We spoke to Claire Williams, Head of Finance Operations at Yugo, about the benefits of welcoming one of our students, Tom, to their team as an industry placement student, the experience he has gained, and how he has flourished throughout his time with the organisation.

1. Could you tell us a little bit about Yugo and what you do?

Yugo is a global student living provider operating student accommodation around the world focused on creating a great experience for students through accommodation, wellbeing support, and community engagement. The Finance Operations team carry out financial processes such as invoice processing, bank reconciliations and other balance sheet control functions to support the wider business.

2. How long has Yugo been involved in hosting industry placements for students, and what made you want to get involved?

This is Yugo’s second year of being involved with T Levels. I had previously worked with Weston College, hosting a T Level student in my previous role, and knew that Yugo would be keen to support industry placements as part of its commitment to developing future talent and giving students valuable real-world experience. These placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning in a professional environment while also bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new ideas to our teams.

3. What does Tom’s role involve, and what types of activities and tasks has he been working on during his placement?

Tom has been working within the Finance Operations team and has been involved in a wide variety of tasks throughout his placement. He has supported day-to-day finance activities, including processing invoices for several European countries using NetSuite, our finance system. He has also used Excel to analyse and manipulate data, reconcile balances, and support other finance processes.

He has assisted with bank reconciliations and balance sheet reconciliations, giving him exposure to key financial controls. He has even helped with scanning and processing the post that comes directly into the office, which admittedly wasn't the most exciting task, but he approached it with the same positive attitude and willingness to help as every other responsibility.

The placement has provided him with exposure to different areas of the team, helping him develop a broad understanding of how finance operations support the wider business.

4. How have you found having Tom as part of the Yugo team?

Tom instantly became part of the team and quickly built positive relationships with his colleagues. He has approached every task with enthusiasm and professionalism and has consistently shown a willingness to learn. His positive attitude and adaptability have made him a valuable member of the team from day one.

5. In what ways has Tom contributed to Yugo during his placement?

Tom has shown a strong willingness to get involved in a variety of projects and has quickly applied new knowledge and skills in a practical and effective way. In particular, his support in helping to close a significant number of tickets within the Spanish Accounts Payable Helpdesk has been greatly appreciated. This has not only helped the team manage workload efficiently but has also provided Tom with valuable hands-on experience, further developing his understanding of finance operations and related processes.

6. Are there any standout moments from Tom's placement so far?

One of the standout aspects of Tom's placement has been how quickly he integrated into the team. He actively participates in team meetings, is confident in sharing his thoughts, and isn't afraid to ask questions when he wants to learn more. That's a real skill when joining an established team, and Tom has done it exceptionally well. He instantly became part of the team, built strong relationships with colleagues, and has shown a genuine eagerness to learn and contribute from day one.

Outside of work, at a team social event, Tom took on the challenge of climbing to an impressive height. It was great to see him getting involved, embracing the activity, and tackling the challenge with confidence.

7. How has Tom’s learning and knowledge from the classroom supported him in his role at Yugo?

Tom has been able to apply the knowledge and skills he has gained through his studies directly to his work at Yugo. Having a foundation of finance and business principles has helped him understand the context behind the tasks he has been working on. His classroom learning has clearly supported his ability to adapt quickly and contribute effectively within a professional environment.

8. Would you encourage other employers to consider offering industry placements to students?

Industry placements are a fantastic way to help develop future talent while also bringing fresh ideas and energy into a business. Students gain invaluable real-world experience, and employers benefit from motivated individuals who are eager to learn and contribute. Placements also help bridge the gap between education and employment, creating benefits for both the student and the organisation.

9. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Due to changes in Yugo's ways of working, Tom has successfully adapted from a hybrid working model to being 100% home-based, reflecting the new normal for many teams. Despite this significant shift in his working environment, he has maintained a consistently high level of output and performance, demonstrating strong adaptability and resilience to change.

In addition, Tom collaborates effectively with colleagues based in London, Oxford, India, and across Europe, maintaining strong working relationships and delivering results within a geographically diverse and remote team.

The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College (AMTEC) is on target to open its doors as planned in Filton, Bristol, marking an exciting new chapter for technical education and the Weston College Group.

Following months of hard work, construction of the new specialist campus has been completed on schedule. With teaching staff now on site and final preparations underway, AMTEC is ready to welcome its first learners.

A significant milestone in the project was reached this week as Senior Capital Works Project Manager Mark Eustace officially handed over the keys to the new facility to Vice Principal of AMTEC, Andy Smith, marking the transition from construction and fit-out to teaching and learning preparations ahead of opening.

Located in the heart of Filton, one of the UK's leading aerospace and advanced manufacturing hubs, AMTEC has been created to deliver high-quality technical training for the next generation of skilled engineers and manufacturing professionals.

The new Technical Excellence College will provide specialist training across aerospace and advanced manufacturing, working closely with major employers and SMEs across the region, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN and Babcock.

Teaching begins on Monday 28th September, when AMTEC's first cohort of learners will start their studies, with around 200 apprentices expected on the first day and approximately 700 apprentices due to attend the new campus throughout its first week of operation.

The development represents a significant investment in the future of technical education and the region's engineering and manufacturing sectors, creating a dedicated environment where apprentices can develop the practical skills, technical expertise and industry experience needed by employers. As a Technical Excellence College, AMTEC will play a key role in supporting economic growth, addressing skills shortages and helping to build the highly skilled workforce required for the future of UK manufacturing and engineering.

Andy Smith, Vice Principal of AMTEC, said:

"AMTEC is on target to open as planned, and it is incredibly exciting to see the vision for this new college becoming a reality.

"The completion of the building work, the arrival of our teaching team and the preparations for our first learners are all major milestones. We have created a genuinely outstanding facility in the heart of one of the UK's most important aerospace and advanced manufacturing communities.

"Receiving the keys to the building marks the beginning of the next chapter as we focus on delivering an exceptional learning experience for our apprentices. Our ambition is for AMTEC to become a centre of excellence for technical education, working hand in hand with employers to give our learners the skills and experience they need to build successful careers and support the future of these vital industries." 

Mark Eustace, Senior Capital Works Project Manager for AMTEC, said: 

"Handing over the keys to Andy and the Curriculum team is a proud moment and marks the culmination of a tremendous effort from everyone involved in delivering this project. 

"From initial planning through to completion, the focus has been on creating a technical training facility that meets the needs of both learners and industry. It has been fantastic to see the building take shape, and I am delighted to officially pass the campus over to the team who will bring it to life through teaching, learning and employer engagement." 

With its doors nearly ready to open, AMTEC is preparing for an exciting new chapter, helping to develop the skilled workforce that will drive the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

Weston College has welcomed new and returning students for the 2026/27 academic year, with each Career Excellence Hub hosting a range of induction activities designed to help learners settle into college life, meet their peers and staff, and get to know their new learning environment.

The year began with Welcome Talks led by the College Executive Team. These sessions introduced students to the College’s leadership team and outlined key expectations for the year ahead, alongside important policies and procedures to help learners make a confident start to their studies.

Across the campuses, faculties also organised a variety of activities combining fun, creativity and practical learning.

Animal Management students toured the Puxton Park campus, met the animals, and took part in hands-on team-building activities.

Business and Travel learners took part in human bingo and a range of icebreakers, while Art & Design students created a collaborative ‘Class of 2027’, using collages and personalised playing cards to showcase their creativity.

For some learners, induction provided an early opportunity to get hands-on with their future careers. Hospitality & Catering and Hairdressing & Beauty learners began developing essential kitchen and salon skills, while Media students completed practical diagnostic activities, becoming familiar with the equipment and techniques they will use throughout their studies.

A Levels students explored their campus through a scavenger hunt before taking part in introductory subject sessions. Health & Social Care learners worked with interactive simulation dummies during practical assessments and observations, while Sport students got active with team-building and multi-sport challenges.

Meanwhile, Performing Arts students were introduced to the course through choreography sessions and fun group challenges, including a creative competition to create a wedding dress using toilet paper.

Learners across Automotive, Digital, Construction, Early Years, Engineering, Games & Animation, Graphic Design, Music, Photography and Protective Services also took part in icebreakers, problem-solving challenges and team activities, helping them build relationships while tackling challenges linked to their chosen subjects.

These Welcome Days play an important role in helping learners make a positive transition into college. Alongside introducing students to their courses and learning environments, they provide an opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and start creating a sense of belonging from day one.

At Weston College, we know that starting a new chapter can feel daunting, so we are committed to creating a welcoming and engaging experience for every learner.

It has been fantastic to see our new and returning students make such a positive start to the year, and we can’t wait to see everything they go on to achieve throughout 2026/27!

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.