joshua: The T-Level gave me a solid foundation, but the apprenticeship added another level of academic hardship, which took me a while to adjust to. Balancing work and study has also been a challenge, but it is still rewarding to see feedback on both university projects and work projects.

Alexander: I found the transition to be very simple! The T-Level prepares you for the degree apprenticeship – it really feels like the course was built for the transfer into a degree apprenticeship.

How has the work placement you did during your T Level helped you in your current workplace for your degree apprenticeship?

Joshua: My work placement during my T-Level studies was the most valuable part of it. I learned how to communicate with clients, working as part of teams and managing deadlines. These are skills I use every day in my apprenticeship. It also gave me a better understanding of how the theory I was learning in the classroom applied in the real world.

Alexander: The work placement I did during my T-Level was the best experience I have had in a workplace. It has helped me in my current workplace as I know how to act and how to present professionally within a work environment. All in all, it really prepared me for the whole of my current position at Airbus.

What advice would you give to anyone considering doing T Levels?

Joshua: If you are looking for a practical career, no matter what industry it is, and want to develop your hands-on skills while still getting a solid foundation in your industry, I would recommend T Levels time and time again. It's the best way to gain experience in a workplace and opens the door to apprenticeships, further education and even jobs. In my industry most companies are after experience when looking at CVs, and T Levels are your best friend when looking for experience in specific fields. One thing I had in my first year was the inability to gain a placement, but it took time and networking across the area to land a spot. I will always say not to worry and stay calm as there are always people to help you, the amount of support you get is amazing.

Alexander: Do it - plain and simple! The T-Level is the best pathway to prepare you for both the workplace and a degree as it teaches you to balance your time and keep on top of your assignments. T Levels also teach you all the essential skills that every workplace is looking for and there is nothing more valuable than that.

What advice would you give anyone considering doing a degree apprenticeship?

Joshua: A degree apprenticeship is an excellent way to earn while you learn. You get to apply what you’re studying in real-time, which is incredibly valuable. It’s hard work, but the payoff is worth it. I’d advise anyone considering it to be ready for the balance of work and study, but also to embrace the opportunity to develop both academically and professionally.

Alexander: Again, plain and simple, do it! It is the best way to complete a degree and hopefully acquire a job by the end of it! Again, it teaches discipline, time management and essential social skills. Although it is very different to the standard university lifestyle, it will teach you a lot more.

Find out more about T Levels here, and find out more about Degree Apprenticeships here!

The best way to gain a full understanding of what apprenticeships are like is to hear from our apprentices themselves!

Therefore, for this National Apprenticeship Week we got in contact with four current apprentices from different industries to find out all about their current roles.

Claudia, Lewis, Charlie and Darren all gave us a fantastic insight into life as an apprentice, find all of their answers below!

Claudia: I started my role as a Marketing Apprentice for Weston College in January 2024, so I’ve been here for over a year now! My role allows me to gain experience in an array of different areas of marketing, from digital marketing, to social media marketing, to planning and organising events and so on!

Lewis: My apprenticeship is with a company called SLX (Originaly known as Stage Electrics), and I've been working with the team for a couple of months now. For this apprenticeship, my role is a Creative Industry's Production Apprentice, which specialises in helping all around the team/departments. Some examples include maintaining equipment within the lighting department, testing/reparing cables in the power department, and fixing equipment in the engineering department.

Charlie: I am completing a Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship at the Ministry of Defence, where I am primarily focussing on a software engineering pathway. I’ve been on the apprenticeship since September 2023.

Darren: My apprenticeship at the Bristol Port Company has been running for 5 months and is being supplied from Weston College. Luckily, I receive all my learning and classes on site at my place of work and have monthly catch ups with my assessor to work through assignments and give any support. My role is the Mobile Plant Assistant Manager and I look after a team of 22 engineers. We service and maintain a large fleet of equipment from small vans to heavy plant up to 120 tonnes.

What are some of the main skills you have learned during your apprenticeship so far, and how might these skills help you through your future career?

Claudia: One skill I've significantly developed during my apprenticeship is my organisational ability. At the start of my journey, I struggled with managing my workload, which affected the quality of my performance. However, by incorporating strategies like organising incoming tasks and emails, as well as creating to-do lists, I've become much more efficient at handling a heavy workload. This improvement has not only boosted my confidence but also prepared me to manage larger projects, such as events, in my future career.

Lewis: I've learned the majority of the insides to a moving light and feel confident enough to diagnose if there is a problem with the unit and how I would go about fixing it. The basics of how the company flows and the process of hiring being delivered back to be prepared for the next hire. Finally, the process of preparing a kit to professional standards.

Charlie: I am nearing the conclusion of my second placement within the organisation, which has provided me with ample experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Among the various skills I have acquired, effective and confident communication stands out as one of the most crucial abilities for career advancement, as it is highly valued in numerous teams and areas. Additionally, I have had significant prospects for enhancing my technical skills, both through my work and university studies. This has greatly improved my understanding and application of practical software engineering principles and cyber security concepts. Furthermore, the apprenticeship has played a pivotal role in developing my organisational, disciplined, and punctual attributes. Balancing work, education, and social life can be challenging, and achieving the correct equilibrium has honed these skills. It is important for me to continue developing and improving these skills and many others to help progress my career forwards towards leadership inclined roles.

Darren: My apprenticeship is ILM which is based around leadership and management. Although I have been working in my position for some time, I have received no real training on how to support me with this role. However, the ILM apprenticeship has enabled me to learn a variety of management skills and new ways to not only manage people but also deal with conflicts. This has also given me much more confidence within my role as I am now able to use recognised models which have excellent results.

What type of tasks are you required to do in your current role?

Claudia: In my role, no two days are the same! Some days, I’m updating and managing courses on our websites, while on others, I’m writing press releases, arranging posts for our social medias, or even taking part in major events like Graduation and Business Awards. There is such a variety of tasks in my apprenticeship, I have the opportunity to collaborate with different team members, from Marketing Officers to Digital Marketing Managers and Videographers, taking on a plethora of experience!

Lewis: The main tasks that are required for my role are operating, maintaining and servicing equipment around the warehouse. If I'm off-site working at a gig, the same rules apply for that particular setting.

Charlie: In my current placement, I have been leading engagement, outreach, and support meetings for teams across the entire organisation ahead of an upcoming major policy change, for which I have been a key stakeholder in providing feedback and support in its role out. I also have considerable opportunities to self-develop, complete courses, and partake in practical work that is aligned with my career pathway.

Darren: Managing staff including recruitment, organising, training, and competency. I am also required to manage assets and equipment.

Are there any standout successes of your apprenticeship so far? If so, please could you describe them?

Claudia: I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the opportunity to appear on BBC Bristol Radio and share my apprenticeship experience! It was amazing to be given a platform to share the benefits of apprenticeships to the region. I also received tremendous support from the College's Marketing Team, especially considering I was contacted by the BBC just three days before the interview. Although I was stepping out of my comfort zone, it’s an experience I’m now proud of. Before my apprenticeship, I doubt I would have had the confidence to talk on the radio, but thanks to the skills I’ve developed, I’m so glad I did!

Lewis: I've gone straight into the deep end, which I love. Within the first day of my apprenticeship, I was working with some of the most expensive moving lights they have and seeing all the technicalities that make up the future. On the second week, I was asked to help set up and pack down Sudley Castle for their festival of light show they do every year. My job was focusing on putting up all the P-Lighting (fairy lights) round the grounds. Only two months into my apprenticeship, and I've already had the experience of seeing the full process of an event.

Charlie: I’m proud of all the work I’ve completed so far on the apprenticeship, however, in terms of stand out successes I have had multiple recognitions and rewards for the work I’ve completed. I remain grounded and eager to improve but it is positive to receive good feedback and to see that work I complete or contribute to is having a real impact.

Darren: It is still very early days, but having the support from my workplace and the college and being willing to learn at an older age has opened other avenues to help me develop withing my career.

What support have you received during your apprenticeship?

Claudia: In the office, I never felt like a burden when asking questions. Whenever I was uncertain about something, the team always went above and beyond to guide me and ensure I understood how everything worked. I’ve also received immense support with my coursework. Given its variety, each team member has played a role in helping me succeed, and I’m especially grateful for my fantastic assessor, who always encourages me to strive to reach the best grades possible.

Lewis: I've received a lot of support from my coworkers regarding the learning side of things. They are pretty open to anything I ask, even if it sounds like the silliest of things. The same goes for the people who work on the office side of things. Anything I need to answer to help with, there is more than happy to assist.

Charlie: Everyone around the organisation is generally pro-apprentice, with many having been apprentices themselves before moving into full-time roles. As a result, most people across the business do tend to be supportive and helpful. I want to give a special mention and express my gratitude to the team of scheme managers in entry talent. They are always there to provide support and assistance whenever needed, and they play a consistent and crucial role throughout the entire apprenticeship journey.

Darren: There has been constant support from my tutor and Weston College, and I have been able to contact through phone and email whenever I stumble across an issue and need support - they are always very quick to respond.

What part of your apprenticeship do enjoy the most?

Claudia: It's difficult to pinpoint just one aspect I enjoy the most, there are so many rewarding parts of my role. However, the event side of marketing stands out. I really enjoy being hands-on with events, from celebratory evenings like the Business Awards and Celebration of Success to Open Evenings and, especially, the Graduation Ceremonies. I love engaging with prospective students, showing them what the College has to offer, celebrating students' growth and achievements, and even helping set up the Ballroom for these prestigious events. It's really exciting to be part of such impactful moments.

Lewis: Diving in to all the different departments and building up my knowledge. There's always something new to learn, and it's quite exciting

Charlie: What I find most enjoyable about this apprenticeship is the chance to work in various areas within the defence sector. We are granted a great level of independence to seek out and initiate our own placements based on the projects and skills I am interested in developing. We also have the opportunity to not only work within the MoD but also explore opportunities to collaborate with industry partners or other government departments. This enables us to acquire and enhance skills and experiences that may not be readily available internally.

Darren: I am enjoying working through each assignment and learning something new each time. The monthly assignment days and catch ups allow me to work through anything outstanding with support on hand.

Do you have any ideas of what you want to do after your apprenticeship?

Claudia: Since starting my apprenticeship, I feel so much more confident in what my future looks like. I’d love to continue working for Weston College but progress onto an officer role, whether that’s going onto further or higher education officer, an events officer or web officer – the variety in roles are endless!

Lewis: At this time, I don't have a clear answer. I'm hoping to stay with SLX after finishing my degree if they offer me a position. If not, however, I would like to take a break from the years of hard work and spend some time travelling the world. We will see how it flows.

Charlie: I don’t know exactly what area I’d like to go into after the apprenticeship, but I plan to remain in defence, go for promotions and perhaps go for a masters.

Darren: After I have completed the ILM apprenticeship, I’d ideally like to achieve level 5 if the opportunity is available.

Would you recommend others to do an apprenticeship?

Claudia: If you’ve finished school or sixth form and feel uncertain about which career path is right for you (just like I was!), I really would advise you to explore the wide range of apprenticeships available. You’d be surprised at the variety of opportunities out there—some you might not even know exist! Apprenticeships not only help you to decide on your future career goals but also give you real-world skills and experience that you can’t get anywhere else, so why not go for it!

Lewis: 100%! You are working in the industry, meeting a wide range of people and getting paid to learn.

Charlie: A degree apprenticeship is absolutely worthwhile going for and I see it as the best of both university and work. Earning a very competitive full-time salary whilst also getting years of work experience and a degree puts you in an extremely positive place for going forward in your career and likely ahead of many other people of a similar age.

Darren: I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. You need to be open to the idea of learning new skills regardless of age and be willing to ask for help if needed.

What piece of advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Claudia: My advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is to throw yourself in the deep end—how can you know if something isn’t for you unless you give it a fair chance? While it might feel daunting at first to join a team of experienced professionals, it’s also an incredible opportunity to learn from them. The benefits are vast: you earn while you learn, gain a valuable qualification, and are a step closer to a much more secure future. Plus, it’s your chance to prove that you can thrive in a professional environment!

Lewis: As someone who has just finished a degree in music production, I left college feeling like I haven't progressed anywhere with my career. Lost of my next step in the world with no one to guide me. Taking on this apprenticeship has benefited me so much more than I would have hoped in just a short amount of time. I'm getting stuck in with everything the company has to offer, and everything is practically based, which is what I prefer. On top of that, I'm working in the industry, and that means I'm meeting a wide variety of people along the way. So, for my advice on if you should consider an apprenticeship, I believe it's the best option if you're trying to get yourself in the door to whatever career you're trying to do.

Charlie: Apprenticeships can be competitive so my first advise would be to not put all your eggs in one basket. It is a longer commitment than university and can be more intensive, so make sure you are prepared for that experience, and you enjoy the area you are going into, as it will likely determine the career you progress with for the foreseeable future.

Darren: Consider what you will achieve come the end of this and the recognition that will set you up to be more employable and help you develop in the workplace.

To look through our current available apprenticeships, click here.