On Thursday 3rd November, we welcomed tropical biologist and conservationist, Dr Ian Redmond to our Animal Management Education Centre, at Puxton Park.

The students were treated to a fascinating talk from Dr Ian Redmond, around his work with great apes and elephants. He has been associated with mountain gorillas for over 35 years, through research, filming, tourism and conservation work.

Summarising his work to date, Dr Ian Redmond said: “I am a naturalist by birth, a biologist by training, and a conservationist by necessity. But conservation for me isn’t just about saving species. On a larger scale, the planet needs us to save functioning eco-systems; on a smaller scale, we must also recognise that species are made up of individual animals. For me, it became personal when I had the privilege of getting to know individual animals in the wild… I can truthfully say that some of my best friends are gorillas, and I care passionately about them and the future of all life on Earth.”

Animal Management Lecturer, Laura Link, added: “It was great to welcome Dr Ian Redmond to Puxton Park yesterday, who really captivated our learners with his incredible story.

“We learnt about his journey, his career and his research, including the story about how he introduced David Attenborough to the Mountain Gorillas – which inspired our learners to aim high.

“One learner mentioned how it was one of the best talks they have ever heard – opening their eyes to a potential new career within the industry.”

Find out more about our Animal Management courses, by clicking here.

On Wednesday 2nd November, we welcomed the Recruitment Team from Hinkley Point C to discuss career opportunities.

With a packed schedule, learners from South West Skills Campus and Knightstone Campus were fortunate to find out about career prospects as well industry placements available for Weston College students.

Learners from across our Construction Career Excellence Hub, and our Business T Level students took part in special bespoke sessions, which looked into Hinkley Point C as a whole as well as the wide range of job roles which go into making the project work – from project managers to engineers.

Kirsty Woods, Business Partnership Manager (Construction) at Weston College, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Recruitment Team from Hinkley Point C, who inspired learners from across our Construction Career Excellence Hub, with their engaging talk.

“At Weston College we have thousands of really talented students who constantly impress employers across the region with their knowledge, skills and application.

“We have links with employers across the region, to provide our learners with industry placements, which is a vital element of their development.”

Find out more about our Construction courses, by clicking here.

We celebrated Careers Week in November, with our Protective Services learners engaging in numerous career related activities with employers.

Employer engagement is extremely important to our students, as it helps them to confirm their first choice of career, as well as enthusing and motivating them on their course of study.

The week commenced with our Year 2 students traveling down to Okehampton Camp on Dartmoor to spend 4 days residential with the Army. Activities included an assault course, stalk and overnight bivvy camp. Throughout the experience, learners developed their ID skills including rapport building, resilience, and teamwork.

The trip received glowing feedback, with Harry saying: “This is the best thing that I have ever done!”

On the Tuesday a group of students travelled to RAF Brize Norton to spend an exhilarating day with the RAF. Activities included boarding an A400M aircraft, a tour of the base gym and lunch in the Sergeant’s Mess.

The day was ran by Squadron leader Jacqueline Millard Smith who runs a bespoke mentoring service for the Weston College Protective Service Provision.

This trip was really beneficial for learners, with Zoe saying: “After visiting and speaking to people on the base it has really interested me and has made me consider my future career options. It was an amazing experience!”

On Thursday learners travelled to HMS Raleigh in Plymouth. It was a fantastic occasion, which allowed students to visit a range of Navy Careers including Fire Fighting, Submariner Service and the Physical Training Branch. The mixture of Level 2 and Level 3 learners were fully engaged throughout the day and were excellent ambassadors for the College.