This week, our Travel and Tourism students took part in a series of live interviews with Swissport, a global leader in aviation services supporting airports and airlines around the world, and one of our Careers Excellence Hub employers that work closely with our students. The sessions took place on campus and provided students with a valuable opportunity to engage in real recruitment processes, giving them first-hand experience of the expectations and standards required to succeed in the industry.

Swissport delivers a wide range of ground handling and air cargo services, operating at airports across the globe. With a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and customer service, the company plays a key role in ensuring smooth airport operations and positive passenger experiences.

In total, seven interviews were conducted, with students responding to a variety of typical interview questions. They discussed their career aspirations, achievements, relevant experience, and the personal qualities they could bring to roles within the travel and aviation sector. This experience not only allowed students to demonstrate their skills but also gave them a realistic insight into professional interview environments.

We are delighted to share that four students were successfully offered positions with Swissport as Customer Service Agents, an exciting opportunity that will further their careers within the tourism industry.

Through this experience, students not only gained full-time employment following their course, but they also gained a clearer understanding of employer expectations while further developing their communication skills and confidence in interview settings. The sessions also created valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to build connections with industry professionals and open doors for future career progression.

Hannah Forrest, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Travel and Tourism lecturer at Weston College, said, “This opportunity was an incredible experience for our students, allowing them to take part in real interviews and showcase their skills in a professional setting. While our Travel and Tourism courses equip students with the knowledge needed to succeed, it is employer engagement like this that provide our students with incredible opportunities and experiences to truly prepare them for the workplace and help them take the next step in their careers.”

A huge thank you to Swissport for giving our students this opportunity to progress their career further in such a high-profile organisation.

This employment opportunity forms part of the Travel and Tourism 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. 

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.

This week, our Automotive students took part in a series of mock interviews with Plantforce, a leading heavy machinery hire company supporting a wide range of construction operations. The sessions provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience real interview scenarios, helping them understand the types of questions employers ask and how best to present themselves.

Plantforce Rentals is a UK-based provider of plant hire machinery and operated plant services, offering a diverse fleet of modern equipment for construction, rail, and infrastructure projects. Founded in 1999, the company specialises in both self-drive and operated machinery, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and delivering high-quality service.

During the 20-minute interviews, students responded to a variety of typical interview questions. They discussed their career goals, achievements, previous industry experience, and the personal qualities they could bring to a team. These sessions not only helped students build confidence but also gave them a realistic insight into professional interview environments.

Following the interviews, each student received detailed, constructive feedback from the Plantforce team. This guidance highlighted strengths as well as areas for improvement, ensuring students are better prepared for future opportunities. Such feedback plays a crucial role in student development, supporting their transition from education into the workplace.

Through this experience, students gained a clearer understanding of employer expectations while developing their communication skills and building confidence in interview settings. The sessions also created valuable networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with industry professionals and potentially position themselves for future roles within Plantforce. In addition, students were able to ask meaningful, industry-specific questions, helping to deepen their knowledge and reduce anxiety around real interview situations.

Felix Coles, Deputy Head of Automotive at Weston College, said, “This opportunity was a fantastic way for students to develop their communication skills and refine their responses to stand out in an interview setting. While our Motor Vehicle courses are highly practical and equip students with the technical knowledge needed to succeed, it is employer engagement like this that is essential in preparing them for professional environments and meaningful interactions with employers.”

Fay Hill, HR and Payroll Manager at Plantforce, shared her feedback, saying, "We certainly enjoyed the sessions and are pleased to hear that the students found it useful. Their approach to the mock questions, receptiveness to interview feedback, and the way in which they presented themselves throughout was fantastic. All the learners we met will do well in whatever role they might choose next."

A huge thank you to Plantforce for taking the time to meet our students and provide invaluable feedback.

This employer engagement forms part of the Automotive 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. 

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.

Weston College Group was proud to welcome senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to its new Aerospace Skills Academy at Airbus, Filton, for a special visit highlighting the future of technical skills development in the region.

Visitors included Chris Barton CMG, Director for Local and International Growth at the Department for Business and Trade; Matt Cross, Deputy Director for Regions and Markets; Stefano Pucello, Regional Manager for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire; and Antony Marritt, Head of Enterprise, Inward Investment and Innovation at WECA.

The delegation toured the state-of-the-art facility, accompanied by Holly Stokes, Head of Early Careers at Airbus Filton, who joined Weston College Group leaders in showcasing how the Academy is helping to build a pipeline of highly skilled talent for the aerospace sector.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss how further education providers, employers and regional stakeholders can continue to work together to strengthen skills infrastructure, support inward investment and create progression routes into high-value careers across the South West.

During the visit, Weston College Group also shared the recent announcement that it has been named as one of only four colleges nationally to be recognised as a Technical Excellence College for Advanced Manufacturing.

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

"It was a pleasure to welcome colleagues from the Department for Business and Trade and WECA to our Aerospace Skills Academy and to demonstrate the impact that strong partnerships with employers such as Airbus and others can have on developing the workforce of the future.

Being recognised as one of only four Technical Excellence Colleges for Advanced Manufacturing is a significant milestone for Weston College Group and reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional technical education that supports learners, employers and the wider economy."

Weston College Group continues to invest in specialist facilities and employer partnerships to ensure learners gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing, engineering and aerospace careers.